Welder Skills List and Examples

Welder Skills List and Examples



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BY ALISON DOYLE

 

Updated July 07, 2018

Welders study blueprints and calculate dimensions, and then use this information to join metal parts together. They often work in manufacturing. Welders help to build everything from ships to cars to planes to parts of buildings and other structures.

If you're a welder looking for work, show employers you can offer what they need by highlighting the right skills throughout the job process.

How to Showcase Your Welding Skills

You can stand out from the crowd by knowing the skills most employers are looking for in welders. You can then include these skill words in your resume and cover letter, and during a job interview.

For example, in your resume, you can include relevant skill words in your resume summaryor in your “Work History” section.

In your cover letter, pick one or two skills that you have that are important to the job. Include examples of times you demonstrated each of those skills, and explain how you used those skills to benefit a company. For example, you might mention how you used your skills in blueprint reading to produce thousands of precisely made materials for an automobile manufacturing company.

You can expand upon your skills in your interview as well. Provide anecdotes of times you have demonstrated some of the most important skills for the job. Again, be sure to emphasize how these skills helped you do your job well and add value to the company.

However, keep in mind that every job requires unique skills. Therefore, review the job posting to see what the employer is seeking in applicants. Try to emphasize those skills in your job materials.

Top Skills Welders Need

Mathematical Skills

Since math skills help welders perform tasks more effectively, they can help job candidates stand out. You'll need to be able to calculate the dimensions to be welded, read blueprints, and interpret sketches. Math will also come in handy when you cut and trim metal objects to specific dimensions.

Related Keywords:

Calculating dimensions to be welded





Interpreting sketches





Reading blueprints





Spatial reasoning





Understanding 2-D and 3-D diagrams



Attention to Detail

Good welders need to pay attention to details. For example, they should be able to evaluate equipment for purchase. They'll also need to clean grease or corrosion from parts and chip out holes, bubbles, and cracks prior to welding. They must perform work that requires minimal flaws. All of these tasks necessitate an attention to detail.

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Moreover, welders often work in somewhat dangerous environments. They, therefore, need to keep their workspace clean and safe.

Related Keywords:

Cleaning work area





Cutting and trimming metal objects to specific dimensions





Detecting changes in molten metal flows





Following directions





Identifying the characteristics of a joint





Inspecting parts and materials





Strictly abiding by safety standards



Physical Abilities

Your physical abilities can help make you more attractive to employers. Specifically, you'll need to be able to lift, bend, twist, and stoop to put together or dismantle large objects such as automobiles and aircraft. You’ll also need to hold a torch in place for long periods of time, so you will need steady hands.

Related Keywords:

Able to stoop, bend, reach, or stand up for long periods





Excellent close vision and depth perception





Hand-eye coordination





Lifting considerable weight





Manual dexterity





Physical stamina





Physical strength





Steady hands





Working in adverse conditions



Administrative

Welding is a physical job, but administrative tasks are part of the profession as well. Welders need to be able to document their work, have good organizational skills, and conduct inventory of supplies and order them. Welders also need to be able to plan and manage projects. This might involve working alone, or working effectively with a team.

Related Keywords:

Documenting work





Inventorying supplies





Meeting deadlines





Organizational





Planning projects





Prioritizing





Reliability





Time management





Teamwork





Verbal communication





Working independently



Technology and Tools

Welders should be able to clamp broken metal pieces together and melt and apply solder along adjoining edges of work pieces. They should also be able to monitor the quality of welds and components, repair leaks, and select and use grinders and other metal finishers. Moreover, welders should be able to set up fixtures and machine tools and test coils for air leaks.

In addition, welders should be able to use lifting and control devices, soldering irons, fillet and butt weld gauges, and hand tools. Welders should know how to operate a brazing torch, robotic welding equipment, and have proficiency with air carbon arc gouging.

Given that technology is constantly changing, it's important that welders learn the new technology necessary to help them effectively do their jobs.

Related Keywords:

Learning new technologies





Operating a brazing torch





Operating robotic welding equipment





Setting up fixtures





Setting up machine tools





Selecting and using grinders and other metal finishers





Using lifting and control devices





Utilizing fillet and butt weld gauges





Utilizing hand tools





Utilizing a soldering iron 



 https://www.thebalancecareers.com/welder-skills-list-2062500