Up and Coming Careers in Welding That You Need to Know About

With over 115,000 new journeypersons needed in the 15 largest Red Seal trades in the next five years, it’s never been more important to reiterate the viability of a skilled trade career. According to recent data published by the CWB Group, the number of welders in North America has steadily declined by 25 per cent between 2012 and 2021. This decline is alarming because the need for these roles is ever-growing. We’re faced with increasing demand for welding and material joining expertise with no signs of slowing.

Awareness of the numerous career pathways available is crucial to addressing the rising labour demand driven by North America’s diverse construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure industries. Countless opportunities exist for welders and encompass various interests alongside new and emerging ways to weld and join traditional and advanced materials, through innovative technologies, such as robotics and remote welding devices.

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Materials Joining Research
Underwater Welding
Collaborative Robotics (Cobots)
Nuclear Welding
Welding Inspection
Tele-welding
Boilermaking and Pressure Welding
Ironworking
Welding in Military Applications
TIG Welding
Artistic Welding

 

Materials Joining Research: Discovering the Future of Welding

As the engine of innovation in the welding industry, materials joining research pushes the boundaries of welding technology. Researchers explore new techniques and evaluate advanced materials to create stronger and more efficient connections and joints. Researchers explore welding methods, from traditional techniques to cutting-edge approaches, to improve weld quality, durability, and safety.

Materials joining research is critical across multiple industries, such as aerospace, automotive, power generation, and manufacturing. Breakthroughs can lead to improvements like enhanced fuel efficiency and safety in aircraft construction, and the development of high-temperature and corrosion-resistant materials for renewable energy systems.

Being a researcher means working with state-of-the-art technology and collaborating across multiple disciplines, including materials science, engineering, chemistry, and physics. Materials engineers and scientists have a far-reaching and global impact that influences the design and construction of critical infrastructure and consumer goods. At its core, it’s a quest for progress that has the potential to enhance and advance product development in every industry.

Underwater Welding: a Uniquely Submerged Career

Most welders have their feet firmly planted on dry land, but a whole underwater world is waiting to be welded. Underwater welding is one of the most captivating and challenging career paths within the welding and materials joining industry because it combines the expertise of welding with the skills of a diver, resulting in a profession that is as thrilling as it is critical.

Underwater welding is a specialized technique requiring rigorous training to repair and maintain structures submerged beneath the water’s surface. Underwater welders are vital in maintaining critical infrastructure like oil and gas, shipping, and coastal construction. The method typically involves two main processes: wet welding, which is completely underwater, and dry welding, where a welder is placed in a dry, pressurized environment to keep water out, often at extreme depths. It should go without saying that safety is an incredibly important aspect of this career.

Underwater welding is for adventure seekers and those who thrive on a sense of accomplishment. They work on diverse projects, big and small, with no two days being the same. Earning potential is also considerably higher than other types of welding due to the specialized skills required and the associated risks.

 

Collaborative Robotics (Cobots) in Welding: the New Era of Precision and Efficiency

Technology has ushered in a new era of precision, efficiency, and innovation by integrating robotics into welding processes. Collaborative robot welding, also called “cobot” welding, is reshaping the welding landscape by surpassing human capabilities. That idea may seem scary, but cobots are designed to work alongside us. Welders and product technicians program them to perform repetitive functions, enabling workers to devote time to higher-level tasks. In essence, this collaboration complements human expertise, making it possible to achieve greater outcomes that were previously unattainable.

Robotic welding combines cutting-edge technology with time-tested welding principles. Through advanced automation, cobots can perform tedious yet critical tasks involving intricate patterns and complex geometries with unmatched consistency and precision. Another great advantage of using cobots is the enhancement of safety and the option to perform high-risk operations without placing individuals in unsafe situations.

Robotics in welding has a wide assortment of applications that aren’t limited to a single industry and have incredible future potential for growth. Automated welding tools offer a transformative force within the industry and will continue to revolutionize how welding processes are completed. Automation in welding represents a promising career path where the sparks of human creativity work in tandem with the precision of robotics.

