Welding is a very lucrative skill that can take you places. If you love traveling and welding, becoming a traveling welder is the perfect career for you. Traveling welders are in high demand across the globe, especially in the construction and oil and gas industries. They work on various projects and travel frequently to different sites to perform their duties.
Requirements to Become a Traveling Welder
Before you can become a traveling welder, you must have the necessary qualifications and experience. The minimum requirement is a high school diploma or GED. However, most employers prefer welders with a technical diploma or college degree in welding. You should also have a certification from a recognized welding school or organization such as the American Welding Society (AWS).
You must have extensive knowledge of welding techniques, equipment, and materials. You should also be physically fit and able to work in extreme conditions such as heat, cold, and confined spaces. You must be able to read and interpret blueprints and diagrams, and have excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.
Skills Needed to Become a Traveling Welder
To become a successful traveling welder, you must have exceptional welding skills. You should be proficient in various welding techniques such as MIG, TIG, and stick welding. You must also have experience in welding different materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, and cast iron.
You should also have excellent communication skills as you will be working with a team of professionals from different backgrounds. You should be able to communicate effectively with your colleagues, supervisors, and clients.
Steps to Become a Traveling Welder
The following are the steps to become a traveling welder:
Step 1: Gain experience and certification
Before you can become a traveling welder, you must have extensive experience and certification. You can gain experience by working in a welding shop, construction site, or manufacturing plant. You can also get certified by attending a welding school or taking certification exams from organizations such as AWS.
Step 2: Build a strong resume and portfolio
You should build a strong resume and portfolio that showcases your welding skills and experience. Your resume should highlight your education, certification, and work experience. Your portfolio should showcase your welding projects, including pictures and descriptions.
Step 3: Apply for jobs
You can apply for traveling welding jobs through online job boards, welding associations, and recruiting agencies. You should also network with other welders and industry professionals to find job opportunities.
Step 4: Obtain necessary documentation
Before you can travel to different sites for welding jobs, you must obtain necessary documentation such as a passport, visa, and work permits. You should also have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Salary and Benefits of Traveling Welders
Traveling welders earn competitive salaries and benefits. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers was $44,190 as of May 2020. Traveling welders can earn significantly more depending on their experience, skills, location, and project.
Traveling welders also enjoy benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. They also have the opportunity to travel to different parts of the world and work on exciting projects.
FAQs
Question | Answer |
What is a traveling welder? | A traveling welder is a professional who travels to different sites to perform welding jobs. |
What are the requirements to become a traveling welder? | You must have a high school diploma or GED, certification from a recognized welding school or organization, extensive knowledge of welding techniques and materials, and excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity. |
How can I become a traveling welder? | You can become a traveling welder by gaining experience and certification, building a strong resume and portfolio, applying for jobs, and obtaining necessary documentation. |
What is the salary of a traveling welder? | According to the BLS, the median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers was $44,190 as of May 2020. Traveling welders can earn significantly more depending on their experience, skills, location, and project. |
What are the benefits of becoming a traveling welder? | Traveling welders enjoy benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. They also have the opportunity to travel to different parts of the world and work on exciting projects. |