Welding
“I know my skill will sell. Wherever [I] go, that knowledge goes with me.”
— Casey Hanevold, Wells Technology
See What Sparks Casey
What Do Welders Do?
- Study the science of materials and metals (metallurgy) to know how they work together.
- Melt pieces of material together to form new parts or products.
- Work in a manufacturing plant, outside, underwater, or even outer space.
- Plan work from drawings or specifications or use your knowledge of fluxes and base metals to analyze the parts to be joined.
- Handle diverse materials such as titanium, aluminum, and plastics.
Career Facts
A Good Living
Welders in Minnesota make $39,970 a year on average.
Strong placement
82% of welding students are hired within 6 months of graduation.
A growing field
549 students graduate each year from welding programs in Minnesota.
Working Conditions
Internal climate might get hot and dusty, requiring use of a face mask.
Safety First
You’ll need to adhere to all safety best practices and policies.
Welding Careers
- Manufacturing Welding Technician
- Welding Technician
- Fitter
- Maintenance Technician
You may complete your education in:
- Less than 1 year
- 1 year
- 2 years
College Programs
Northland Community and Technical College, East Grand Forks and Thief River Falls
- Welding Manufacturing Technology certificate
- Welding Manufacturing Technology diploma
- Welding Process Technology certificate
- Welding Process Technology diploma
- Welding Technology diploma
Central Lakes College
“When I was a kid, there was always a fascination with fire and sparks. I see a side of art and creativity, and I was inspired by that. You can work with sparks, welding, molten steel and do some really cool stuff.”
— Casey Hanevold, Wells Technology
Sources
Research and information are taken from:
- Career OneStop
- Career Manufacturing
- CAREERWise Education (formerly iSeek)
- Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic
- Minnesota State Colleges & Universities Workforce Assessment Initiative
- National Association of Manufacturers
- O*NET
- The Manufacturing Institute, U.S. Department of Labor and Wanted Analytics
Information is subject to change without notice.