Role

Welder

Joins and repairs metal parts using welding techniques and safety practices.

12 chaptersAbout 4–5 months15–30 min a day11 skills2 projects
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Chapter 1 is free. No card needed.

Day 1 on the Welder path.

What a Welder does

Join and repair metal parts for buildings, vehicles, and equipment so structures and machines stay strong and safe.

  • Read drawings and job specs to plan welds and choose materials
  • Set up welding machines, gas, and safety gear for the task
  • Prepare metal by measuring, cutting, grinding, and cleaning surfaces
  • Weld parts using common methods like MIG, TIG, or stick welding
  • Inspect welds for strength and defects, then rework when needed
  • Maintain tools, replace consumables, and keep the work area safe
  • Record basic job details and follow quality and safety procedures

A day in the life

  1. Review the work order, drawings, and safety checks before starting
  2. Fit up parts, tack weld, then complete welds in the required positions
  3. Check weld quality, fix issues, and document what was done
  4. Coordinate with fabricators, supervisors, or inspectors on next steps

Tools you will use

Welding processes: MIG, TIG, stickCutting tools: oxy fuel torch, plasma cutterHand tools: grinders, clamps, wire brushesMeasuring tools: tape measure, calipers, squaresPPE: welding helmet, gloves, respiratorInspection tools: weld gauges, visual checks

Your plan

Chapter by chapter.

1~2 wks

See the work of a Welder

StartFree
2~2 wks

Welding Processes

Skills
3~2 wks

Blueprint reading workbook with take-off lists for five drawings

Proof
4~2 wks

Reading Drawings and Fitting Up

Skills
51–2 wks

Meet people doing the work

People
6~2 wks

Materials and Quality

Skills
7~2 wks

Tools, Problems and Change

Skills
8~2 wks

Working with People

Skills
9~2 wks

Small welded fabrication: tool stand or shop cart with drawings

Proof
101–2 wks

Prepare for Welder interviews

Interview
111–2 wks

Choose your route into Welder work

Decide
12on your timeline

Apply for Welder roles

Apply

By the last chapter

This is what you can show.

Things you've made

Blueprint reading workbook with take-off lists for five drawings and Small welded fabrication: tool stand or shop cart with drawings

Skills you can prove

11 skills, each rated on work you actually did.

People you've talked to

3 people who do the job, with a message ready for each.

Questions you can answer

19 interview questions and a mock interview, with feedback.

Credentials

5 credentials compared, so you can pick one, or decide you don't need one.

Ways in

There is more than one route.

Ways to study

  • Vocational or technical school certificate in welding
  • Apprenticeship with a fabrication shop or construction contractor
  • On the job training with safety and process instruction
  • Diploma or associate degree in welding technology or metal fabrication

How people get their first job

  • Apply for welding helper or fabrication assistant roles to learn shop basics
  • Join an apprenticeship to build hours and supervised experience
  • Earn an entry welding certification through a training provider
  • Build a small portfolio with photos of practice welds and test coupons
  • Volunteer for school or community metal projects with proper supervision

Life skills on this path: Networking · Job interviews · Job search

How the work is changing

What AI is doing to this role

How AI is changing this role · one of 5 tasks we track

Read blueprints and welding symbol drawings

Lightly changed

What AI does

Tablets and PDF viewers replaced paper prints on most jobs.

Still yours

You still work out how the joint really goes together.

Reviewed September 2026

In the app · Premium

The rest is in the app

  • How AI affects the other 4 tasks
  • Whether this job is growing or shrinking
  • How hard the first job is to get
  • Similar roles that are easier to get into
  • Updated every month, with sources
See it in the app →

How we rate a job →

Already working

Already a Welder?

Plan your move to TIG Welder: 9 chapters that end with a strong case for your next review.

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Questions

Questions about this path

How long does it take to become a welder with Welica?

The path is 12 chapters, 4–5 months at 15 to 30 minutes a day. You can go faster or slower; the plan moves with you.

Do I need a degree?

Not always. Common routes are vocational or technical school certificate in welding, apprenticeship with a fabrication shop or construction contractor, on the job training with safety and process instruction, or diploma or associate degree in welding technology or metal fabrication.

What is free?

Chapter 1, See the work of a Welder, is free for good. Premium unlocks the rest of the path.

Start the Welder path.

Chapter 1 free. About 15 to 30 minutes a day.

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