Hiring a Pipe Welder
Pipe welders are tradesmen who join and repair pipes, pipe components, and assemble them to specified standards. Pipe welders typically work on-site, following all safety protocols to complete the job successfully and on time. These tradesmen work both indoors and outdoors, depending on the needs of their company. The work requires frequent travel as they have to visit job sites in different locations across the country. Oil, gas, and energy industries are the primary employers, although they are not the only sectors that provide employment. They get employed by a wide range of companies that deal with laying, repairing, and maintaining pipes. Some pipe welders prefer to start their own business or work freelance, while others prefer permanent employment offered by welding companies. Employers may hire part-time or full time, depending on the nature of the project. The pay scale may vary depending on the type of employment and tenure availability. Pipe welders usually earn an average annual salary of $59,500. Jobs in this profession are in demand, with opportunities expected to grow by 4% over the next decade, especially for welders trained in the latest technologies, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Designated tasks and duties
A pipe welder is assigned a variety of tasks such as inspecting materials, performing pre-welding preparations, maintaining tools, and welding components according to specifications and safety regulations. They are responsible for arranging pipes according to the job blueprint and welding them together utilizing manual or semi-automatic welding machines. They are also in charge of examining and repairing equipment, devising and planning work activities, and operating machinery and vehicles. Pipe welders are required to work under the guidance of the engineer, communicating and working unitedly with co-workers on all designated tasks. Typically, these workmen have to deal with supervisors, team-mates, contractors, and clients regularly. Additionally, they may be responsible for training new hires and maintaining documentation of the work they have performed.
When hiring for the role
Most employers require the applicants to have completed a trade school diploma or an apprenticeship or pipe welding certification. Having experience as a pipe welder is a plus. Candidates with a working knowledge of AWS, API, ANSI, and ASME codes and standards get preference. To be a successful pipe welder, the applicants must be competent in the study of schematics and in devising welding plans. A top pipe welder should be able to deliver a consistent and smooth weld. Since welding is a physically intensive job, these workers must be fit enough to work in cramped places, lift heavy equipment, and operate under harsh weather conditions. The candidate should have good coordination, the ability to think critically in crises, and have sound judgment and decision-making abilities. They should have the ability to assess, analyze, and manage equipment and systems and also troubleshoot issues effectively and effortlessly. Most importantly, pipe welders must have the aptitude for continuous skill development.
