Welding is a specialized skill that requires a number of years of training and certification to master. Your main function is to weld metals using a variety of welding equipment. You can be employed for a variety of companies and perform work on machinery, vehicles, or even perform custom fabrication.
Welders work in physically demanding conditions. You can work indoors and outdoors, in confined places. Proper safety gear is a must for your protection. You will work a standard 40 hour work week. However, you may be called upon to work additional hours during peak times of the year.
Once you complete your welder apprentice program there are a variety of types of welding roles you can do. Some of the most common include spot welding, laser welding, electric arc welding, production welding and many others. With experience you can move into a site management or supervisory role or specialize in a particular type of welding.
Welders in Barrie make more than $25 per hour on average. This is more than $50,000 per year. Depending on your level of experience you can make anywhere from about $22 per hour up $28 per hour. Here’s a breakdown of the salary expectations for welders:
annual: $53,248
monthly: $4,096
weekly: $1,024
hourly: $25.60
lowest salary: $21.70 per hour
average salary: $25.60 per hour
highest salary: $28.40 per hour
junior salary: $21.70-$24.60 per hour
intermediate salary: $23.40-$27.80 per hour
senior salary: $25.10-$28.40 per hour
Welders are primarily responsible for operating their welding equipment and machinery to complete the tasks at hand. But there is more to the job than this. Here are some of the main responsibilities for welders:
Read blueprints
Project and job planning
Operate a variety of specialized welding equipment
Operate a flame cutter and brazing and soldering equipment
Repair and replace worn metal parts
Fabricate replacement parts
Operate heavy machinery
Ensure you maintain a safe work environment at all times
Welding equipment maintenance
Welders typically work for construction companies. It’s also common for welders to work for fabrication shops, in auto repair and for manufacturing facilities. Some jobs require you to travel to job sites and perform repairs onsite.
Welders have a specialized skill set. It takes a lot of hours to refine your skills and master your craft. Here are the top skills welders need to have:
The ability to operate all types of welding equipment
Interpret welding blueprints and specifications
Assess the weldability of materials
Physical stamina and manual dexterity
Construction industry knowledge
The ability to work with other tradespeople in unison
The ability to keep projects on time and budget
Welders require a number of education and certification requirements. You will require a high school diploma in addition to completing an apprenticeship program. Trade certification may also be required depending on your home province. Experienced welders can also acquire the Red Seal endorsement by completing the Red Seal examination.