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Welding Machine Operators set-up, adjust, operate and tend welding machines to permanently join metal components of products such as auto and aircraft parts, brackets, panels, housings, electrical circuit boards, and jewelry parts. The components are joined using heat and/or pressure and metal fillers. These workers may use blueprints and other instructions to determine the specifications of a particular product or job.  

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION  

Welding Machine Operators may:  

Insert a specified welding rod, electrode, or welding torch tip into the welding machine  

Set machine guides and work-holding devices  

Adjust the welding machine controls for the proper flame, electric current, or air and hydraulic pressure  

Align and feed the work piece into the machine and remove it after the weld has been completed  

Tack-weld critical spots to secure the work piece prior to completion of the final weld  

Devise and build fixtures to hold odd-shaped work pieces  

Observe machine operation to detect malfunctions and to insure compliance with procedures  

Turn knobs to synchronize machine action, and set switches to stop the machine at the end of a weld  

Record setup and operating data  

Inspect finished products for adherence to specifications and for defects  

Test machines for proper operation  

Tools and equipment used by Welding Machine Operators may include:  

Materials used may include:  

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES  

Welding Machine Operators may specialize in operating a particular type of machine and have titles such as:  

812.682-010 RESISTANCE-WELDING-MACHINE OPERATOR,  

810.382-010 ARC-WELDING-MACHINE OPERATOR, or  

811.482-010 GAS-WELDING-MACHINE OPERATORS.  

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:  

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS  

Welding Machine Operators may work alone or as part of a team. To prevent burns, cuts, and eye injuries, Welders wear protective clothing, goggles, helmets, and face shields. They may work in the presence of toxic fumes and gases. Welders should be able to withstand heat when using welding equipment and wearing protective clothing and face shields. They may also have to withstand loud noise, and vibration and be in contact with rust, grease, and dirt on metal surfaces.  

Most Welding Machine Operators work 5 days a week, 8 hours a day. Many companies, such as automotive manufacturers, have several shifts. Therefore, workers may be required to work afternoon or evenings. Some Welding Machine Operators may work overtime.  

Welding Machine Operators are generally required to wear gloves, helmets, goggles, and safety shoes. In most cases, they are required to purchase at least some of those items. Depending on the employer, they may also be required to join a union. Union members must pay dues.  

You Should Prefer:  

• Activities dealing with things and objects  

• Activities of a routine, definite, organized nature  

• Activities involving the use of machines, processes, or methods  

You Should Be Able To:  

• Repeat activities or tasks of short duration  

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy  

• Rate information using standards that can be measured or checked  

• See detail in objects or drawings and recognize slight differences  

• Coordinate the use of your eyes and hands or fingers  

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:  

If one piece of .045" mild steel is welded to a piece of .062" mild steel, calculate the weld time and weld current.  

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:  

A vertically up weld begins at the bottom of the joint and ends at the top of the joint. The electrode is tipped in the direction of travel about 10-20 degrees. The greatest problem in vertical welding is the molten metal in the arc crater.  

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:  

Prepare an analysis following an inspection of a finished product indicating adherence to specifications.  

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:  

Should be able to demonstrate analytical skills and be detail oriented in assessing job specifications and operating welding machinery.  

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES  

NOTE: This occupation requires On-The-Job Training provided by the employer; a High School Diploma or Equivalent; a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes; a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond high school) or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.  

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:  

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***  

0300 AUTOMOTIVE , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 2200 MATH , 2300 METALS , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY  

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***  

029 MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY  

Approved vocational education programs in Manufacturing Technology prepare students for one or more occupations in manufacturing. The cluster of courses provides for occupational competence which can be applied to many job titles in manufacturing. Courses in other trade and industrial programs may be required for completion of this program.  

051 WELDING, BRAZING, & SOLDERING  

Approved vocational education programs in Welding, Brazing, and Soldering prepare students to use a gas and/or arc welding process to braze and solder metal parts according to diagrams, blueprints, or written specifications. Courses in other trade and industrial programs may be required for completion of this program.  

