Welding is a skill used by many trades: sheet metal workers, ironworkers, diesel mechanics, boilermakers, carpenters, marine construction, steamfitters, glaziers, repair and maintenance personnel in applications ranging from the sculpture, home-hobbyist to heavy fabrication of bridges, ships, and many other projects. A variety of welding processes are used to join units of metal. As a welder, you may work for shipyards, manufacturers, contractors, federal, state, county, and city governments, firms requiring maintenance mechanics, and repair shops. Many are engaged in work critical to the nation's well-being, such as energy production, highway transportation, manufacturing, and military applications. The arts community also utilizes welding in the creation of sculpture and other forms of expression
Careers in Welding Technology are for skilled individuals that develop the necessary technical knowledge and skills related to welding processes such as Shielded Metal Arc Welding (Stick), Oxy-Fuel Welding and Cutting, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG), Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG), and many other welding processes as defined by the American Welding Society.
Transportation, Construction (Structural), Shipbuilding, Marine Repair, Manufacturing, and Industrial Maintenance, to name a few. Note; Due to the high rate of "Baby Boomer" retirements, presently there is a national welding personnel shortage of approximately 250,000 positions throughout the Welding Technology Industry sector.