 

Nuclear Welding: Fusing Science, Precision, and Safety

Few applications are as demanding and consequential as nuclear welding in the welding and materials joining industry. This specialized discipline combines the art of welding with the rigour of nuclear science to ensure the structural integrity and safety of nuclear power plants and related facilities. The primary goal is to create strong, hermetically sealed welds that can withstand extreme conditions, including radiation exposure and high-pressure environments. Nuclear welders are pivotal in powering our world while upholding the highest safety standards imaginable. Each welder needs to be well-versed in the effects of radiation on materials and welding processes and be proficient at handling them to ensure compatibility with nuclear environments. Nuclear welders undergo extensive training to understand the unique challenges and requirements on-site. They are subject to thorough regulatory oversight to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards. Welders in this field are indispensable in producing clean energy, scientific discovery, and safe waste management and ensure that the power of nuclear technology is harnessed for the betterment of humanity while maintaining the highest standards of safety and reliability. Their expertise is in demand worldwide as countries seek to expand or maintain their nuclear power infrastructure, making it a great career choice in welding.

 

Welding Inspection: Guardians of Welding Quality and Safety

The integrity of welds is paramount. Thankfully, there are unsung heroes who ensure that every weld meets stringent quality standards and safety regulations – welding inspectors. Their meticulous scrutiny and expertise safeguard the structural stability and reliability of countless projects across diverse industries. Examining for defects and compliance with industry standards is critical and ensures work meets the highest quality standards. Welding inspectors maintain detailed records of welding procedures, specifications, and test results. They can conduct non-destructive testing methods, such as ultrasonic and radiographic testing, to identify hidden flaws in welds. Their extensive knowledge and expertise make them the go-to people for code compliance and industry-specific codes and standards adherence.

If you have meticulous attention to detail and can identify even the most minor details, this welding career path could be for you. Your vigilant eyes and expert knowledge would ensure every weld made on everything from skyscrapers to pipelines meets the stringent criteria that define the welding and material joining industry’s commitment to excellence and safety.

 

Tele-welding: Welding A New Era from A Distance

Tele-welding is emerging as an innovative and safe way of completing work remotely via cutting-edge technology. A highly skilled welder operates a robotic welding system that can be far removed from the actual welding site. Remote control is facilitated through a combination of advanced high-resolution cameras, sensors, robotic arms, and a haptic operating system, enabling the operator to perform welding tasks from a distance with the same precision and accuracy as they would in person.

Tele-welding technology already impacts the industry by enabling safe, remote welding in challenging environments. Plus, with the ability to hire skilled welders to perform work from nearly anywhere, the technology strengthens the welding labour pool. The accessible nature of tele-welding opens the door for a wider range of individuals to weld, like those with physical limitations or who face geographical constraints. Combined with its scalability, it’s safe to say that the upside of tele-welding is tremendous and represents a significant advancement in the welding and materials joining industry that’s here to stay.

 

Boilermaking and Pressure Welding: Constructing Strength Under Pressure

Boilermaking and pressure welding are some of the most essential and intricate careers in the skilled trades. These specialized fields focus on creating and maintaining high-pressure vessels that contain liquids and gasses under high pressure, which is vital for industries where safety and precision are necessary.

Boilermakers and pressure welders employ a wide range of techniques, including shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), and flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), to create robust and leak-proof joints. Mastery and knowledge of various materials become crucial for these welders since each has different requirements and challenges. The work often involves working with heavy machinery and in confined spaces, making it distinct from general welding.

Industries relying on high-pressure vessels, such as energy and chemicals, ensure a steady demand for boilermakers and pressure welders worldwide. Their work is invaluable in ensuring the smooth operation of critical industrial processes and is known for safety, reliability and efficiency that guarantee vital structures endure the test of time.

 

Ironworking: The Backbone of Modern Construction

Ironworking is a cornerstone profession that has played an integral role in shaping modern cities and skylines. Ironworkers are the artisans behind the structural frameworks of skyscrapers, bridges, and industrial facilities, contributing their expertise to build the foundations of our world. Their work involves physically assembling these structures – typically creating the skeletal framework – with the precision and safety considerations that ensure their stability and longevity.

