MIG welder

MIG welders are often very busy individuals whose work day typically revolves around:

• reading and interpreting blueprints
• using the MIG welding equipment to join metal parts according to blueprints
• preparing work surfaces for assembling and welding parts
• selecting the right filler metals, wire electrodes, and gasses for different welds
• adjusting the amperage, voltage, gas flow rate, and wire feed speed for an ideal weld
• testing the weld for cracks, defects, and porosity
• cleaning and maintaining the welding equipment
• troubleshooting and diagnosing problems with welding equipment
• following safety standards to keep their workplace safe
• liaising with teams and supervisors to get equipment and materials in time to meet deadlines

The work of the MIG welder may vary from industry to industry and even in different departments of the company. Your skills will determine the environment in which you will work and the responsibilities you are entrusted with.

The job is fairly dangerous as it entails working with electricity, hot metals, and gases. Therefore, you need to be healthy and strong to move the metals around to join parts.

You must pay careful attention to safety precautions as MIG welding may expose you to different dangers. You may face an electrical shock, respiratory hazards, eye and skin burns, fire and explosion, and poor posture. It is very important that you wear safety gear at all times, as the job has many risks.

MIG welding works in different environments. As a result, the MIG welder needs manual dexterity to work indoors, outdoors, and in confined places. Some places you can work include factories, construction sites, workshops, and oil rigs.

Your work may be in a severe environment with extreme temperatures, different heights, and even irregular hours. Dangers on the job are among the reasons this role has a very high pay. Different metals you work on may have different complexity, which might be challenging, as well as the need to weld depending on different blueprints.

The teams you work with will typically depend on the industry and the company you work for. Good communication with your colleagues and customers is vital to the success of the projects.

Your colleagues may include other welders, fabricators, engineers, inspectors, supervisors, and customers. You may work independently or as part of a team. You may need to communicate effectively and coordinate with others to ensure quality and safety. However, accidents are very rare when precautions are taken – only 21 injuries per 100,000 workers, according to some estimates.

The work schedule of a MIG welder may vary depending on the employer, industry, and project. Full-time employment exists for MIG welders, but part-time or temporary positions may also be available. You may have to work for 5 to 6 days to meet deadlines and depending on the workload. Some days may be very tiring as you may work 8 to 12 hours per day depending on shift and overtime requirements.

It is possible to be called in for the weekend and night hours depending on the project, deadline, and employer. As alluded to earlier, you may have to work irregular hours depending on the nature and scope of the work.

Go with an open mind, as many factors may affect the work schedule, such as the location, season, weather, safety, and customer expectations. It is best to check with your employer or supervisor for the specific details and requirements of the work schedule.

A MIG welder has a positive outlook in terms of career prospects. There are many environments you can work in and branch out with time. You may also consider becoming a TIG welder and other welding opportunities. Whichever option you choose, you will enjoy literally building the nation with metal.

You can consider becoming a:

• master jeweler
• pipe fitter
• fabricator
• oil rig welder

Some of the roles may need you to take some extra certification and have some significant experience in welding. But once you have worked in MIG welding, you likely have the skills to handle whatever comes your way.

Working through Randstad offers you a range of benefits:

• being paid weekly
• flexibility
• always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
• many training opportunities
• a range of jobs in your area

Want a permanent contract? But you wonder why it would be interesting for you to work with a staffing company? A temporary job as a MIG welder is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!

There are many differences between TIG and MIG. However, the main differences are on the electrode, as MIG uses consumable electrodes while TIG uses tungsten. MIG is often simpler and faster compared to TIG.

You can use any of these four different simple methods to transfer weld metal to the base material; Globular, Short Circuit, Pulsed MIG and Spray Arc.

MIG welding is a great career as it has great demand high wages, and easy entry with room for career progression.

You need a MIG welder consisting of a power supply, a wire feeder, a welding gun, and a work clamp. You also need a spool of wire, a gas bottle with a regulator or flowmeter, and a hose to connect the gas to the gun. You also need personal protective equipment (PPE), such as a welding helmet, gloves, goggles, boots, and clothing.

You will generally work in a strenuous environment, but if you follow the precautions you will stay safe.

Applying for a MIG welding job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our MIG welding jobs for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV. If you do not have a resume, no worries. Just check out our resume builder. This state-of-the-art tool will help you to create your own resume. Need help with your application? Check out all our job-hunting tips!