Certified Welding Inspector Jobs
Welding is used in our daily lives more than you may think. It is a common way to permanently join metal parts together by using heat and fusing the two parts. Welders are often employed by companies that build parts for ships, automobiles, spacecrafts, and thousands of other manufactured products. Welding is also used on buildings, bridges, pipes and other structural elements. Some welding requires manual welding while other types of welding require a machine. Thus, a welder, and a welding inspector may work in all sorts of situations. Welding inspectors, are, essentially inspectors of welding equipment and employees. They ensure that the machinery is safe and up to a certain standard or specification.

Welding Inspection Process
In order to become a certified welding inspector, you will need to obtain a certain welding certificate. This varies from country to country. In the United States, the CWI (Certified Welding Inspector) certificate is widely recognized. You will need to complete an application, pass a welding exam and pay the required fee in order to obtain your CWI and be able to practice as a welding inspector.

Jobs Expectations for Welding Inspectors
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in the field of welding are expected to increase 5 percent in the next ten years. However, more opportunities abroad and in the oil and gas industry are expected to open up due to retirement in the future. Welders made an average of ,490 in 2007, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, this number increases depending on where you are working. For example, those working in Alaska, Hawaii and the District of Columbia made over ,000 in 2007 working in the field of welding. This number may also increase if you accept a job overseas.

School Expectations of Welding Inspectors
To become a welding inspector, you will need to attend certain courses. There are several vocational and post secondary institutions including community colleges, private welding schools and technical institutes that offer welding inspection level courses. You will need to pass the CWI before you can become a welding inspector. These certified schools offer comprehensive courses and certified training for those who want a career in welding. Courses in welding include mechanical drawing, mathematics, physics, chemistry, blueprint reading and shop mechanics.

Welding is a fulfilling career for anyone who enjoys working with machinery and with their hands. Because of the nature of the job, a welding certificate can take you anywhere around the world. You will be able to work in rural communities, mining towns and also in larger cities. If you want, you can travel and work at the same time; however, it is also possible to work as a welder for the same manufacturing company all your life. The choice is up to you.