Welding

“I know my skill will sell. Wherever [I] go, that knowledge goes with me.”

— Casey Hanevold, Wells Technology

See What Sparks Casey

Young Female Welder Working In Factory Wearing Protective Safety Gear

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

Central Lakes College

Testimonial

“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.