NTT Blog

Welding Certifications to Help Your Brightest Workers Move Forward

No matter how your business uses welding in its regular operations, everyone from the workers themselves to the customers purchasing the end product, benefit from welding training and certification. Investing in employee training shows employees how valuable they are to the business and how important their work is. Highly-skilled workers are less likely to make common mistakes and more likely to deliver quality welds.

When dealing with customers, it’s one matter to tell them you have a great group of welders who try really hard. It’s another to say most, if not all, of your workforce has welding certifications, from basic to advanced. Being able to stand by your product means you must have a good product. The best way to do this is to have trained and experienced workers performing your welds.

Whether your company works in construction, mining, manufacturing, transportation, or any other industry, a weld is only as good as a person who made it. Additionally, when it comes to safety, it’s no surprise that trained welders are generally safer on the job and can handle issues with more confidence.

Advancing Your Staff as Welding Pros

So how do you get there? Your welding team will have joined your operation with varying levels of skill — from possibly little or no skill to advanced abilities, complete with certifications in several types of welding.

One great way to train your welders is through certification training that is recognized by the American Welding Society (AWS). The welding class should also go through weld safety, how welding inspection is preformed, and the basics of Arc, Stick, MIG, and other forms of welding, as relevant to your business.

Other Best Practices for Building Your Welding Team

How can you promote safety and excellence among your workers? There are a variety of ways. Pairing newer welders with more experienced welders could help boost their confidence and help them get the feedback they need to improve their work. Addressing work issues immediately, without placing blame, can help solve problems in the business without anyone feeling singled out.

Make sure managers and shift leaders are on the floor, talking to workers and building relationships with them. A worker who feels comfortable approaching a supervisor about a potential problem is someone who can ensure a small fix doesn’t turn into a larger issue.

Who Should I Send to Training?

Attitude is sometimes a bigger indicator of success than technical skill. During training and when hiring, look for those who are passionate about their work, willing to work hard, and able to admit when they need help. The best technical welder on your team might be useless to you if they refuse to work with others and lack motivation to finish their work.

When it comes to deciding who will go into training, remember that training can also be a bonding experience for the team. Although it might be more costly, the more welders you send, the more cohesive and educated the group could be.

Are You Ready to Take the First Step?

Are you interested in improving the skills of your fabricators and welders? Connect with NTT today for more information on our Welding Principles and Procedures seminar.