How to Get Into Travel Welding
To get into travel welding, individuals should start by receiving education and training at a trade school, such as Universal Technical Institute (UTI), which offers a Welding Technology training program.
This program covers welding procedures, equipment, theory, and math used in industry fabrication, equipping graduates with the necessary knowledge to enter the welding industry.
UTI’s welding program can be completed in 36 weeks across its twelve campuses nationwide.
After completing a training program, individuals should obtain proper certifications to qualify as a traveling welder.
Qualifications can vary depending on the employer, but additional training or certifications in areas like underwater welding or operating heavy equipment might be required.
It is also important to note that travel welding salaries vary based on experience and area of expertise, with the median annual salary for welders being $41,380, while pipefitters make a median pay of $56,540, and underwater welders with significant diving experience can earn an average annual wage of $59,470.
Traveling welders have the opportunity to work in various industries, including pipeline/pipe joint repair, shipyard welding, railroad track repair, military support, underwater welding, farm machinery manufacturing, construction, infrastructure, and aerospace.
They can find career opportunities in areas like military support, overseas work, underwater welding, pipelines, shipbuilding repair and maintenance, and industrial shutdowns.
Being a traveling welder allows individuals to explore new places while gaining valuable experience and learning new welding applications and processes.
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Did You Know?
1. Did you know that welding was used as early as the Bronze Age? Archeologists have found evidence of welded metal artifacts dating back to 1000 BC, proving that this ancient technique has been practiced for thousands of years.
2. The world’s tallest welded structure is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, standing at a staggering height of 828 meters (2,722 feet). The construction of this iconic skyscraper required intricate welding techniques to ensure its strength and stability.
3. Travel welding can take you to unique and remote locations, including underwater. Underwater welding is a specialized branch of welding that allows skilled professionals to repair and fabricate structures such as offshore oil rigs or ship hulls while submerged.
4. One of the most challenging aspects of travel welding is dealing with extreme temperatures. Welders must be able to endure scorching heat in deserts or freezing cold in arctic regions to complete their work successfully.
5. Welding is not limited to metal; it can also be used to join and repair plastic materials. This process, known as plastic welding, is commonly used in the automotive and aerospace industries to mend components made of various plastic materials.
Job Opportunities In Traveling Welding
Traveling welding offers a diverse range of job opportunities across various industries. From pipeline/pipe joint repair to shipyard welding, railroad track repair to military support, underwater welding to farm machinery manufacturing, construction to infrastructure, and even aerospace, the options are endless. This field provides ample chances for welders to explore and excel in various sectors.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in the United States was $47,540 in May 2022. Although specific salary information for traveling welder jobs is not specified, this figure provides a good reference point for potential income. It is essential to note that wages may vary depending on factors such as experience, expertise, and location.
Moreover, welding is a growing field in the United States, with over 47,000 average annual job openings. This high demand for welders highlights the immense potential for those looking to pursue a traveling welding career.
- This field offers a diverse range of job opportunities.
- Welders can excel in various sectors, from pipeline repair to aerospace.
- The median annual salary for welders in the United States was $47,540 in May 2022.
- Wages may vary depending on factors such as experience and location.
- Welding has over 47,000 average annual job openings in the US.
Education And Training For Traveling Welders
To kickstart a successful career as a traveling welder, individuals need the right education and training. Enrolling in a trade school that offers comprehensive welding programs can provide the necessary skills and knowledge. One such institution is the Universal Technical Institute (UTI), which offers a Welding Technology training program.
The program at UTI covers various aspects of welding, including procedures, equipment, theory, and industry fabrication mathematics. Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training, students gain the required expertise to enter the welding industry confidently.
The UTI welding program can typically be completed in 36 weeks. This accelerated timeline allows individuals to quickly acquire the skills needed to embark on their career as traveling welders. Moreover, UTI boasts twelve campuses nationwide that offer welding training, ensuring accessibility to interested students across the country.
- Enroll in a trade school with comprehensive welding programs
- UTI offers a Welding Technology training program
- The program covers procedures, equipment, theory, and industry fabrication mathematics
- Classroom instruction and hands-on training provide expertise
- The program can be completed in 36 weeks
- UTI has twelve campuses nationwide offering welding training.
Benefits Of The Universal Technical Institute Welding Program
The Welding Technology program at UTI provides numerous benefits for aspiring traveling welders. Firstly, it equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in welding. Graduates are well-prepared to enter the industry and pursue a flexible career path as traveling welders.
Secondly, the program’s combination of theoretical and practical training ensures students have a well-rounded understanding of welding practices. This comprehensive approach enhances their problem-solving abilities and enables them to excel in various welding applications and processes.
