3 Career Resources to Help You Land Your First Welding Job

After learning fundamental skills and gaining valuable credentials in welding school, it’s time to start searching for a job in the field.¹

While you likely know how to set up a welding machine and fuse strong metal joints, finding and applying for welding jobs may be less familiar territory.

Not to worry. There are plenty of career resources to help with this stage of your journey to becoming a professional welder.

Find 3 places to start the welding job hunt below.

1.  Local Welding Companies

If you’re looking for a job near the TWS campus where you completed your welding program, reaching out to local companies can be a good place to start. Introducing yourself to employers in the area may help you discover open welder positions.

Where should you look? Welding jobs can be available in a broad range of industries, including manufacturing, construction, oil and gas, mining and even car racing. Businesses specializing in these areas can all be places to check.²

Here are a few Oklahoma-based companies that hire welders:

• Mertz Manufacturing, Inc.
• Trinity Industries
• Alliance Steel Inc.
• Dougherty Forestry Manufacturing
• W&W AFCO Steel
• Matrix Service Company³

Keep in mind that welders can be valuable across multiple industries, from small-scale welding shops to larger manufacturing companies. Don’t be afraid to cast a wide net when applying for jobs.

2.  Welding Job Boards

Many companies that employ welders report difficulty finding good candidates. With a shortage of qualified applicants, it’s not uncommon for companies to post ads on welding job boards.⁴

Below are two reputable welding organizations offering job boards for welding companies and welders:

American Welding Society Career Center

The American Welding Society (AWS) is one of the most recognized names in the welding industry due to their commitment to offering industry knowledge, tools and resources for welders. The career center section of the AWS website can be a valuable resource for job-seeking welders.

AWS allows you to filter jobs by location and browse by job function or category in specific states. For example, you can look for certified welder jobs, welding educator jobs, welding inspector jobs and welder/fitter jobs if you want to refine your search.

Creating a new account is free, and once you do, you can upload your resume and apply for new job postings.⁵

Fabricators & Manufacturers Association Job Postings

The Fabricators and Manufacturer’s Association is an international entity, which means their featured jobs section can give you a look at career opportunities from around the globe.

The site allows you to narrow down job opportunities by location. Each job listing gives a detailed explanation of the position with information on how to apply. You can apply in just a few clicks if you create a free job-seeker account and upload a resume.⁶

3.  TWS Career Services Department

Tulsa Welding School has a dedicated Career Services Department, which can be a valuable resource for students who are apprehensive about taking the next steps toward their welding career or who are in good standing and need assistance long after graduation.

The Career Services Department at TWS can help students with a range of job-seeking tasks:

• Resume preparation
• Employer weld test practice
• Welder interview guidance
• Employment search assistance

In addition, TWS holds employer recruitment testing on-site for those who have received their training from the school. The department has connections with locally based and nationwide employers.

Search Smarter with Welding Career Resources

Whether you have your sights set on a welding career in the oil and gas industry, construction, a fabrication shop or another sector, using resources like the ones above may help with the search.

Once you’ve found the position you want and landed a meeting, read these 5 tips for a welding job interview.