Is welding a straightforward, physical, “no-brainer” type of skill? Let’s consider what it takes to be a good welder.
Welding takes high levels of dexterity and aptitude. It’s creative, technical, and challenging. You could even consider it an art. As we all know, artistic ability runs deep beneath the surface, to the very core of who we are as humans.
Welding involves a combination of soft skills. This means mental strength, beyond the physically demanding nature of the work. Being mentally fit enables the deep concentration and mathematical accuracy required in fabricating structurally sound products.
What Are Soft Skills?
Soft skills are the aspects of our personality that make us who we are. They are traits that make us good at some things and not so good at others. A few examples are communication, adaptability, creativity, organization, and diligence. Some soft skills are innate to us, others develop through experience.
Explaining soft skills gets tricky because personality traits are subtle and inextricable. There are no blueprints to plot out exactly who we are as individuals. We grow and change, adapting ourselves to our environments. Below are just a few of the qualities you will find in an expert tradesperson who has worked hard to become a good welder.
What Makes A Good Welder?
Attention to detail is of paramount importance in welding. Remember that lives depend on steel structures. For example, bridges, cars, ships, aeroplanes, and security gates need to be built according to specific standards. The safety of the structure being fabricated depends on your meticulous efforts. One small mistake could result in the loss of many lives.
Being detail orientated reflects well on the company’s standard of production and benefits the client, who will appreciate the accuracy of your workmanship. Accuracy is crucial.
A good welder is someone who takes accountability for their workmanship. Accountability means taking responsibility for your actions, constantly practising to refine your skills, knowing how to take constructive criticism, and learning proactively from your mistakes. This drives your attitude, doing work you feel proud of, striving to ever improve your abilities and proficiency.
Adaptability is needed to broaden your approach to help you keep up with new methods and changes in technology.
Having a head for numbers will keep you sharp, and having a knowledge base that extends beyond the task at hand will enrich your workmanship.
In a fabrication environment, it is essential to be a good problem-solver. When unexpected challenges arise, you must use initiative to create solutions. Being a team player means you will communicate effectively with other tradespeople to complete a project. It also means working safely in hazardous conditions.
Welding can be likened to an art form that requires constant practice. Only if you are committed to learning from your mistakes and constantly working to improve your soft skills in addition to your technical proficiency, will you be a truly good welder. If you need expert welding services, contact us.