Welding is an elective in school. What does that mean for those who want to take part? The basics of welding are taught, and then students can choose whether they wish to continue with the coursework. Welding has a vast range of applications, which means there’s something for everyone. It can be used across various industries like construction, manufacturing, automotive repair, shipbuilding, and many more!
What is welding, and why should it be an elective in school?
What is welding? Welding is the process of joining two pieces together by melting a filler material to one or both edges and cooling it so that they form an inseparable bond. The most common type of welding is MIG, which stands for metal inert gas welder. When you weld metals with different properties, such as steel and aluminum, you need a filler material to protect the weaker metal from being eaten away.
Why should welding be an elective in school? Welding is currently not offered as an elective because it’s deemed too difficult for teens and young adults. Many things make welding challenging- for one thing, most beginners don’t know how to weld. It also requires expensive equipment to purchase and maintain, which can be difficult for a student or hobbyist with limited funds.
Some students have the opportunity to work in an apprenticeship program at a local welding company where they learn about different aspects of this trade, including how to set up many types of equipment like MIG welder machines. However, you’ll need to purchase a TIG welder for hardcore TIG welding.
Why welders make good money – the skills needed to become a welder
Welding is in demand, and the career is a promising one. Welding as an elective for students can provide them with valuable skills, they’ll need to complete their education, enter into new careers or even start up their own business. As the economy grows, more and more jobs are being created in the welding industry.
– Welders should know how to read blueprints. They have excellent hand-eye coordination and good math skills
– They can start as a helper with no experience or education
– A welder’s salary ranges from $25-$40 per hour on average; some welders earn $60-$100 per hour
– Welding finds are found in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii
– They should know how to use hand torches, MIG welders, or TIG welders. The kind of welder will depend on the job being done
– A welder needs a high school diploma or GED to start
– Welding is an excellent career for those with bad credit or no college education
– The average age of welders in the U.S. is 31 years old, and they often work until 65 before retiring from this profession
The benefits of taking a class in welding
During the most recent conference, a panel of experts was present with different thoughts on welding as an elective in school. Welding is more than just making something that doesn’t exist anymore or repairing existing products; it’s art and invention combined into one package. Learning how to weld will give students skills that they can use for a lifetime-plus, and it will teach them how to succeed in any field.
One of the panelists mentioned that welding is a billion-dollar industry in the U.S. alone because there are so few people who have mastered this skill. When you have employers fighting for these skills, they’re going to pay very well. Welding can also be used as an art form and a creative outlet.
The panelists also mentioned that welding could lead people to develop careers in any field: architecture, design, engineering, manufacturing, etc. because it teaches them how to problem-solve with the use of different materials and tools. Welding is not just an elective-it’s essential for every student who wants to be successful in the future.
Examples of jobs that require this skill set:
Welding is a skill set required for many different jobs. For example, in the construction business, you’re going to need welders if there’s any welding involved with your project: from steel frames and equipment support beams to anything that needs reinforcing or stabilizing through welding techniques. Similarly, those working on railroads will also require this type of work and other types of metal fabricating processes such as brazing, which are often employed when creating railroad cars and locomotives. And then all kinds of manufacturing industries use it extensively due to its versatility; not only can one welder be trained up for just about every imaginable job, but they’ll typically have more than enough knowledge already thanks to their comprehensive training process balances theory with practical, hands-on instruction.
Welder in metal fabrication and shipbuilding industries. Makes repairs to structures or ships by cutting steel with a welding torch then fusing the pieces with new metal. The use of gas, arc, or plasma torches to burn the paint on metal surfaces is also considered part of this occupation.
Conclusion:
Welding is a trade with high demand and low supply. Schools need to help students develop skills in this area because it will be an elective they may not have the opportunity to choose otherwise if we don’t provide them with the knowledge upfront.
