Does becoming a welder interest you? Welding tradespeople are in demand [1]. Delta Technical College (Delta Tech) offers two programs in welding: Welding and Welding & Pipefitting. If you’re interested in becoming a welder, the following frequently asked questions may help you understand more about this field
What are the responsibilities of a welder vs pipefitter?
The responsibilities of welders are varied. Welders are typically employed as cutters, solderers, or brazers depending on their training, duties, and the job site.
A pipefitter, sometimes known as a steamfitter, maintains [2] piping systems that must withstand high pressure, this includes systems that work with steam, ventilation, hydraulics, and fuel. Welding is an important component of pipefitting. Both welding and pipefitting require employees to be committed, skilled, on time, and prepared with the proper education and certifications.
The Welding & Pipefitting program at Delta Tech offers advanced pipefitting as a part of the required training.
Can welders have tattoos?
It is not uncommon for welders to have tattoos, but an employer will decide whether they are permitted on a job site.
Do welders travel?
Many welders enjoy traveling to various job sites all over the world to pursue job opportunities in welding. There are many jobs that allow welders to travel, including ship building, repair, and maintenance, military support, pipeline installation, and underwater welding.
How many hours do welders typically work?
A regular schedule could be 40 hours a week. However, like most tradespeople, a welder’s hours can vary depending on the job, the timeline, and the need for overtime.
Jobs with a short turnaround time can often require more hours, and overtime in welding can increase the amount of hours a welder spends on the job.
Who typically hires welders?
As valued tradespeople, welders are needed in many different industries. This can include: construction sites, metal fabrication shops, factories, and infrastructure projects like skyscrapers and bridge-building. A welder may choose to start their own shop or travel.
How can you become a traveling welder?
Depending on the employer, traveling welders may need to specialize, have additional training, or have experience working as a welder. The initial training requirements for becoming a traveling welder are no different than those for a standard welder. A traveling welder may choose a specialty, such as a welder that works in industrial or military environments [3] or as a pipeline welder [4].
Why do welders wear masks?
A mask or welding helmet is a necessary piece of safety equipment that can prevent eye injuries, including exposure to UV radiation, particles that come loose during welding, and welding sunburns. A proper welding helmet with a face plate and eye filter may help protect from these injuries.
How to treat and avoid sunburn from welding?
In order to avoid sunburn, a welder’s skin must be protected. Welders should wear a welding jacket, welding apron, and welding gloves that cover their hands and forearms. A t-shirt or exposed arms will not protect against sunburn.
A welding sunburn should be treated [5] quickly if possible. Treatments may include:
- Reducing inflammation with ice packs or cold compresses
- Applying after-sun cream or aloe
- Staying hydrated
Severe burns should be seen by a doctor for proper medical treatment. The best way to avoid a facial sunburn from welding is by wearing protective eye gear and the correct helmet with faceplate. It is best to follow all safety measures on a welding job in order to avoid injury, including protective gear and safety equipment.
Begin Your Path to Becoming a Welder
To learn more about MTI’s Welding and Welding & Pipefitting Programs, please fill out the form below. If you have questions about the Welding Programs at Midwest Technical Institute (MTI), please contact the Admissions Team.
Sources
[1] https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/a26454617/skilled-trades-jobs/
[2] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm#tab-2
[3] https://www.ziprecruiter.com/e/What-Does-a-Traveling-Welder-Do
[4] https://work.chron.com/work-conditions-pipeline-welder-27038.html
