Manufacturing today is an efficient, high-tech operation, and welders are the backbone of the industry. Welders must learn a variety of skills and processes in several methods of joining metals. Because of the on-going demand for skilled welders, employers seek qualified, educated people who can produce products meeting exacting quality specifications.
According to employment trends, the state of Iowa is expected to see a 14% increase of Welding positions through 2020.
2014 Median Wage: $17.00
Work Activities
- Controlling Machines and Processes
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
- Communicating with Others
- Getting Information
- Performing General Physical Activities
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
- Thinking Creatively
- Training and Teaching Others
Positions
- Production Welder
- Maintenance Welder
- Building/Structural Welder
- Ag/Construction Equipment Repair Technician
- Fabricator
- Automotive repair
- Auto-collision repair
- Iron worker
- Motor sports repair
- Welding repair shop
- TIG welder
- MIG welder
- Robotic welder
Skills
- Operation Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Manual Dexterity
- Hand-eye coordination
- Problem Solving Skills
- Patience
- Ability to Concentrate
Work Styles
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cooperation
- Concern for Others
- Independence
- Initiative
- Innovation
- Integrity
- Leadership
- Persistence
- Stress Tolerance
- Adaptability/Flexibility
- Analytical Thinking
- Self-Control
