According to the latest employment survey, skilled trade workers in Australia are scarce. Due to a lack of experience, lack of applicants and lack of skills and knowledge, employers are admitting that filling job vacancies is progressively decreasing.
An occupation like welding is not something anyone can easily do. The difference in a completed project is also evident when done by a skilled worker and someone inexperienced. Because clients and companies are more willing to pay good money for welders who are trained and skilled with their profession, here are some reminders and essentials for you to keep in mind:
Meet the requirements
Before anything else, at least a high school diploma combined with technical and on-the-job training is typically required in this industry. Additionally, a few skills such as blueprint reading, mechanical drawing, knowledge in physics, chemistry and metallurgy are definite advantages. Although there are still employers who are more than willing to hire inexperienced entry-level workers and train them for the job, the majority still prefer to hire workers with training experience and credentials.
Qualities matter
Skills are very much trainable, but some qualities are harder to obtain. And one of the important qualities that an employer may look for is your attention to detail. Some may even require workers to have good eyesight. Physical strength is also a quality trait deemed important, due to how often workers would have to carry and lift heavy pieces of supplies and equipment. As mentioned, welding is not an easy task; it is an acquired skill.
What’s your type?
Because the skills you have were all learned through practice and patience, it’s only a matter of time before you decide which job you’re fit for. There are several types of welding occupations, and they, of course, have different sets of training and require individual skill sets for each.
Here are a few specialized welding careers listed for you to choose from:
- Construction welder
- Manufacturing welder
- Fabrication welder
- Structural iron worker and steelworker
- Motorsports welder
- Pipeline welder and pipefitter
You can also assume different titles within welding:
- Welder
- Solderer and brazer
- Cutter
- Welding machine operator
- Welding inspector
Make an approach
Since welding is a skill-based job, the more skilled you are, the more opportunities that may arise for you to take. As you learn the basics and develop your skills, you can have the freedom to choose an approach when it comes to making money. You can work either for a client or a big company, or you can start your own business. If you’re skilled enough and already considered to be in demand, then joining a company or looking for a long-term client would be the easy choice for you.
Know whom to trust and how to invest
Whether you have chosen to work under a company or have your own business, equipment and tools are essential. There are a lot of suppliers of welding equipment and tools. An example of a great investment is having the necessary tools for your job. For example, if you choose to be a pipeline welder in Australia, then companies can provide or have you rent their pipe rotators for welding. This not only ensures a safe working environment but also increases the efficiency of the entire welding process.
So if your true calling lies in welding, then start mastering your skill set. Welders are needed now more than ever. But remember that mistakes are not an option. As a welder, making sure that each process is done accordingly to perfection should be common practice. With the right credentials, skills, equipment, and your own patience, there’s likely no room for error. You’ll be a professional in no time.