Welder Fabricator Job Description
For many, becoming a fabricator is not fashionable considering the stress of the job. Well, welding fabricators cut, join, and shape various materials to form another material. They use heat and other tools to achieve this purpose. If you look at your home, you will find something that these fabricators have created. They are usually needed on construction projects irrespective of the size – they can build bridges to fixing machinery. Their role is one that cuts across various fields. They can help you construct steel frames, support industrial projects and even work underwater, especially in an oil rig. If you are contemplating on taking a career in welding, indeed, it is one with demanding skill.
Is There Any Difference Between Metal Welding And Metal Fabrication?
At times, there are misconceptions when we talk about metal fabrication and welding. Although the process is well-defined, many regular people have challenges in differentiating the roles of a fabricator and a welder. Although both fabrication and welding deal with shaping and managing metal, welding is an essential activity requiring a single task. Welders use specialized equipment to join metal together. However, metal fabrication involves the whole process, which including welding.
It deals with the cutting, welding, bending, and putting together all metal parts. In construction and manufacturing, you would need a fabricator rather than a welder because fabricators perform welding occasionally. In other words, a welder would still be needed to cut certain items. Nevertheless, you don’t have to confuse yourself as both terms are used interchangeably. If you work on a construction site, most managers will prefer to work with a fabricator when dealing with complex fabrication activities rather than hiring a welder.
In some situations, a fabricator would have to do more welding, but that is not a thumb rule to follow. It all hinges on the nature of the project and the manager in charge of it. Importantly, any reputable construction or manufacturing company would prefer to assign the task of a metal job based on the best-suited individual. Here, the experience is of more priority than the job role.
Duties Of A Fabricator:
Naturally, a welding fabricator is in charge of joining metal with different techniques, leading to a new structure. A welding fabricator’s duties and responsibilities include welding and cutting of materials as planned to be used. Here is a detailed list of what a welding fabricator does as part of their job to make it easier.
- Using a computer to design metal structures
- Cutting materials to different shapes as required
- Checking thicknesses and dimension of metals
- Carry out gas metal arc welding to manufacture components and items
- Working in a workshop or construction site
- Wearing and using protective equipment
- Cleaning equipment and tools at the workplace
- Following engineering drawings, plans, and instruction
- Dismantling metal structures
- Operating welding and machinery equipment
Salary Of A Welding Fabricator:
The expected salary a welding fabricator receives depends on various factors. However, the more experienced you are on the job, the higher your pay as a fabricator. For instance, in the United States, the entry pay for new fabricators is $37,000, whereas their England counterpart receives between £20,000 and £25,000. However, national median pay is $43,000, whereas those with high proficiency in the industry receive as little as $65,000. Nevertheless, in the United Kingdom, trained welding fabricator receives £25,000 – £30,000 whereas senior fabricators can earn between £30,000 – £50,000. If you are a self-employed fabricator, you have the liberty to choose your pay rates; here, you can get jobs that are here or below the minimum pay rate.
How To Be A Welding Fabricator?
There are several ways to be a welding fabricator. All of these will require your commitment and dedication. You can decide to get a college degree, become an apprentice, or complete special training on the job. The particular route you decide to follow will also decide your pay rate because someone who went to college and acquires a degree will receive a higher minimum rate than an apprentice. Nevertheless, the certificate isn’t much of a concern as most employers would prefer to ascertain the fabricator’s skill. Furthermore, they always look for enthusiastic people with willing to learn on the job and follow instructions.
Essential Skills – Welding Fabrication:
Therefore, if you decide you want to be a welding fabricator, you should consider following instructions judiciously. Notably, there are some skills that you need besides getting all the degrees you want. If you discover that you don’t have these skills, you can build and develop them because they make you employable when looking for a job. Skills are important assets, and as such, you should not downplay them.
Here are some of the skills that would help you in this adventure:
- The basic design and Math skills
- Knowledge of technology and engineering
- Attention to detail
- Ability to work under pressure
- Critical thinking
- Ability to read blueprint of construction items
Summary :
Welding fabrication is an essential career path for anyone considering that route. It deals with the cutting, welding, bending, and putting together all metal parts. In construction and manufacturing, you would need a fabricator rather than a welder because fabricators perform welding occasionally. In other words, a welder would still be needed to cut certain items. Although the job might look tedious, it is worth every investment if you love creating things out of nothing. You can start your career by going to college and progress your way to becoming a senior welding fabricator. Alternatively, you can learn the skill and start your own business. The route to becoming a welding fabricator is open for everyone, irrespective of academic background.
However, it is preferable to get at least a high school diploma while completing some projects. These projects would serve as a portfolio, which clients would always ask for when employing you. Furthermore, ensure to have additional skills such as understanding concepts, learning on the job, and knowing how to operate machines that you would use in your job.
Also read How to become an underwater welder
