I've been thinking about going into a metal trade job after graduation. Could someone tell me what types of jobs are available in this field? I'm interested in welding or metal fabrication.
Absolutely, happy to elaborate on that. The metal trades industry offers a variety of career paths that include a number of specialties:
1. Welder: These professionals cut, shape, and join pieces of metal for various industries such as construction, automobile manufacturing, and more. Types of welding can include MIG (metal inert gas), TIG (tungsten inert gas), stick welding, and flux-cored arc welding.
2. Fabricator: Metal fabricators work with raw materials to create metal parts used in various industries. They are skilled in cutting, bending, and assembling metal structures from raw materials, often by using machinery.
3. Machinists: Machinists use machine tools to create precision metal parts. They can produce large quantities of a given part, or custom produce single items.
4. Sheet Metal Workers: They fabricate and install products made from thin metal sheets. This includes ducts used in heating and air conditioning systems.
5. Ironworker: Typically work on construction sites to install the metal beams used in buildings and bridges.
6. Boilermaker: Boilermakers specialize in assembling, installing, and maintaining large containers which hold gases or liquids, such as boilers, tanks, and vats.
7. Millwright: Millwrights are responsible for installing, maintaining, and disassembling heavy machinery used in manufacturing.
Each of these jobs requires a different set of skills, although there is certainly overlap. Common to all of these trades, however, is the necessity for physical stamina, manual dexterity, and the ability to read technical plans. Remember, many of these fields offer apprenticeship opportunities, which can be a great way to get hands-on experience while also receiving classroom instruction. It's also important to note that each job may require different levels of training or certifications. Always research the requirements in your area and plan your education and training accordingly.
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