Welder—Career Q&A: Professional Advice and Insight

What is it like to be a welder? In this Career Q&A video interview, Casey Hanak talks about her career path, what she does on the job, and the keys to success in welding. She also offers candid advice on breaking into the profession as well as insight into the industry’s biggest challenges and how the field may change in the next ten years.

Length: 15 minutes

ORDER CODE: BVL190129

Copyright date: ©2019

Closed Captioned

Welder: Main Duties and Responsibilities (00:33)
Casey Hanak works at Samuel Grossi and Sons, helping to manufacture hospitals and awnings for amusement parks. Mostly, she does half-inch welds.

Welder: Career Beginnings (00:60)
Hanak discusses how she became interested in welding after participating in a three-day explore program at Bucks County Technical High School. The whole world disappears when she dons her hood.

Welder: Keys for Success (01:20)
Welders need passion, determination, and be able to receive constructive criticism. Have a steady hand and listen to the machine. Hanak suggests a technical high school program.

Welder: Education and Certification Requirements (02:29)
Hanak discusses how her technical high school divided academics and job training. Certifications depend on the type of welding performed and the position in a shop. An American Welding Society inspector needs to periodically examine work to maintain certifications.

Welder: Workplace Atmosphere (01:43)
Most of the other employees help Hanak learn different techniques and feel comfortable as a newer welder. The standard schedule is 7-3: 30 pm, but overtime is offered. Welders are required to wear bright colors at the shop.

Welder: Advice for Aspiring Pros (01:08)
Learn everything possible, practice, and take advice. Burn-out is possible. A safety meeting is scheduled every morning at 6 am.

Welder: A Day on the Job (02:37)
Check wire, helmet, clean lens, snips, and gas levels. Typical attire includes jeans, steel-toed boots, bright colors, green jacket, welder's gloves, and a safety vest. Fitters will tack together pieces for welding.

Welder: Industry Goals and Services (01:01)
Welders fuse to pieces of metal through heat. Hanak wants her welds to have good penetration, no porosity, look pretty, and be the correct size.

Welder: Industry Challenges (00:51)
There is a shortage of welders because high school students are attending college instead of considering trade schools. Other challenges include sexism, learning how to work equipment, and safety concerns.

Welder: Looking at the Future (01:15)
In ten years some welding will be performed by robots. Machines will be more advanced and guns will come equipped with guides. There are always positions if one excels at a trade.