How to become a professional welder: Guide and Key steps

Introduction

How to become a welder? It’s a common question for those interested in a highly demanded and specialized technical career; welding is critical in the construction of global infrastructure, from skyscrapers and bridges to power systems. To become a professional welder, you need to acquire specific skills and receive proper training. 

If you are considering this career, this article will provide you with detailed information on training requirements, recognized certifications such as AWS Certified Welder, career paths and specializations that offer opportunities for growth within the industry.

What do welders do?

A professional welder is a technician who specializes in joining metallic and, in some cases, non-metallic materials by the controlled application of heat, pressure or both. Their primary function is to create durable joints between parts, using welding techniques specific to the material and application. 

In addition, he/she is responsible for preparing the surfaces to be welded, making sure to check for the presence of contaminants that affect the quality of the joint; cleaning the metals, adjusting the temperature of the machines and defining the welding parameters. The welder must also perform visual inspection to ensure the external integrity of the welds and perform non-destructive testing (NDT) such as liquid penetrant inspection.

Why choose welding as a profession?

Welding is one of the most versatile and stable technical professions today. As a specialized practice, it is critical to maintaining the competitiveness of various modern industries, offering ample job opportunities globally. As development needs grow, the demand for skilled welders continues to increase.

Professionally certified welders excel in the workplace and earn higher pay, it is a career with a high return on investment, providing the possibility to work on international projects and advance into supervisory or inspection roles.

Basic requirements to become a professional welder

Before starting a career in welding, it is important to have certain technical and soft skills and abilities:

• Physical aptitudes: good hand-eye coordination, normal or corrected vision, physical stamina, and the ability to work in high temperature environments and confined spaces. Welding can be physically demanding, requiring the lifting and handling of heavy equipment and holding awkward positions for prolonged periods of time.
• Technical skills: Interest in mechanical processes, knowledge of basic mathematics such as fractions and geometry, ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical diagrams.
• Professional attitude: Commitment to safety, quality of work and a focus on continuous improvement.

Most employers require at least a high school diploma or equivalent certificate (GED), plus practical experience gained through apprenticeship programs or specialized technical training.

Steps to becoming a professional welder

Becoming a professional welder involves acquiring a combination of technical skills and practical experience. Steps include:

1. Technical training: Receive instruction in common processes such as SMAW, MIG, TIG and FCAW. These programs cover theory and practice, including the interpretation of drawings and symbology, and fundamentals of metallurgy.
2. Constant practice: Welding is perfected with practice. It is essential to practice in different positions (flat, vertical, horizontal, overhead) and with different materials such as steel, aluminum and alloys.
3. Knowledge of standards and codes: Familiarize yourself with the regulations and specifications applicable to welding processes, as this is the basis for a safe and qualified practice.
4. Welding certification: Obtaining specific certifications validates the practical skills of welders, facilitating their access to roles of greater responsibility; these certifications are required in specialized industrial sectors such as energy, naval, aerospace and nuclear.
5. Gaining experience: Starting a career as an apprentice allows for the application of theoretical knowledge on real projects. Over time, welders acquire more specialized roles in various industries.
6. Continuous updating: Welding evolves with new materials and processes, and it is important to participate in courses and seminars to keep skills up to date.

Key certifications to become a professional welder

Certifications are significant in the development and professional advancement of a welder, since they validate their competencies and skills, allowing them to access higher functions. Among the most recognized are the AWS Certified Welder (CW), which validates general welding skills, and the ASME Certified Welder, required to work with pressure equipment and in the nuclear industry. In addition, the API 1104 Certification is required for the construction and repair of oil and gas pipelines.

In addition to these certifications, welders can specialize in more specific areas; where some of these certifications include the I-Car Welding Certification in the automotive industry, the NASA-STD-4003 Welding Certification in aerospace, the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Welder Qualification in the marine sector and the AWS Certified Underwater Welder in underwater welding.

How to become an AWS Certified Welder (CW)

American Welding Society (AWS) certifications are recognized globally, raising professional credibility in the industry. Earning the AWS Certified Welder (CW) validates skills and provides access to better job opportunities. The process requires preparation and demonstration of practical and theoretical competence.

1. Specialized technical training: Reinforce basic welding principles and apply practical knowledge in key processes such as SMAW, MIG, TIG and FCAW. This stage is essential to build a solid foundation and understanding of the various welding techniques.
2. Thorough preparation for the practical and theoretical exam: The certification exam tests both theoretical knowledge of welding fundamentals, symbology and materials, and the practical ability to make quality joints under specific conditions.
3. Register with an AWS authorized testing center: Exams must be conducted at AWS accredited facilities, ensuring a standardized, industry-recognized testing process. Locating a center near you and understanding their scheduling requirements is an important step.
4. Passing tests based on a WPS (Welding Procedure Specification): The practical exam involves evaluating the ability to follow pre-defined welding procedure specifications, demonstrating ability to create joints that meet the quality standards required for industrial applications.
5. Obtaining the certification: Successfully passing both the theoretical and practical exams allows obtaining the AWS Certified Welder (CW) credential, which validates the welder’s professional competence in the industry. It is important to note that this certification requires periodic maintenance, in order to ensure the continuity and validity of the technical skills over time.