Ironworkers fabricate structural components, such as beams, columns, and trusses, and transport and install them while meticulously following blueprints and engineering specifications. They operate heavy machinery and cranes to move components into position and use various welding techniques to fuse them together safely. A strong sense of balance is required since work often occurs at high altitudes. Ironworkers will remain in high demand since we need buildings to live in and work at. They’re the backbone of construction and infrastructure development, providing support upon which cities rise and thrive. Their dedication and commitment to their craft make sure our modern world stands strong for future generations.

 

Welding in Military Applications: Bolstering Defence and Security

Welders in military service and defence industries go far beyond traditional industrial applications by fabricating and maintaining equipment and structures that safeguard nations, protect troops, and support military operations. Their work ensures the reliability and effectiveness of military hardware and infrastructure, making them critical to the military’s success. It’s a multidisciplinary field integrating welding expertise with military specifications and security considerations.

Military welders are highly skilled professionals who perform a range of specialized tasks. They manufacture military hardware, including armoured vehicles, weapon systems, and communication equipment, and perform field repairs. Shipbuilding, aircraft maintenance and infrastructure support are also essential components of being a welder in the military, making this an incredibly diverse industry to be a part of.

There is a global demand for skilled welders in military settings as nations endlessly seek to bolster their defensive capabilities and safeguard the values and interests of their people.

 

TIG Welding: Accuracy, Artistry, and Adaptability

Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding, also known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), is a welding technique celebrated for its precision, versatility, and exceptional weld quality. TIG welding is favoured by skilled welders across various industries, from aerospace to automotive, where meticulous control over the welding process is essential. It combines an artist’s finesse with a surgeon’s precision, making it one of the most admired welding methods in the industry.

Its ability to produce visually appealing, high-quality welds makes it the go-to choice for applications where aesthetics matter, such as architectural structures, artwork, and custom fabrication. It produces strong, reliable, defect-free welds, making it suitable for critical nuclear and semiconductor applications, and has diverse material compatibility, allowing it to be used across numerous industries.

Mastering TIG welding requires a significant investment in training and practice, as welders require high skill and control. Once mastered, however, welders can find themselves welding exotic materials like titanium and zirconium, commonly used materials in aerospace and medical device manufacturing.

 

Artistic Welding: Transforming Metal into Masterpieces

Welding takes on a whole new dimension when viewed through art. Beyond the traditional industrial applications, welding enables creative expression on an unconventional canvas, opening the door for artists to shape metal into awe-inspiring sculptures, intricate jewelry, and captivating installations. Welding as an art form marries craftsmanship with imagination, producing works that transcend function to provoke thought, emotion, and admiration.

Metal art’s most common themes and inspirations include nature, social commentary, abstract expressionism, and functional artistry, such as furniture and architectural pieces. Since exposure and recognition as an artist can be tough, many find welding art a worthwhile hobby. However, with perseverance, welded art pieces could end up in galleries, public installations, and homes worldwide. When welds are viewed as brushstrokes, a metal artist can breathe life into materials not commonly associated with the medium and bridge the gap between art and engineering.

 

The Verdict: Welders Are Here to Stay

The demand for skilled welders remains at an all-time high. As the industry and its technologies continue to evolve, job opportunities continue to grow and extend well beyond the traditional welding roles we’re used to seeing. There’s a niche for every interest and skill set in this dynamic industry, from the ocean’s depths to the vastness of the sky.

A transformative shift towards greater automation and digitalization is set to shake up the future of welding, but it still requires the human expertise and mastery it always has. These technologies are evolving to make welding processes more accessible, ensuring that welders remain vital to modern manufacturing.

Whether you’re someone considering a career in welding or a seasoned welder looking to explore new horizons, the welding and materials joining industry offers many exciting opportunities. No matter your interests, try picking up a welding torch, putting on protective equipment and exploring the wealth of opportunities welding has to offer.