One of the best-paying jobs in the blue-collar community is the job of a welder. It pays really well when you get the right employer and can be a boost to your income. According to Zippa, there are approximately 418,659 welders currently employed in the United States, and you can become part of this group! Keep reading to see what you need to do to find the right employer.
1. Search For Jobs Offline and Online
Keep in mind that not all job offers are available online. You’ll want to get right online and start looking, there will be good ones, but not all of them are posted there. While you may find some job openings online, understand that 80% of job openings are not posted online. This is because they are looking for specialized skill sets and licensed welders in most of these positions, which means that you’ll need to look through your certification group or ads. Some of these positions are still spread through word of mouth, and if you network with a lot of construction companies, you’re likely to be approached for your skills.
2. Look for Employers With Certifications
If you are approached for a job, or you find one online, you want to make sure that the company is reputable and has all their certificates. Depending on the type of welding they’re looking for, you want someone who can properly employ you in their business. Even if you sign on as a contractor, you’ll still want to make sure they have an official business license to make sure you’re protected.
3. Make Sure the Employer’s Insured
Another thing to look for when checking out the employer is if they’re carrying the right insurance for employees. There are certain things that each state requires for a business to carry for protection. As an employee and not a contractor, you need to make sure things like worker’s compensation coverage are available if you are hurt on the job. Businesses that also supplement these required insurance policies with other types of insurance usually care about their business and will be legitimate employers. <
4. Check Employer Reviews
Before you apply, do some research on the company and read reviews. Go through their social media presence first and see what the reviews from customers and other employees have to say. You want a full picture, so checking out reviews from all angles will give you insight into their business practices. There are also websites available where employees can go and review their employers. Make sure you visit them also, seeing how many stars they have and what other employees have to say about working there.
5. Look at The Facility During the Interview
If you get called to the facility for an interview, they are likely to walk you around to see the process. if not, ask to see where you’ll be working if you get the job. During this time, take into consideration the safety features in place, and ask questions about how they manage employee safety during the day, like spatter. Dangerously hot spatter can reach up to 35 feet from the welding area, placing employees at risk for eye injuries, burns, and spark-fire hazards, even if they aren’t directly working in that space.
Now that you’ve gotten your welding license, it’s time to seek out a good employer. Make sure you check all these boxes when you’re looking and find the employer that’s right for you. This is a specialized trade, so don’t get discouraged if it takes a little time to get started and build on your personal finance goals with this new income.
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