MIG welders often work in factories and construction sites with hand-held machinery for relatively long hours. It means stamina is a necessity for workers. There’s no leeway for error when it comes to welding.
If your professional senses tingle at something deliberate and hands-on, MIG welding may be the job for you. Under the many categories of welding, Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding is one of the most commonly used formats. It is also a subtype of Glass Metal Arc Welding (GMAW).
This method uses heat produced by the arc formed between the metal electrode and workpiece. Furthermore, the arc welding process uses a continuous solid wire electrode in the weld gun. MIG welders work on projects using the electric arc and inert gas.
Mig Welder Job Description
Educational Qualification
- High school diploma or GED
Most welding careers ask for a high school diploma or GED as a minimum qualification.
Even though unskilled welders are hired and trained for the job by many employers. However, having an acquired skillset from vocational school, community college, or private school helps boost one’s start.
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Math-included stream
A welder often deals with dimensions, measurement, basic calculations, and geometry. Additionally, basic math skills, perception of metallurgical processes, and electricity are also essential.
A math-included stream helps enunciate the degree and deems one more suitable.
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Vocational training
Welders need to learn how to read blueprints, plan and execute accordingly. Vocational training programs usually cover that and various welding techniques and safety measures.
In addition, they help brush up on topics like metal properties, cutting techniques, metallurgy, and math.
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Apprenticeship
Having prior experience not only helps make the job easier but also recollection from memory. An apprenticeship with proper supervision helps one get used to the routine duties and work of a welder.
Skills Required
Welding is a skill-based profession and brings on new and unique challenges to workers.
- Physically strong.
- Excellent display of technical and troubleshooting skills.
- Reliable and deadline-driven.
- Dexterity and stability.
- Good vision.
- Attention to detail.
- Comprehension of instructions and specifications clearly.
- Appropriate professional behavior.
Given the prerequisites for welding, the job requires prime health and stability. Before getting licensed, a physical fitness check might be conducted.
As welders are usually under a lot of pressure, they need to be focused and intercept information smoothly. They must not compromise the safety guidelines. Moreover, with the unpredictable nature of the work, voluntary overtime and spontaneous creativity will benefit them.
Specialization courses
Along with the above-mentioned educational qualifications, research on MIG welding careers helps one understand the skills and training required. Once decided, aspiring welders can take up relevant courses and certifications to up their resumes.
Job-specific Requirements
Welding uses complex tools and works with a lot of heat and flames. Therefore, a good deal of specific training and practice is necessary.
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Certification
Many American Welding Society Accredited Testing Facilities offer written and performance tests. Such certification is highly valued and often mandatory for a full-time welding job.
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English fluency
In the US, proficient English and fluent communication for clientele and technical purposes are definitive.
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Knowledge of equipment and processes
They need proper knowledge of the MIG equipment and processes. In addition, welders also require effective stratification and detailed precision to create non-compromised, durable, and safe products for consumers.
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Good teaching and team-coordinating
Various interpersonal skills are resourceful, especially in projects with huge teams.
What Kind of Work is done by MIG Welders?
Metals welded by MIG welding are exceptionally durable, versatile, and remarkably stable. MIG welding also offers deeper penetration and greater flexibility at affordable, low costs.
Moreover, it’s often employed to repair cars, motorbikes, recreational vehicles, and SUVs. Aluminum parts of vehicles conventionally use MIG welding. It also helps create a strong bond making it ideal for thin metals and automobile interiors.
As it has been used for steel nowadays, MIG welders are needed in construction jobs as well. With the plan for infrastructural repairs by the United States government, the demand is sure to rise. For mass production of metal components, the quick and lucrative nature is profitable.
Duties and Responsibilities
A MIG welding machine uses direct current to generate heat, melt the metal and fuse it with another part. Noble gases like Argon (Ar) disperse the contaminants from the welding zone. Such a process requires constant and close attention for long hours on their feet.
- Maintenance: Along with proper care during work, maintaining and looking after the equipment to ensure that everything’s in prime condition is inevitable for safety.
- Evaluation and planning: They need to go through the designated design thoroughly. With proper knowledge of the blueprints, measurements, and procedures, they need to devise an infallible layout for work.
- Set-up and calculations: After setting up the components, measuring and angling the work surface to determine suitable approach strategies comes next. They need to calculate gas ratios and monitor the inventory.
A full-time welder should also mentor apprentices and trainees. They need to regularly clean the equipment and tools while diagnosing issues and implementing solutions. It is mandatory to look for any defects and test the strength of joints.
They should ensure a fool-proof, safe, and secure welded surface, devoid of flaws.
Experience and Relevance
As it goes for any profession, proper experience always comes in handy and facilitates easier employment. Prior experience can enhance their profile, especially due to the hands-on training. Furthermore, welders need to prove their work experience, apprenticeship, and skills.
- They need to have vast experience in handling the equipment.
- They need to be familiar with the common methodologies.
- Basic knowledge of processes like Tungsten Inert Gas welding (TIG), Manual Metal Arc welding (MMA), etc.
- They need enough strength to use manual tools like saws, squares, and cranes.
- They need a general idea of electrical tools and calipers.
- Knowing and understanding the causes of defects and solutions for each.
Conclusion
The best way to learn is by seeing, trying, and getting your hands dirty! As evident, AI and robots are taking over human professions. However, the welding industry still needs humans for various reasons. For instance, controlling and supervising the machinery, examination, and troubleshooting.
We hope that the information helps you to widen your knowledge base.
Good luck!