How long does it take to become a welder?  

The time required to become a professional welder varies depending on the type of training chosen. Intensive short courses, which provide a basic introduction to welding, can last between 6 and 12 months; these programs are ideal for those who wish to enter the job market quickly, focusing on the most essential aspects of welding, such as common processes and basic techniques. 

For more comprehensive training, vocational or community programs typically last between 12 and 24 months, which include a combination of theory and practice, covering multiple welding techniques and providing a more comprehensive training, often resulting in a basic or intermediate certification.

Structured apprenticeships are longer programs that combine paid work with technical training that typically span 3 to 5 years and are an excellent option for those who want more in-depth training and supervised hands-on experience. Upon completion of a structured apprenticeship, welders often earn advanced certification, allowing them to take on more specialized roles.

Specializations in fields such as underwater welding in pursuit of obtaining AWS CWI (Certified Welding Inspector) certification require an additional 2 to 4 years, for more specialized training and additional practical experience.

Jobs and salaries for welders 

Proper certifications increase job opportunities in specialized industries. Some of the top jobs for certified welders include:

1. Transportation and process pipeline welder: In demand in industries such as oil, gas and petrochemical for the construction and repair of pipelines and refinery systems.
2. Structural fabricator: Needed in the construction of buildings, bridges, water supply systems and other infrastructure.
3. Aerospace welder: Specializing in welding components for aircraft and spacecraft, meeting stringent quality and safety standards.
4. Pressure vessel welder: Works in the manufacture and repair of equipment that must withstand high pressure, such as spheres, LPG tanks, boilers, reactors and exchangers.
5. Underwater welder: Specialization in the offshore industry, performing welding work underwater, with high economic rewards due to the extreme conditions.
6. Welding inspector (AWS CWI): Oversee quality and regulatory compliance on industrial projects, ensuring that welds are safe and conform to industry codes.

A certification in pipe welding guarantees a good salary in the oil and gas industry, aerospace welder, subsea welder, or welding inspector (AWS CWI). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for welders in the U.S. is $51,000 per year, with a projected growth of 9% between 2024 and 2028.

The following ISGF video, “Everything You Need to Know About the Welding Profession,” provides an overview of a career in welding, highlighting the technical skills needed, job opportunities and key certifications for advancement. It shows the various specializations within the field and how they influence career development and salary prospects.

How to access welding scholarships

There are welding scholarship programs available to support the training of future welders, especially in specialized programs that provide access to quality training; among the most prominent options are the AWS Foundation welding scholarships offered by the American Welding Society, which are available to students and veterans, with support to obtain certifications such as AWS Certified Welder or specialize in high-demand areas. 

Additionally, some companies offer free training programs in exchange for a subsequent job commitment, allowing participants to gain hands-on experience while in training, which allows applicants to access specialized education, facilitating their insertion into specialized, high-demand industry sectors.

Leading welding schools and their programs 

In the United States, Lincoln Electric Welding School offers comprehensive programs and recognized certifications. In Mexico, the Instituto Técnico de Soldadura y Metalurgia (ITSM) offers specialized courses and diplomas. In Argentina, the Latin American Welding Foundation (FLAS), supported by ESAB, focuses on specialized technical training.

In Italy, ITAFORMA is one of the largest schools in Europe, offering intensive training and workshops equipped with advanced technology. In Spain, Formavigo, located in Galicia, offers practical courses in various welding techniques adapted to the labor market. Each of these welding schools prepares students for globally recognized certifications, opening doors in various industries and global markets.

Conclusion

Professionalization in welding requires solid technical training backed by recognized certifications, as well as continuous updating of skills to meet the demands of strategic sectors. Understanding how to become a welder involves acquiring practical skills, and being aware of training pathways, regulatory requirements and labor market opportunities.

Thanks to specialized training programs and support mechanisms such as scholarships, access to this career is becoming increasingly viable, positioning the qualified welder as an essential resource in a highly competitive industrial environment with growing demands on a global scale.

Specialize in welding and access the best job opportunities in the industry.

References

1. https://primeweld.com/blogs/news/10-best-jobs-for-welders-and-how-to-get-them
2. https://skillpointe.com/careers/construction/welder
3. https://www.aws.org/certification-and-education/professional-certification/