|
Welding
From the Top Down
July 25, 2004 Figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) suggest that job prospects for welders are excellent going forward from 2004 (see http://bls.gov/oco/ocos226.htm). The BLS estimates 452,000 welding, soldering, and brazing workers held jobs in the US in 2002 with the bulk of the welding jobs being topside welding. Because underwater welding is done in dry and wet conditions, commercial divers training in underwater welding will learn topside welding techniques. The commercial diver engaged in underwater welding will practice two types of underwater welding - underwater dry chamber (UWDC) and wet welding. The Office of the Director of Ocean Engineering, Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV), describes the topside and underwater roles of the diver-welder as follows: D-1.2 The information contained herein applies to both underwater dry chamber (UWDC) welding and wet welding. The welder-diver will not notice a great deal of difference between topside welding and UWDC welding. Other than cramped conditions in the dry chamber and encumbrances resulting from the diving gear being worn, UWDC welding is basically the same as topside welding; the welder-diver will simply need to get used to a welding arc, which is slightly different from that of topside welding. Due to the ambient pressure at depth, the UWDC welding arc is a little constricted and results in slightly different puddle action. D-1.3 Wet welding, on the other hand, is vastly different from topside welding. In addition to the influences of water current and bubbles, the welder-diver will find that “feel” plays a greater role in the welding process — the ability to feel differences in the way the end of the electrode is burning off. (see http://www.supsalv.org/manuals/uwsh/chap11/chap11AppD.html) Recent studies suggest that anyone interested in increasing their education and skill with welding will be eagerly accepted into the industry: ...the percentage of workers who can weld and who work in the manufacturing industries is on the decline. However, as in every field, there is a crucial need for talented people, and manufacturers want to attract people to welding who will help improve their products and their productivity. Industry has set a goal of investing in educational opportunities for people interested in welding, metallurgy, and closely related disciplines. (see http://www.aws.org/vision/vision.pdf) The key to opening job opportunities for yourself in the welding field, as in most other areas, is in education. The importance of education, particularly for the field of welding, is found in Major Finding #8 of Welding-Related Expenditures and Productivity Measurement in U.S. Manufacturing, Construction, and Mining Industries, as follows: 8. Nearly one-half of the establishments studied reported that their welding-related training needs are not being adequately met. Many companies report difficulties locating qualified individuals with welding expertise – from apprentice welders to engineers. The nature of the work and lack of advanced welding education programs are most commonly cited as the reasons for this problem. (see http://www.aws.org/research/HIM.pdf) Commercial Diving Academy is here to give you the training and education that will make you attractive to the welding industry. See a description of our topside welding training program in next week's CDA News on this website. Call us toll free at 888-974-2232 to speak to an expert in topside and underwater welding and the training we offer. Copyright 2003, 2004.
|
