Tech Directions - February 2009 - (Page 22) career directions WELDING TECHNICIAN Welding technicians work with various welding and materials joining equipment in the manufacturing environment. Working under the supervision of an engineer, engineering staff, or manufacturing engineer, they assemble, install, maintain, and test various welding equipment such as automation and robotics as well as processes. Depending on their specialization, welding technicians may be required to perform tasks as simple as proving out a jig or fixture, or as complex as fully dismantling, repairing, and reassembling a work cell, worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Technicians may also be called upon to analyze materials and processes, create reports, and assist in metallurgical research and documentation. About 95% of all manufactured goods in this country are welded or joined in some way. These welded products range in nature from bicycle handlebars and skyscrapers to bridges and race cars. Women may find this field very rewarding. The numbers of women entering the welding field has increased for several years. Personal Characteristics Mechanical ability Analytical mindset ● Ability to work well as part of a team ● Ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing ● Enjoy learning how machines and other equipment work ● Proficient at mathematics and science ● Willingness to keep up with changes in the industry ● Enjoy challenges and troubleshooting problems ● ● The Job $$$$ Wages Earnings vary according to type of employer, welding specialty, job duties, experience level, and location. Pay and benefits also vary widely between union and nonunion employment. Graduates of a two-year program can expect to start out at approximately $17 to $22 per hour. An estimated average annual salary for welding technicians with some experience is in the mid-$50,000s. Those who move into advanced positions, such as senior welding technician, welding engineer, or consultant can expect to earn considerably more. Most workers in this field receive a full benefits package, including vacation days, sick leave, medical and life insurance, and a retirement plan. Article submitted by Ken Smith, Manager of Training Projects & Principle Investigator—NSF, Lorain County Community College, Weld-Ed National Center for Welding Education & Training, Elyria, OH. The process of welding materials has been around for hundreds of years. With the technological advancements being made in the creation of manufactured goods, a new type of technician who understands welding and materials joining concepts is required. Today’s welding technician must understand a wide variety of manufacturing-related concepts and principles and be able to apply them to solve manufacturing-related situations or problems. Technicians may be responsible for various production-related activities or work in a supervisory role. Other possibilities include setting up and maintaining welding work cells, proving out welding processes or specifications, materials testing, programming welding automation or robots, troubleshooting welding-related processes, and the investigation of materials and specifications. Welding technicians work in factories, laboratories, and offices. Most are employed by private industry. A few work as independents or in government research centers. Those working in private industry are often on the manufacturing, maintenance, or research and development staffs of companies that utilize welding and materials joining in manufacturing. Welding technicians may also work as service representatives. These technicians often travel from plant to plant to service welding work cells and equipment. Additional employment opportunities include positions in sales, inspection, education, and even company ownership. 22 techdirections ◆ FEBRUARY 2009
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