Shipbuilding Welder

There are several entry points to becoming a Welder. Many people start their careers as welders by completing CTE coursework, studying at a community college, or completing an apprenticeship. 

A certification or apprenticeship is a useful entry point into welding because most advanced or specialized roles will require occupational training. As a first step, this job will often take the form of an apprentice or entry-level welder. As welders gain more experience on the job or acquire additional training, they can advance to more specialized or technical roles. Long-term, welders can become supervisors, inspectors, or instructors. If welders move on to obtain an advanced degree, such as a Bachelor’s, they will have strong foundational skills to explore additional advanced manufacturing career paths, such as welding engineering

Sample Job Description: 

• Use hand-welding, flame-cutting, handsoldering, or brazing equipment to weld or join metal components or to fill holes, indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products.

Work Activities:

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
• Handling and Moving Objects
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
• Performing General Physical Activities

Skills:

• Quality Control Analysis
• Monitoring
• Critical Thinking
• Decision Making
• Operations Monitoring
• Time Management

Knowledge:

• Production and Processing
• Mechanical
• Mathematics
• Design
• Engineering and Technology
• Training Methods

Work Environment:

• Wear Common PPE
• Using Your Hands
• Fast paced
• Face-to-Face Discussions
• Attention to detail
• Contaminant Exposure
• Noise Exposure
• 40-Hour Typical Work Week

For more info, visit the welding brochure published by the Manufacturers Association of Maine.