Lastly, UTI’s reputation as a leading technical education institution provides credibility to graduates. Employers often recognize the quality of education and training received at UTI, increasing the chances of securing desired job opportunities in the welding industry.
- Equips students with knowledge and skills for a successful welding career
- Combination of theoretical and practical training enhances problem-solving abilities
- UTI’s reputation increases credibility and job opportunities in the welding industry.
Qualifications And Certifications For Traveling Welders
To become a traveling welder, individuals must meet specific qualifications and obtain necessary certifications. Primary requirements include completing a welding training program. However, additional qualifications may be needed based on the employer’s preferences and job requirements.
Some employers may expect traveling welders to have experience operating heavy equipment or possess specialized skills like underwater welding or extreme weather preparedness. Acquiring these extra qualifications can greatly improve employment prospects and open doors to specialized welding opportunities.
Essential certifications for traveling welders include proper welding certification. Individuals interested in underwater welding must also obtain a commercial diving certification. Prior training in topside welding (welding outside of water) is usually a prerequisite for becoming an underwater welder. Commercial diving schools offer training and certification programs for those interested in entering this challenging yet rewarding field.
Salary Range For Traveling Welders
Traveling welder salaries can vary depending on factors such as experience, area of expertise, and location. While salary information for traveling welder jobs specifically is not specified, median pay for welders in general is $41,380, while pipefitters earn a median pay of $56,540. It’s worth noting that underwater welders with significant diving experience can earn more than the national average, with an average annual wage of $59,470 for commercial divers.
These figures provide a general reference point for potential earnings as a traveling welder. However, it is important to research industry-specific salaries and consider various factors before entering this field.
Career Paths For Traveling Welders
Traveling welders are versatile professionals with a wide range of career paths to explore. They can find opportunities in areas such as:
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Military support: Welders play a crucial role in the maintenance, building, and repair of heavy equipment, weapons, facilities, and transportation for the armed forces. This career path allows them to work closely with the military while utilizing their valuable welding skills.
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Underwater welding: For those interested in this exciting field, proper training, certification, and diving experience are essential. Once qualified, underwater welders can find employment in the oil and gas pipeline industry and other industries that require specialized welding capabilities in an underwater environment.
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Overseas work: Welding jobs abroad require similar skills to domestic welding jobs, but with the added requirement of being able to travel to various international destinations. This career path offers the opportunity to experience new cultures and environments while honing welding expertise.
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Industrial shutdowns: Welders are often sought after for industrial shutdowns, where they assist in the maintenance and repair of large-scale industrial facilities.
In summary, being a traveling welder provides numerous job opportunities across various industries. With the right education, training, qualifications, and certifications, individuals can embark on a fulfilling journey as traveling welders, exploring different career paths, experiencing new places, learning new welding applications and processes, and making a positive impact in their field.
- Military support: maintenance, building, and repair of heavy equipment, weapons, facilities, and transportation
- Underwater welding: certification, diving experience, employment in the oil and gas pipeline industry
- Overseas work: travel, experience new cultures and environments while honing welding expertise
- Industrial shutdowns: maintenance and repair of large-scale industrial facilities
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a portable welder?
To begin your journey towards becoming a portable welder, you will first need to ensure that you have the necessary prerequisites. This includes obtaining a high school diploma or GED certificate, as well as completing a welding training program. Additionally, it is imperative to gain certification through a recognized welding organization like the American Welding Society (AWS). Once you have obtained these qualifications, you will be equipped with the necessary skills and expertise to embark on your career as a mobile welder, ready to take on projects wherever they may arise.
Can welders work internationally?
Yes, welders can work internationally. Overseas welding jobs provide opportunities for welders to travel to different countries and work for foreign welding companies or contractors. While job duties may vary slightly depending on the country, the fundamental responsibilities of a welder remain the same. International welding jobs allow welders to gain diverse experiences, cultural exposure, and collaborate with professionals from different parts of the world, making it an appealing option for those seeking a global career in welding.
What do you call a welder that travels?
You could call a welder that travels a “Nomadic Welder.” These individuals embrace a lifestyle of constant movement and adventure, as they travel across the country or even internationally to work on various welding projects. Their skills and expertise make them essential in completing large-scale projects that require welding expertise, while also fueling their desire for exploration and new experiences.
How long do welders travel?
Welders who work in industrial shutdowns usually travel within approximately a 1000 mile radius of their home, which means their travel duration is usually not too extensive. They typically spend around six months per year on the road, working on various projects during that time. This allows them to maintain a balanced lifestyle as they also take the remaining six months off to rest and spend time at home. In this line of work, the travel duration is manageable and provides a good balance between work and personal life.