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Are you fascinated by welding? Not sure what a welding specialist does?
If you are looking for a trade career that offers a challenge, then welding may be the right career path for you. So, what does a welding specialist do?
What Does a Welding Specialist Do?
Welding specialists weld, cut, solder and braze metal with both hand-held and remotely controlled welding equipment. Welders do the following on a day-to-day-basis:
- Study and Interpret blueprints, sketches, and welding specifications.
- Calculate and measure the dimensions and temperature of parts to be welded.
- Inspect structures or materials to be welded with visual and Non-Destructive Testing techniques.
- Weld, cut, solder, or braze materials according to specifications.
- Select welding techniques and required equipment.
- Clean slag or splatter off welding material.
- Maintain welding equipment and machinery.
How Do You Become a Welding Specialist?
There are a few steps to becoming a welding specialist. These steps include:
Step #1: Complete a Formal Welding Education
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A great way to become a welding specialist is by obtaining a formal education from a trade school. While you can start working right away as an apprentice, getting a formal education will give you a complete understanding of welding techniques that you may or may not learn during an apprenticeship.
Don’t get pigeon-holed in a welding technique or industry, start by getting a formal education and then advance your career with an apprenticeship.
Instructors at trade schools also offer guidance through hands-on training so you can make mistakes and learn from them. They are ready to mentor you while you learn the different welding techniques like GMAW, FCAW and SMAW. RSI offers the fundamentals of welding that you need to become a professional welder.
Step #2: Get Apprenticeship Experience
In order to apply for welding licensure, you must complete an apprenticeship for approximately three to four years before you can become a journeyman welder. As an apprentice, you will be strictly supervised and report to a licensed welding specialist.
At The Refrigeration School, we have close ties to the community and employers often look to RSI for highly-trained welding specialist to fill apprenticeship positions.
Step #3: Pass an Arizona State Welding Test
To become a journeyman welder, you must complete a welding test. Those that pass the test will get an Arizona Welding License that is valid in the state of Arizona. The license covers welding assembly for components that are prepared and joined by cutting and welding processes.
The welding test focuses on shielded metal arc welding, stud arc welding and submerged arc welding. You will also be responsible for performing both flat and groove welds in flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Welding Specialist?
Did you know that you can become a welder in our Welding Specialist program and get an education in welding in as little as 7 months? If you are in Phoenix, AZ, RSI has a professional welding program that offers in-class theory and hands-on training to prepare for an apprenticeship in the welding industry.
Want to Learn More?
Interested in learning more about welding training at The Refrigeration School? We offer our welding classes with flexible scheduling: morning, afternoon, and evening classes are available at our Phoenix, AZ campuses. Contact us now to learn more.
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