Welding is a career that is in great demand right now. Lack of skilled trades in the work force has made welding a very sought after profession. “Hard work, dedication and the drive to be the best we can at what we do, sets welding apart from other trades,” boasts, STVT San Antonio, Combination Welding Instructor, Samuel Elizondo. We asked him for his professional thoughts why welding is such a beneficial career path. Here are 6 reasons why you should train for a career in welding:
- Skilled Welders Are Always in High Demand
Welding is one of the few career choices that is always in high demand. Since welders are vital in almost every industry, they have the flexibility of moving from one industry to another without changing careers. As a career choice, welding has endless opportunities that continue to fuel the demand. There are very few things made in the world today that have not been in the hands of a welder, at one point or another. In addition, according to a report by Weld-Ed, the National Center for Welding Education and Training, between 2009 and 2019, there will be a need for 238,692 new and replacement welding professionals. One major reason for the high need is that the average age of the welder in this country is about 60 years old. As this generation of welders retires, the demand for skilled welders to replace them, increases.
- Welders Have Endless Career Paths to Choose From
Demand for welders has been high all over the country, but in Texas, in particular, the demand has been strong for the past few years, largely because of the booming energy-related industries. Welding is career that offers a vast number of industries to work in, which greatly increases the number of career paths to choose from. A few examples of the fields in which you can work are: inspection, engineering, education, project management, sales, and robotics.
- Welders Have the Opportunity to Travel the World
Welders travel the world due to their jobs and their unique skill sets. Welding is done everywhere from the bottom of the ocean, to outer space and everywhere in between. It is a profession that can take you places.
- Welding Can Be Quite Lucrative
Welding is one of the higher paid skilled trades in the industry. Depending on skill level most welders make very good money. Did you know that welding is one of the few careers where you can earn a six figure income without a college degree? Highly skilled welders willing to travel and/or work in hazardous conditions can earn upwards of $100,000 a year. But remember, just like any other profession, when it comes to welding, salaries can vary a lot. If you are well trained, at a welding school like South Texas Vocational Technical Institute, willing to work hard, and possess a good work ethic, the sky’s the limit.
- Job Satisfaction: Welders Love What They Do
Welders are used to hard work and do not mind doing it. Becoming a welder takes patience, practice and persistence. Completing the perfect weld is a feeling like no other. Welders take pride in their work; that coupled with the fact that they are actually making something with their own hands, contributes to the level of job satisfaction.
- Welders Aren’t Stuck Behind a Desk
Many people choose welding as a career because they don’t want to be stuck behind a desk all day. Welders get to work in a variety of different environments from hot to cold, or high in the sky, to deep under water. The choices are endless.
As you can see, there are many reasons to pursue a career in welding and the possibilities are endless. To get started or to request information about the Combination Welding program at STVT click here.
Written by: Jennifer Robinson, Social Media Coordinator/Blog Editor – STVT Institute
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