Introduction to Welding Schools & Careers. This article will show the career opportunites available as a professional welder and explain what type of education will get you going on this career path.
The art of welding can be traced back to ancient times. The first recorded instance of solid phase welding occurred in 3000 BC. Depictions of brazing have been found in wall paintings inside a Thebes' tomb in 1475 BC. In 1846, James Nasmyth made the first improvements in forge welding in 3000 years with his development of convex forge welding. This was followed by the discovery of resistance welding in 1856 and electric welding in 1860.
Today, it is estimated that 50% of the gross national product relates to welding in some form. Nearly everything used in one's daily life has been welded, including automobiles, subways, airplanes, coffee pots, and other appliances. Welding processes are employed in the construction of buildings, railroads, bridges, and buildings. Since nearly every manufacturing industry relies on the work of welders at some point, a strong economy keeps employment demand high.
Welders held 452,000 jobs in 2002, two-thirds of which were in the manufacturing industry, most notably the manufacturing of transportation equipment, machinery, and architectural and structural metals. Welders also work in machinery repair, fabricated metals, and in mining and oil/gas extraction. The median hourly wage for welders in 2002 was $14.02, though the median hourly wage for welders in the largest employment group, motor vehicles, was higher at $16.02.
Opportunities will be best for those with formal training, and that's where WeldingSchools.com can be of assistance. Helpful articles on choosing a program, specialties, and career outlooks, as well as comprehensive listings of programs throughout the country, are available to help the budding welder take the first step into this exciting industry.
