What Makes a Great Welder? Skills and Certifications You Need

If you’re considering a career as a welder, then you likely know that you need to be technically skilled and able to operate the necessary equipment. Maybe you’d like to be proficient in areas like custom fabrication, truck body fabrication, or mobile welding services. Whatever the case, every industry and every job has a set of skills and proficiencies that come with the territory and make for a better and more accomplished employee. In addition to learned and cultivated skills, official certifications from a governing body or industry organization could also be key to landing the job you’re looking for. At M&M Certified Welding, we know what it takes to work for top welding companies in Cleveland, and we’re here to share our expertise.

Hard and Soft Skills Every Welder Needs

“Hard and soft” simply refer to skills that are more technical and learned in training courses, versus those that are more interpersonal, allowing you to interact well with others, respectively. You might initially think of welding as a solo sport, but more often than not, you are interacting with team members, clients, and others, and you need to employ effective and understanding communication in order to ensure high quality work and the safety of everyone involved.

Some “hard” skills that are vital for every welder include:

• Mathematical and Spatial Skills: fractions and decimals, formulas, geometry and trigonometry calculations, precision sizing, 2D and 3D diagrams, reading blueprints
• Welding Skills: mastering techniques and welding processes like MIG, TIG, carbon arc, flux-core, and stick welding, among others
• Equipment Operation and Maintenance Skills: how to set up, operate, and maintain welding equipment and tools
• Safety Skills: understanding the need for and implementing welding safety best practices and gear
• Material Knowledge Skills: knowing about the properties of various metals used when welding and how they react to various techniques
• Physical Skills: mental and physical ability, strength, and endurance–including good eyesight, steadiness of hand, dexterity, and coordination–are vital for what can be a very taxing and demanding job

“Soft” skills that would benefit a welder include:

• Attention to Detail: the smallest welding mistakes can lead to a failed weld or even injury–paying attention to the little details will contribute to a high-quality final product
• Adaptability: whether new or well-seasoned, every welder needs to be ready to learn new techniques and hone their skills ever sharper in an industry that’s always changing
• Good Communicator: many welding jobs are small pieces of a larger project that requires the ability to communicate effectively and to be a team player
• Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: welding often brings unexpected challenges that require quick thinking to resolve problems and maintain productivity
• Good Work Ethic: welders need to be diligent, committed, and have accountability for the quality of their work

The Importance of a Welding Certification

A welding certification is documented proof, from a recognized certifying body, of acquired skills and knowledge that will enable a welder to perform tasks to a specific set of accepted standards. The certifier may be an independent organization or an industry association, such as a vocational school, community college, trade school, technical institute, or apprenticeship program.

Welding certifications are not universal, instead, they often are specific to the welding process, material, and position a welder is specializing in, among other variables. The American Welding Society (AWS) does offer certifications that are widely accepted as a standard proof of expertise in the industry, but each individual sector and industry may have its own unique requirements. For instance, a certification from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) will carry a different weight than an American Petroleum Institute (API) certification or another, more local or more specific certification. In the end, your state and local requirements along with employer preferences will guide which certification is best for you. Options for levels of certification often include Certified Welder (CW), Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), Certified Welding Educator (CWE), and Certified Resistance Welding Technician (CRWT).

Welding certifications serve to provide quality assurance, enhance safety in the workplace, enable compliance in heavily regulated industries, and lend credibility to an employer locally and internationally, along with offering a welder additional career opportunities and adding to their versatility as an employee. Insisting on hiring and employing certified welders helps companies avoid risks, accidents, injuries, penalties, and potential legal issues.

Welding Companies Near Cleveland, Ohio

At M&M Certified Welding, we know what it takes to be the best welder you can be. Part of that equation is certification, the rest is learned skills, both technical and interpersonal. That’s the whole package. Our team of certified welders is ready to take on any project you have in mind, from custom fabrication and truck body fabrication to mobile welding services. Contact us to learn more about our services, get a quote, and reach out if you’re looking to join our team!