[dljordan]

“There are a huge number of different welding certificates and most are hard to get since the welding is difficult. It is one thing to hire welders with proper certification and another to hire uncertified welders who might have excellent welding skills. Big problem for the construction company since it involves bonding and that is big money.”

I was at the local welding supply shop the other day and got to talking with the sales clerk. He said the illegals were undercutting the American welders here in Longmont, Co. The contractors are hiring them knowing full well they are illegal.

[mamelukesabre]

In my opinion, welding certificates are kindof a scam. Anyone with the ambition can make up his own welding procedure and get it approved with a fee and a testing facility. Then using that “made up” procedure, he can certify anyone he wants that can make a weld that will pass a strength test. Most places take the easy way out and “buy” someone’s pre-approved procedure and get their guys certified on that. It makes it easier on the industry since now that guy is qualified to weld for anyone that “owns” that pre-approved procedure.

But this is not the way the system was originally designed to work. Welding procedures were invented by each individual entrepreneur, and he then paid to have it approved. He basically taught his own guys how to weld.

[RightWhale]

The welders have to be certified. The places that do welder certification do actual demonstration of welding knowledge and skill. It would be hard to get by with faking it, including language.