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.  

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***  

193 PRODUCTION WELDING  

Programs in Production Welding provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for employment which requires joining metal parts through the use of heat and pressure. Welding Machine Operators work on a production line using previously set-up gas, arc, and resistance welding machines and equipment. They are employed in the manufacturing industry. Similar opportunities are identified in the MOIS Welding Postsecondary Program #178.  

Courses vary from school to school but may include:  

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***  

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript  

***MILITARY TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES***  

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript    

E-Learning Courses and Programs    

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY  

Some employers require Welding Machine Operators to pass a performance test before they are hired. A high school diploma or it's equivalent is usually required or preferred.  

                School-to-Work opportunities include:  

informal apprenticeships  

mentorships  

job shadowing experiences  

touring a local Welding Machine Operator employer  

internships  

volunteer work with a Welding Machine Operator employer  

community service work with an agency  

Secondary vocational education programs in welding, brazing, and soldering and manufacturing technology, as well as postsecondary programs in production welding may offer a co-op portion which includes practical experience. Summer jobs on production lines in manufacturing companies, such as automobile plants may also offer experience.  

Most Welding Machine Operators enter this occupation by applying directly to employers. Individuals might contact a local office of Michigan Works!, a local union, or your school placement office for information on available positions. Job openings are often listed in newspaper want ads. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Jobs & Career Portal  

Michigan Talent Bank

America's Job Bank  

Classifieds Employment  

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.  

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT  

Earnings of Welding Machine Operators depend on the experience and skill of the worker; size, type, and geographic location of the employer; and the extent of unionization.  

Nationally, Metal and plastics processing machining operators, including Welding Machine Operators had median weekly earnings of $509 (or $12.73 per hour) in 1999.  

In mid 2000, earnings of experienced Welding Machine Operators in the auto industry was about $21.70 to $23.57 per hour. They also received a cost-of-living allowance.  

Welding Machine Operators in Michigan had average hourly wages of $12.60 (2000).  

The 1998 graduates of high school vocational education programs in Michigan working in jobs related to this occupation in 1999 earned a beginning average hourly wage of $9.84.  

Welding Machine Operators may receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, and health insurance; sick leave; and retirement plans. Some Welders and their dependents also receive dental and optical benefits. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by employers.  

Newly hired workers usually begin as welder helpers or trainees. They usually advance to Welding Machine Operator after gaining experience. Welding Machine Operators might advance to supervisor, depending on experience, ability, and supervisory skill.  

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK  

About 109,600 Welding Machine Operators were employed nationally in 1998. The majority were Production Welders. The employment of Welders is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2008. The industry distribution for Welding Machine Operators looked like this:  

In certain industries, employment of Welders will increase. These industries include construction as well a wholesale trade, repair, and other service. The level of construction is expected to expand as is the number of metal product needing repair, increasing the need for welding and cutting. The work is generally less routine and more difficult to automate than other welding jobs.  

Greater use of welding robots and other technologies, as well as the substitution of high-strength composite materials and plastics for metals should cause employment declines. Robot welding systems have already eliminated some routine jobs.  

Welders will be needed in maintenance, repairs, and other work in manufacturing that cannot be automated. Additional Welders will be needed as present workers leave their jobs to transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. Those employed in construction and manufacturing are vulnerable to economic conditions.  

There are about 10,475 Welding Machine Operators employed in Michigan. All worked in the manufacturing industry.  

Employment of Welding Machine Operators is expected to decline through the year 2006. An average of 270 openings is expected annually, almost all due to replacement of workers who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Keen competition is expected as the number of job applicants is expected to greatly exceed the number of job openings. Welding is replacing other ways of joining metals. Demand for metal products should continue. However, the increasing use of industrial robots in Michigan to displace many Machine Welders will probably limit the number of new jobs in this occupation.  

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2006  

MSA designates a Metropolitan Statistical Area.  

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  

Printed occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below:  

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development