Career of the Week
Career: Welder
Schooling required:
1-2 year year training program often offered at various technical colleges or through an apprenticeship
Certification needed by American Welding Association (AWS)
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Description-
Welder-Fabricators weld many metals in various structural shapes, fabricate precision parts and assemblies, cut and trim metal objects using heat, and assemble parts and components
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High School courses to take: Fundamentals of Welding, Metal Fabrication 1 & 2, Production and Design, Principles of Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Technical Math
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Duties:
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Reading blueprints & drawings
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Taking measurements to plan layouts and procedures
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Determine appropriate welding equipment or method needed based on requirements
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Cut materials needed
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Align components using calipers, rulers, clamps, etc.
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Weld components in various positions
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Repair machinery and other components by welding pieces and filling gaps
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Maintain equipment in a condition that does not compromise safety
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Know and follow all safety regulations
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Useful skills: Attention to detail, strong ability to read and interpret, great written and oral communication, time management, ability to work independently
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Work Environment: Physical and strenuous, often work overtime (50 + hours), work in various different places such as factories, pipelines, bridges, power plants, indoors and outdoors
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Salary: Often starts around $42,000
Schools in WI: Fox Valley Technical College, Madison Area Technical College, Northeast WI Technical College, Moraine Park, Gateway Technical College, Milwaukee Area Technical College
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Apprenticeship Programs in WI: ABC of Wisconsin, Iron Workers, Paul’s Welding, and various technical colleges
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