Grand Rapids Welder Guide

 

Grand Rapids Welder Requirements & Opportunities

Blue text reads "Guide to Becoming a Welder" Image of welder

Are you interested in welding? That’s not surprising, as welding is a unique and lucrative career path. It is also a career path with longevity; as long metal work is needed, welders are in demand. Welders work in many different fields and industries. Some welders even become teachers and educators, imparting welding knowledge on others at technical and trade schools. Welders work all across the country-everywhere from New York City to Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Ontario, California. 

 

What Is A Welder?

To start, what is a welder? What separates the position from other metalworkers? Welding is defined as the use of high heat to join pieces of metal together. Welding is different from other metalwork practices like brazing and soldering, as welding melts the metal being used. Welders can be used to create products, structures, or repair holes in existing fixtures. Welders are employed in a variety of industries, including but not limited to;

 

  • Automative
  • Construction
  • Engineering
  • Rig welders
  • Boilermakers
  • Sheet Metal
  • Oil Rig
  • Pipe/Plumber Welder

 

Welder Jobs-Facts and Figures

What do welders earn? How long do most stay in the field? What opportunities for advancement are there? These are all important questions to consider when deciding on a career. Luckily, information about welding is easily available. According to the US Bureau of Labor, the median pay for a welder was $44,190 per year or $21.25 per hour. Pay typically varies based on location and years of expertise. Welders can also earn more by becoming welder teachers, underwater welders, or jewelry welders. 

 

If you want to find a more precise salary range, you can use PayScale.You enter your area and years of experience. For example, a welder with two years of experience in Grand rapids can expect to earn between $28,000 to $46,000. 

 

The total number of Welder positions in the US was 438,900 in 2020. The field is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 3%. This rise is attributed to the “nation’s aging infrastructure (that )will require the expertise of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers to help rebuild bridges, highways, and buildings.” This need is a strong guarantee of both career opportunities and consistent job openings. Even if one welding job is ended, another will be available to take its place. 

 

What are the Minimum Qualifications?  

A college degree is not required to be a welder. This is a great opportunity for those that are not drawn to college, whether due to financial or time constraints. However, there are still multiple standards that need to be met to be a welder. A high school diploma, or equivalent GED, is a minimum requirement to be a welder. The majority of companies also require welders to be at least eighteen years old. While some welder positions require no experience or certification, most request some form of certification. Luckily, there are many different avenues to becoming certified as a welder. Certified welders can also expect to make more than uncertified welders, and have access to more job opportunities.

 

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Welding certification can come from a variety of institutes. Some high schools offer technical classes with welder training. Other high schools partner with local trade schools and community colleges to allow students to take classes during the school day. Welder training also occurs after high school. There is no age limit for learning! 

 

Adult education centers, technical schools, and colleges, and universities can all offer welder training courses. These courses vary in length, intensity, and price. 

Degrees conferred include a Welding Certificate, an Associate of Science in Welding, or even a Bachelor of Science in Welding Engineering.

 

Indeed recommends an apprenticeship as a way to enter the welding world. “Once you’ve gained accreditation as a welder, you can begin hands-on training through an apprenticeship for the specific type of welding you hope to pursue. With an apprenticeship, you can shadow and complete supervised work to learn more about the regular schedule and responsibilities of a welder. Once you’ve completed your apprenticeship, you can either stay with the company you served the apprenticeship for if they allow it, or you can take this experience and apply it to a new, full-time welding position. ”

 

Grand Rapids Training 

 

Kent ISD 

2930 Knapp St NE, 

Grand Rapids, MI 49525

 

Grand Rapids Community College

143 Bostwick Ave NE

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

 

Muskegon Community College

221 S Quarterline Rd

Muskegon, MI 49442

 

Michigan Career and Technical Institute

11611 West Pine Lake Road

Plainwell, MI 49080

 

Montcalm Community College

2800 College Dr

Sidney, MI 48885

 

Kalamazoo Valley Community College

6767 West O Ave

Kalamazoo, MI 49003

 

Lansing Community College

419 N Capitol Ave

Lansing, MI 48901

 

Ferris State University

1201 S State St

Big Rapids, MI 49307

 

Kellogg Community College

450 North Ave

Battle Creek, MI 49017

 

Lake Michigan College

2755 East Napier Avenue

Benton Harbor, MI 49022

 

Jobs

If you’ve decided welding is the career for you, it’s time to start taking the steps to get hired. Luckily, Arrow Staffing currently offers a variety of welder positions. These positions range in experience requirements and locations. You can easily apply online and schedule an interview with a recruiter. 

 

Welder Operator-Grand Rapids, MI

Weld Operator-Middleville, MI

Production Welder-Grand Rapids, MI

Welder-Riverside, CA

 

For more information, call (616)-600-0625. 

 

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