Careers

Graduates from Ridgewater College’s welding programs have a wide range of welding careers that they can pursue.

Welders work with carbon steels, alloy steels, stainless steels, cast irons, aluminum alloys, etc. Common processes learned for joining these metals are stick welding, tungsten, inert gas welding (“Heliarc”) (TIG), gas metal arc welding (MIG), and others. Plates, sheets, and pipes are welded with a variety of joints.

Welding contractors and manufacturers require welders to fabricate from blueprints. Welders read the blueprint, lay out the job, fixture, and weld. This process requires a layout background of sheet metals, structure, and pipe.

Opportunities vary greatly from indoor work in manufacturing to specialized welding of stainless steel and aluminum. Many welders choose to work outdoors and travel for service or construction contractors. Many job openings are available in construction, bridge work, industrial fabrication, and pipe installation. Many Ridgewater graduates have opened their own businesses, enjoying the independence, travel, and excellent income.