Training to become a welder can take as little as a few weeks, or up to a couple years with on the job training.  The greatest opportunities in welding go to those who have the most amount of training.  Some coursework includes blueprint reading, shop math, mechanical drawing, physics, chemistry or metallurgy.

Welders may also be certified to perform certain functions by their employers by passing an aptitude test for the procedure.  Welders may work in a variety of unpleasant conditions and must wear protective equipment when welding.