Welding is an extremely interesting and varied process, and there are several
dozen different welding processes in use today. Some of the more popular welding processes
in use in industry are SMAW (stick), GMAW (mig, FCAW, flux core mig), and GTAW (tig).
Manufacturers have the ability to choose from literally hundreds of metal alloys, dozens
of welding processes, and an ever increasing number of filler metals and shielding gases.
Any or all of these variables most likely will require different tests for the welders.
Welders may be found applying their trade in foundries, factories, at construction sites,
under water and yes, even in outer space. Some are very highly skilled, and truly experts
at their trade, while others are just beginning an interesting career. Statistics continue
to confirm that with the shortage of skilled blue collar workers, those getting into a
skilled trade now will have the opportunity of steady employment for as long as they want
to work in their chosen trade.
Qualification versus Certification
Terminology and slang terms may vary from area to area and
country to country.
These two words are probably the two most misunderstood words in the vocabulary of a
welder. They are often used incorrectly and interchangeably. The use and understanding of
these two words often varies from company to company, province to province etc.
Often heard is the statement: "I want to get my ticket"… a polite
response to this may be… "which one"… because there are
literally dozens of various tickets available. Or someone will make the statement, "I'm
a certified Pipe welder" this is great! But in which welding process where you
certified? Which type of filler metal, alloy? Was it carbon steel or stainless steel? What
position(s) were you tested to? It is not our intention to embarrass or ridicule anyone
making these statements, but merely to eliminate some of the mysteries.
We may assume that not all welders need to be certified, but, in the interest of safety
and quality we would assume though that welders working on pressure vessels, boilers,
pressure pipe in refineries, structural steel for bridges etc., would have to be highly
skilled and capable of passing regulatory tests.
There are several governing bodies that look after the quality of weldments, to name but a
few, Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB), Technical Safety Standards Authority (TSSA), American
Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), American Welding Society (AWS), and American
Petroleum Institute (API). Governing bodies may oversee structural applications, and some
may be involved in pressure vessels and pipe, while some look after Nuclear facilities,
and so on.
Why So Many Tickets?
Several factors control the quality of a weldment. The
parent alloy that was used, the type of welding process, the filler metals, essential
variables such as amperage, voltage, shielding gases (if used), even the speed at which a
joint was welded may affect the quality of the weld metal deposited. Any time that a
change is made that would affect the metallurgical soundness of the weld, often requires
that a different "welding procedure" be implemented, thereby requiring that the
welder(s) be retested.
So What Now?
To sum things up, not all welders may need to be tested and
certified. Those who are, may not have been tested in all positions, possibly flat only on
structural steel joints as an example, using the SMAW process. This welder would not be
permitted to weld with GMAW unless further tests were done. Welder's tickets may only be
valid at the place of employment.
Welding is a challenging and rewarding career choice, those
who undergo training at a welder training facility have the option of being tested and
issued various documentations. It is the responsibility (typically) of the employer to
ensure that the welders are following the correct welding procedures and that testing was
carried out to confirm that the welder has the skills to perform the job.
Industry needs welders who can do the job, employers may be looking for various forms of
"proof of competence" whether it be previous experience, trades training,
previous tickets, etc. As an entry level welder leaving a training facility, you probably
do not have previous experience in the trade.
Prove to your prospective employer you can do the job by showing him/her your enthusiasm,
determination, a desire to handle the challenge and to continue with your learning
process.
Learning is a life long endeavour. I expect you will be challenged and rewarded by your
career choice as a welder.
"Show them your Mettel"
- Jonathan Bennett
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