Education and training requirements for Welding, soldering, and brazing workersTraining for welding, soldering, and brazing workers can range from a few weeks of school or on-the-job training for low-skilled positions to several years of combined school and on-the-job training for highly skilled jobs. Formal training is available in high schools, vocational schools, and postsecondary institutions, such as vocational-technical institutes, community colleges, and private welding schools. The Armed Forces operate welding schools as well. Some employers provide training. Courses in blueprint reading, shop mathematics, mechanical drawing, physics, chemistry, and metallurgy are helpful. Knowledge of computers is gaining importance, especially for welding, soldering, and brazing machine operators, who are becoming responsible for the programming of computer-controlled machines, including robots. Some welders become certified, a process whereby the employer sends a worker to an institution, such as an independent testing lab or technical school, to weld a test specimen according to specific codes and standards required by the employer. Testing procedures are based on the standards and codes set by one of several industry associations with which the employer may be affiliated. If the welding inspector at the examining institution determines that the worker has performed according to the employer�s guidelines, the inspector will then certify the welder being tested as able to work with a particular welding procedure. Welding, soldering, and brazing workers need good eyesight, hand-eye coordination, and manual dexterity. They should be able to concentrate on detailed work for long periods and be able to bend, stoop, and work in awkward positions. In addition, welders increasingly need to be willing to receive training and perform tasks in other production jobs. Welders can advance to more skilled welding jobs with additional training and experience. For example, they may become welding technicians, supervisors, inspectors, or instructors. Some experienced welders open their own repair shops. More information on Welding, soldering, and brazing workers from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Overview of Welding, soldering, and brazing workers occupation Number of Welding, soldering, and brazing workers in the U.S. Salary and earnings for Welding, soldering, and brazing workers Working conditions for Welding, soldering, and brazing workers Significant points for Welding, soldering, and brazing workers Training requirements for Welding, soldering, and brazing workers Labor Information Home | Occupational data by city | Search Rainforests | Madagascar | What's new |