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What Does My MIG Welder Career Look Like?

Metal inert gas (MIG) welding “is an arc welding process in which a continuous solid wire electrode is fed through a welding gun and into the weld pool, joining the two base materials together.” As the need for experienced welders increases, so does the demand for a subset of MIG welders. Here’s what a career in this field looks like at a glance.

Education Requirements

You’ll need at least a high school diploma to become a MIG welder. Some employers are willing to take individuals with minimal skills and train them. However, others require you to complete either technical or vocational training. During this time, you’ll gain an understanding of topics like basic math, how electricity works and metallurgy.

Being certified as a MIG welder is ideal for most employers. You can become certified through the American Welding Society.

Job Skills

Thriving in this career requires some distinct skills. For starters, you’ll need to have strong technical abilities. You’ll be required to read blueprints, understand the fundamentals of design and be capable of seeing a project through from beginning to completion. Next, you’ll need great vision and attention to detail. MIG welders must consistently weld clean cuts and lines.

It’s also important to have dexterity. You’ll be constantly working with your hands and must keep them steady and operate with nimbleness. Finally, this career requires strength and stamina. You’ll often be working long hours and lifting heavy pieces of metal. So you’ll need the physical strength to endure.

Duties

MIG welders may perform a variety of tasks throughout each day. Here are some of the most common:

  • Join pieces of metal together using gas metal arc welding
  • Use torches, grinders, lathes and other equipment to assemble and repair metal pieces
  • Perform tests to determine weld quality
  • Maintain tools and equipment

Career Outlook

“Employment of welders is projected to grow six percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations,” according to the U.S. Department of Labor. This means there’s a solid demand for MIG welders, and job opportunities should be fairly plentiful for the foreseeable future.

A career in MIG welding can be rewarding for those with the interest and skill set. Understanding the essentials should give you the upper hand and increase your odds of finding success.

Looking for guidance in your career path? Get in touch with the experts at Axiom Staffing Group today.

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