Welder Spotlight

Welders fuse metal parts together – a vital function when it comes to oil and gas-related construction, operations or maintenance projects.

What a typical day looks like:

A typical day usually begins with a safety meeting. A Welder will then set up their welding equipment and read up on the drawings and specifications they’ll need for the day’s welding job. They’ll choose the type of weld and apply their own welding technique. There are numerous welding methods that can be used.

Welders work with tools such as blow torches, hand welding and flame-cutting equipment – even some advanced digital tools may be used for high-precision work. Then they start welding. Sparks fly and two pieces of metal become one. Once they’ve completed a weld, they’ll examine the work for any defects and to ensure it aligns with specifications. A poor weld can present significant safety and/or environmental issues. Quality control and safety are an integral part of a Welder’s job, as working with heat and open flames can present hazards. Their safety, and that of others, depends on smart welding practices.

Typically employed in the exploration and production (E&P), oil sands and oil and gas services sector of the oil and gas industry, Welders work in the full range of environmental conditions: from controlled indoor settings such as shops, to remote outdoor sites in variable weather. This may require working away from home, living in a camp, shift work and extended hours.

The kinds of problems Welders solve at work:

Welders need to be able to identify and fix a poor weld, which can lead to safety and/or environmental issues. Selecting proper joints and ensuring work materials are free of grease and dirt are just a few preventative measures. To ensure the quality of a weld, Welders often check it via x-ray, pressure-testing and other methods. If needed, they will weld the pieces together again to make sure that it is completed properly.

Skills used most on the job:

Welders are able to work well on a team but are also analytical and capable of independent problem-solving when they encounter flaws with a design or materials. They’re skilled with their hands and able to cut metal with precision. They’re also proficient at math and interpreting blueprints.

Every day could look a little different for a Welder. One day, they may be fabricating pipe in a shop and, the next day, they could be out in the field providing support while pipefitters attach pipes to a wellhead or storage tank.