Skilled-workers particularly in the field of welding, automotive, and electronics has a great chance of working and even migrating overseas. Welders are needed in a various industries like structural steel assembly, pipeline construction, commercial construction, industrial construction, steel fabrication, and heavy equipment repair. Experienced welders may advance to positions such as welding inspector or welding foreman. Countries that are in need of welders are Australia, Canada, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Oman, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and South Korea.

Salary

Canada: (Structural welders) CAD 27.20 or Php 1,227 per hour plus overtime

           (Pipe welders) CAD 27.50 or Php 1241 per hour plus overtime

Australia: AUD 30 per hour plus overtime or Php 1,130

KSA:       USD 186–430 or Php 9,500 to 22,000 per month

Different types of welding techniques:

Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW)

Gas metal arc welding (GMAW)

flux-cored arc welding (FAW)

Plasma arc welding (PAW)

Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW)

Resistance welding

Submerged arc welding (SAW)

General Qualifications

A minimum of 54 months experience and 7,020 working hours as a welder

High School graduate

Must have at least a short course certification in the said field

Physically fit

Knowledge in welding techniques like SMAW, GMAW, OAW and SAW.

Proficient in the English language

Health hazard

The work of a welder is not easy. It requires physical strength because they often lift or handle heavy objects. The nature of the job also makes them prone to strains, burns, sprains and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs. It also exposes them to deafening noise and extreme heat or cold. Caution must be exercised at the workplace because welders work near flammable and combustible liquids. The flames emit intense visible, ultraviolet, and infrared radiation. This may lead to hearing loss, and skin and eye disorders. Welders are also at risk of developing respiratory tract infections because of exposure to chemicals. Inhaling welding fumes may lead to liver, nasal, stomach, and lung cancers

Preventive measures

A safe working environment is a must to ensure the good health of welders. The following should be observed at the workplace:

Proper ventilation

Correct personal protective equipment (PPE) that consists of  eye glasses with UV protection, ear protection, proper clothing like heavy leather gloves and aprons that are fire resistant

Store flammable and combustible materials far away from the work areas

Ladders or scaffolding should be inspected before usin

Know how to use fall protection equipment and safe lifting techniques.

Job Openings

Listed below are some of the approved job orders for welders posted at the POEA website. For the complete list, visit http://www.poea.gov.ph/

For those who are interested to pursue a career in welding, The Technical Education and Skills Development for Authority (TESDA) offers free training. Welder is also included in the list of courses under the PGMA Work Scholarship program. Visit the TESDA website at www.tesda.gov.ph for more information.