Benjamin Hunter

Hometown: Jonesboro
Age: 25
Where I trained: Arkansas State University - Newport
What I earned: Technical certificate
Job title: Engineering Technician/Fabricator
Employer: The Greenbrier Companies in Marmaduke

Following in his father’s footsteps, Benjamin Hunter decided to pursue a career in welding to become the third generation of welders in his family. “Working with my hands and building is in my blood,” he says.

While earning a technical certificate in welding from Arkansas State University–Newport (ASUN), Benjamin won a Skills USA competition for welding. He entered the workforce as an entry-level welder but quickly climbed the ranks to become an engineering technician/fabricator.

In his current position at The Greenbrier Companies, Benjamin reads test specifications and proves theories as well as fabrication of parts. “The weld engineering department never has a dull moment,” Benjamin says. “I have honed my skills as a fabricator and even become quite knowledgeable about the engineering aspect involved with welding.

“What I like most about my job is learning new techniques and ways of achieving things I’ve only heard about in school.”

What does a welder do?

Welders fuse and cut metal materials. They can work in several different industries, so welders might build structures or repair existing infrastructure.

Responsibilities

► Utilize welding machines to cut or fuse metals such as aluminum or steel.

► Understand blueprints and calculate dimensions and specifications for the welds.

► Safely clean, set up and maintain the equipment.

► Supervise the process to prevent overheating.

Education Needed

A high school diploma or equivalent and one to 12 months of on-the-job training.

Related Occupations

Fitter/Welder, Fabrication Welder, Maintenance Welder, Sub Arc Operator, Welder/Fabricator, Fabricator, Aluminum Welder, Metal Inert Gas (MIG) Welder, Welder-Fitter.

Job Outlook

+9%
expected growth from 2016 to 2026 in Arkansas.

620
average annual job openings in Arkansas.

5,680
jobs in Arkansas by 2026.

 High-end earners in Arkansas (top 10%) make
$56,270 Annually
 Median wages in Arkansas
$37,900 Annually
$18.22 Hourly

This option is for you if:

► You are creative or artistic.
► At the end of the day, you want to think, “I helped build that!”
► You work to a rhythm.
► You’re patient and detail-oriented.
► You follow directions well.
► You like a challenge.

START YOUR TRAINING

READY TO HIRE YOU

"A day in the life for me as a welder is truly unpredictable and rarely repetitive. I never know what I’ll be designing, fixing or altering. And that is what makes my job fun for me." -Benjamin

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and CareerOneStop.org

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