Like any profession there are things that separate the good from the bad in welding. These are general characteristics that all of the good welders have in common. Make sure to read through this guide with an objective in mind – don’t begin to compare yourself to these characteristics just yet. Wait till the end of the guide and then see what you have and what you need; we’ve found this to be the best way to really get a feel for what will help you in your welding career.

List of Welding Skills

Welding Skill #1: Ability to communicate

Again, as with any profession, the ability to communicate is key. When it comes to welding it helps mainly because of the effect that it can have on the learning curve. Welding isn’t an activity that many people just “get”. It takes effort, and understanding of who (or what) your support systems to make sure you get through the headache that is welding. If you’re involved in some form of welding education program, it helps to communicate with the professors there – it’s all about making sure that others have an understanding of what you need. If no one knows, then nobody can help you with what you need help with.

Welding Skill #2: Critical thinking skills

Welding is one of those activities that require a fair level of critical thinking skills in order to really be able to succeed at. Why? Well issues will constantly come up when you’re welding. Whether it’s a matter of not understanding why your welds are coming out a certain way or figuring out whether some person on a forum actually knows what they’re talking about – you have to be able to think about it objectively and figure out what’s up.

You’ll be surprised at the carryover that your ability to think critically has on your ability to weld and create functional items.

Welding Skill #3: Aware of surroundings

As you’ve likely guessed by now welding is not a harmless activity. It’s one that can and likely will inflict a fair amount of damage on you if you aren’t incredibly careful (and aware). Spatial awareness matters because you need to be aware of the exact place that you put every single item you use to weld. Not only is welding by itself a dangerous activity but the places where welders work can be incredibly dangerous. Places such as construction sites can be incredibly dangerous to those who decide not to be aware of exactly what’s happening around them.

Welding Skill #4: Steady hands

For obvious reasons, steady hands are of the utmost importance when it comes to welding. The ability to lay precise and evenly sized beads is the difference between an attractive and functional weld and a not so attractive and likely dangerous weld. Not only does not having steady hands reduce the aesthetic qualities of the weld but it can also make the welding process incredibly dangerous. Think about what happens when there is a high level of heat, metal splatter, and a person whose hands are shaking to such a pint that it makes the welding splatter even worse. Things get incredibly dangerous and likely very painful.

Welding Skill #5: All-around healthy

You wouldn’t think this, but welding is a physically taxing activity. This is mainly because of the fact that you will not only have to handle the welding equipment but if it’s your profession you’ll probably have to move a bit of other equipment – this can put a lot of stress on the body. Not only is welding an activity that requires the body to be able to handle the physical stress that we place on it while doing so but it also requires the mind to be alert. Depriving yourself of sleep can result in a deficiency in any of the above things – so make sure you get some.

Aside from those benefits mentioned above, a welder would also need to have:

Decent depth perception
Ability to maneuver hands (manual dexterity)

Muscle strength to move a solid amount of weight
Hand-eye coordination
The ability to work in less-than-perfect conditions

Welding Skill #6: Mentally capable

Not to sound harsh but, considering that having the ability to think critically is one of things included on this list, it makes sense to for the person who will be welding to mentally capable of handling the welding gear. Now this is a very broad characteristic but, as you read the bullets below, it will make a bit more sense.

Not only that, but welding has a fair number of administrative tasks that are typically included. This is another reason it’s important for a welder to have decent mental capabilities.

Administrative tasks include (but aren’t limited to)

Time management skills
The ability to communicate with others
Documenting work that’s been completed

Ability to meet deadlines
Be reliable
The ability to plan projects

Welding Skill #7: Good at math

Having fairly decent mathematical ability is a common trait because of the hidden math in the entire welding process. Knowing the thickness of your wire or the amount of gas you may need (if you’re not gasless welding) is important. To be able to understand these things, you’ll need to know how to do basic addition and subtraction (don’t worry you won’t have to be a mathematician to weld).

Aside from the basic math skills a welder would need you’ll also need to know these things:

Understand both 3-D and 2-D diagrams
Have the ability to read diagrams
Calculate dimensions

Have the ability to interpret weld sketches

7 more skills welders need (according to recruiters/employers)

Welding Skill #8: Must be able to learn new things

One skill that is of the utmost importance for a welder or trainee is the ability to learn.

Throughout the years, one is going to learn a few types of welding, such as stick, TIG, and MIG, essential techniques for doing a few different types of welding joints, the variety of shielding and welding gasses there are, and a plethora of other things.

The technology used in welding is going to always change just like the best practices used in welding are always changing. To be considered a great welder, one will have to constantly learn new things, especially when they are just beginning to weld – not to mention that it’s considered healthy to always train and learn more using professional development courses once one actually becomes a professional.

The ability to:

Torch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6HVJHsOGa0

Grinding

These 8 skills are things that every efficient welder tends to have in common with one another – and it makes sense for this to be so. For you to be efficient (and safe) while welding you must be aware of those and the things that are around you. This is a prerequisite of proficiency in a welding atmosphere. Now is the time to look at the qualities you hold and figure out what’s missing. Remember, the goal is to be an incredibly efficient welder.