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Common Questions About Welding Training

Welding can be an exciting path for many people. According to Felling.com, more than 50 percent of manmade products require welding—from cars, planes and boats to mobile phones and more. If you’re considering pursuing a future in this exciting industry, you may have more questions than answers. And you’re not alone! To help you consider your next step forward, we gathered five questions and answers about the welding trade.

What do welders do?

A welder is trained in cutting and joining metal parts. During the welding process, a welder heats two metal pieces and fuses them together permanently. There are four common welding types, including:

  • MIG – Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
  • TIG – Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
  • Stick – Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
  • Flux-cored – Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)

Each welding type requires slightly different tools and techniques. For example, some welders use hand-held equipment to join two metals parts.

What skills do I need to become a welder?

Individuals who are interested in welding often ask what they need to do to succeed in this exciting field. Welding may be a good fit for you if you identify with the following traits:

  • Attention to detail
  • Safety-minded
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Communication skills
  • Sharp eyesight
  • Steady hand

Though many welders may work on a team in a shop, most spend time working on their own. As a result, welders tend to be self-motivated, hard-working people who feel satisfaction with a job well done.

Where do welders work?

Welders, cutters, solderers and brazers work across a variety of industries, including manufacturing, specialty contracting, repair and maintenance, and wholesale. Some welders work in the field of automotive welding completing structural repairs on vehicles. Welders may work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions—and some welders even work on complex projects underwater or high off the ground.

Regardless of their work location or type of welding career, welders must follow important safety measures. Working with extremely hot materials and bright lights can lead to illness or injury if welders don’t follow safety rules. Proper gear, such as gloves, masks, goggles and specialty clothing, help protect against welding burns.

Still curious? Learn more about a day in the life of a welding student.

Is welding hard?

Hands-on training and practice help countless students practice welding every year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are more than 100 welding processes available to welders today. That may sound like a lot at first. However, a trade school welding program can help students who want to enter the welding field build a foundation of hands-on skills and knowledge and prepare them for an entry-level position.

Welding is a good option for individuals who enjoy hands-on work. Here are three signs you should consider welding training.

Where can I find welding schools near me in Long Island City, Queens?

Now that you know more about welding, it’s time to get involved in this exciting field. Welding classes are available now at Apex Technical School in Long Island City, Queens, New York. How long is welding school? Our combination welding technology program gives students the opportunity to be taught hands-on welding skills in as little as seven months.

Use our online scheduling tool to set up a time to visit our campus, talk with instructors and view our welding shop.

Sources

*Apex Technical School and its instructors are licensed by the State of New York, New York State Education Department.

Disclaimer: Apex Technical School provides training for entry-level jobs. Not everything you may read about the industry is covered in our training programs.