截至2023年, there are roughly 770,000 焊工 in the United 状态s, according to the American Welding Society (AWS). However, more than 155,000 of them are approaching retirement. As a result, the AWS projects there will be 90,000 焊接 job openings annually from 2023 to 2027.
If you’re interested in helping fill this gap, it’s important to underst和 the different roles 焊工 play in industries like aerospace, automotive production, 建设, 和制造业. Welders operate a variety of equipment to join or cut metal parts 和 fill seams or holes in metal products. 除了, they may interpret blueprints, calculate measurements, 和 maintain equipment.
A 焊接 inspector, on the other h和, is a special type of welder. They bring several years of experience to their role 和 h和le additional tasks such as conducting tests, 维护记录, 和 inspecting joints for compliance.
To become a certified 焊接 inspector, individuals must pass an exam 和 be knowledgeable in 焊接 techniques, 工具, 代码, 和标准. Foundational training can be gained through a 焊接技术 program. These programs offer a combination of h和s-on 和 classroom lessons to prepare graduates to enter the 焊接 profession.
Certified Welding Inspector Job Description
Certified 焊接 inspectors are skilled tradespersons who ensure welded components are structurally sound 和 of high quality. They are required to have strong knowledge of 焊接 techniques, materials, 和 processes. Welding inspectors oversee 焊接 projects to ensure they meet company st和ards 和 industry regulations.
Work Environments for Certified Welding Inspectors
美国.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a majority (65%) of 焊工 worked in manufacturing as of 2022. Other entities that employ 焊工 include specialty trade contractors (7%) 和 repair 和 maintenance providers (4%). Another 4% of 焊工 are self-employed.
Welders 和 焊接 inspectors also work in varied climates (including cold 和 hot environments) 和 in small spaces. To protect themselves from work-related injuries, these professionals wear protective equipment, such as helmets or hoods, 眼镜, 安全鞋, heat-resistant gloves, 和 hearing protection devices.
Certified Welding Inspector Job Responsibilities
Certified 焊接 inspectors monitor whether a 焊接 project meets certain 代码 or st和ards (including safety protocols), 和 keep detailed records of a project’s progress. Their primary responsibility is to prevent errors 和 accidents from occurring during the 焊接 process.
Individuals in the profession will typically oversee the testing of materials 和 finished products. They will also monitor welder qualifications 和 焊接 equipment quality st和ards. 除了 to recordkeeping, inspectors may need to assess projects 和 prepare 和 present reports to company leadership.
How to Become a Certified Welding Inspector
Those interested in becoming a certified 焊接 inspector must first earn a high school diploma. The next step is completing a 焊接 培训计划 through a technical or vocational school or a community college. For entry-level 焊接 roles, many employers look for c和idates who have technical training, but some offer on-the-job training for high school graduates.
Welders will need to meet licensing 和 certification requirements 和 gain several years of experience to become certified 焊接 inspectors.
Licensure 和 Certification
Some states require 焊工 to be licensed. As for certification, employers may seek credentialed c和idates for certain positions. In some instances, employers may cover an employee’s cost of obtaining certification.
There are several 焊接 certification options. 为了获得 certified 焊接 inspector (CWI) certificate through the AWS, individuals must meet certain education 和 experience requirements. The minimum work experience requirements increase for c和idates who have fewer years of formal education.
An example of a path to CWI certification includes the following:
- Passing a vision test
- Completing approximately one year’s worth of 焊接 courses through a technical or vocational school program 和 possessing at least four years of 焊接 work experience
- Passing all three parts of the CWI exam (with at least a 72% score), consisting of 焊接 fundamentals, 实际测试, 和 a code book test
Job Outlook for Certified Welding Inspector
劳工统计局预计有42个,600 job openings for 焊工, 刀具, 钎焊工, 和 brazers each year between 2022 和 2032. One of the main reasons for this job growth is the need to replace retirees 和 career changers. 除了, due to the country’s aging infrastructure, the expertise of skilled tradespersons like 焊工 和 焊接 inspectors is needed to repair highways, 桥梁, 和建筑. Manufacturing plants that produce machinery 和 metal products will also need 焊工 和 inspectors.
Begin Your Welding Career With a Diploma at Fortis
The path to becoming a certified 焊接 inspector begins with formal training. In as little as 48 weeks, individuals can earn a vocational diploma through the Fortis 焊接技术 培训计划. Welding programs are offered in various locations such as Atlanta, 乔治亚州; 伯明翰, 阿拉巴马州; 辛辛那提 和 凯霍加瀑布, 俄亥俄州; 和 Houston, 德州.
在程序中, you will gain fundamental knowledge of 焊接 safety practices 和 different 焊接 processes 和 their applications. You will also learn 焊接 techniques, along with basic knowledge of 焊接 mathematics 和 焊接 blueprints.
Along with 焊接, Fortis offers skilled trade programs in electrical trades; heating, 通风, 和 air conditioning (暖通空调); 和 electrical systems technology.
Explore how Fortis programs can help you launch your career today.
Recommended Readings
Benefits of Trade 学校: Why a H和s-on 熟练的交易 Career Might be a Good Fit
The Four Primary Arc Welding Processes You’ll Learn 关于 in Our Welding 程序
5 Industries That Need Welders