Whether you've apprenticed for a welder or picked up welding techniques from relatives or friends, you may want to supercharge your career. You might just be realizing that a welding career can be not only lucrative but exciting, but you may still lack a plan. With proper direction, welding can support you and a family comfortably. What should your welding plan look like?

Enrolling in a Master Structural Fitting Program

Structural steel is used in many applications, so if you've tired of basic welding jobs, you'll need to ensure you have the skills to work with steel. In fact, a master structural fitting program could be perfect. A master class in any discipline is valuable, and structural fitting at a master level will give you the skills and confidence necessary to market yourself to higher-paying employers. Master structural fitting courses will generally take a period of months to complete and usually require some experience before you're accepted. 

Often, a formal structural fitting program will go over some things you've already experienced. This can make some people want to avoid a formal fitting program altogether, but realize that you may learn things which fill in the gaps in your learning. You can learn new techniques or better safety measures. Read a syllabus if you're still deciding whether to make the program work for you.

Learning Different Types

TIG welding and MIG welding may sound similar, but those techniques aren't the same. You need to exhibit ability with multiple techniques in order to be a sought after welder. Try to avoid sticking with one welding technique; for instance, learn why gas metal arc welding is sometimes superior to tungsten arc welding for some projects.

Getting a Mentor

Knowing a professional to emulate and model your career after is important. Mentorships are very important in welding and other careers, and depending on a more-experienced person can allow you to avoid career pitfalls and to get answers you need when working on welding problems. Your mentor might have industry connections which could even lead to future welding jobs.

Talking to Peers

Being able to get support from other welders is vital. Whether you join a welding union or seek out welding forums online, talking to your peers can make you feel like part of a work community that can answer questions as well as provide insight and tips about how to excel.

Your welding career will be slowly built up when you do your best, try these tips and practice welding. Communicate regularly with teachers, peers, union reps and others.

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