welder

Welders perform the following duties:

• studying and interpreting blueprints: as a welder, you discuss the requirements of projects with project managers. You use blueprints to weld components together and meet the desired standards. You read sketches and specifications to determine the correct measurements for the welded parts.
• inspecting materials and structures before welding: as a welder, you inspect the metals and materials to be joined together. If the parts need cutting before welding, you perform the tasks to ensure you produce a quality finish. You also align components to be welded using rulers or clamping the pieces together for stability.
• operating welding machinery: you assess the equipment required for the job and determine the most appropriate welding techniques. When performing repairs, you operate the welding equipment to combine components or fill holes. Sometimes you use manual or semi-automatic equipment like torches and power supplies.
• assessing the quality of welds: you inspect the welded surfaces to ensure they meet the desired quality. You also smooth the surfaces for the best finish.
• cleaning and maintaining welding equipment: as a welder, you maintain specialized welding machines and equipment after welding. Aside from scheduled maintenance, you repair the machines and recommend the replacement of spare parts before the next welding project.

A welder has different working environments. Some have a regular workplace in a workshop or factory. By contrast, a welder in construction or demolition will operate on busy job sites.

Due to the nature of the job, the environment is often hot, crowded and noisy. It may also be in an enclosed underground space or at a high elevation. The greater your ability to work quickly and safely in these environments, the more success you are likely to enjoy.

As a welder, your colleagues will depend on the industry you work in. For instance, if you work in construction, you can expect to work with professional labourers, plumbers, site engineers and electricians. In the manufacturing or automotive industry, welders work alongside mechanical engineers, auto electricians and factory supervisors. Other professionals you are likely to collaborate with include maintenance engineers and maintenance technicians.

When something breaks that requires a welder's skill to fix, it doesn't matter what time of day it is. Similarly, in construction, late deadlines mean overrunning costs, which employers will always be desperate to avoid. These factors mean more work for you.

Whether in busy manufacturing environments or construction sites, welders often work long hours, including evenings and weekends. While being a welder is demanding, the different shifts and hours available mean you can find the right schedule.

Continuing professional development is the key to advancing your career as a welder. Building familiarity with new techniques and equipment means expanding your opportunities. Experience as a welder is also a good entry point for other related careers. You could consider management if you want to move out of welding and into other roles. As a supervisor or workshop manager, you'll oversee the work of other welders and the processes that support them.

Another option is to move from welding into testing or quality control, inspecting the output of welding processes on a larger scale. If you want the satisfaction of passing on your skills to a new generation, consider teaching in a professional or further education environment.

Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.

• always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
• many training opportunities
• a range of jobs in your area

As a welder, you receive a median hourly wage of $26, but your earnings can increase to over $42 per hour, depending on your experience and skills. When you improve your qualifications and experience, your earnings increase gradually. Some regions have higher wages than others. For instance, working in Alberta increases your earnings, but you need trade certification.

Welders work in diverse industries, including construction, industrial maintenance and manufacturing. In Canada, the demand for the role is high, with new job openings throughout 2022 to 2031 expected to increase to 17,700. To take advantage of the increasing demand, develop the necessary skills.

As a welder, you use welding torches and other advanced equipment to apply heat and join metal pieces. You melt and fuse the parts or fill holes when repairing machinery. The role involves studying blueprints and specifications to properly attach the components.

In Canada, you can work as an unskilled welder and develop your knowledge through on-the-job training. While unskilled welders get great opportunities, skilled worker jobs are also available. Skilled welders need a trade certification to qualify for the role.

The welding industry in Canada is experiencing growth and requires people with expertise. It is a great opportunity if you enjoy working with your hands. The pay is also relatively attractive, and with additional skills, you can increase your earnings.

Finding a job near you as a welder is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the 'Apply' button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Send us your resume, and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.