OCCUPATION: WELDER

Name: Lonny Medina Company: Action Welding, Anaheim Thumbs up: “I like welding because it’s challenging and it’s never the same. We do a lot of different things, including welding in the shop and out in the field. Sometimes we end up at Disneyland or on top of Laguna Niguel or at the El Toro Marine base fixing everything, mainly repairing stainless steel.” Thumbs down: “The only thing that bothers me is running into hazardous conditions. Welding over toxics sometimes is dangerous. But there’s not too much I don’t like about the job. Because I own this business, sometimes I have trouble getting the bills paid.” Next step: “I want to make my business grow and become one of the most competitive welding businesses in Orange County. I’d like to have a bigger fleet service too.” Advice: “Try to take adult education or junior college courses in welding instead of going to a welding trade school because that’s an expensive way to learn the trade. And it’s a very good trade to have in the ‘90s. There’s a lot of repair going on out there.” Salary range: In Orange County, welders earn between $5.65 and $23.13 hourly. Educational and training requirements: Metals and welding courses are given at high schools, community colleges and some adult education centers. Welders must be certified for jobs in which failure of welds can be dangerous. To be certified, welders must pass qualification tests given by some employers, trade associations and government agencies. Size of work force: Medium. In Orange County, 2,840 to 3,440 people, or 0.3% of the labor force, work as welders. Expected demand: Limited. The decline of the aerospace industry in Orange County has led to job losses in the welding industry. And the increased use of welding robots may also contribute to the decline in jobs. However, welders will still be needed for repair, maintenance and other work in manufacturing that cannot be automated, with demand for combination arc and gas welders being the greatest. Job description: Welding is a method of joining two metals. In arc welding, heat is produced by an electric current; arc welders are preferred on large jobs, such as fabricated work with heavy plates and large shapes or in production line and general assembly operations. Gas welding is done with a flame using a combination of gases. Gas welders generally do small repairs or delicate jobs on light metals or tubing. Combination welders are skilled in both arc and gas welding and work from blueprints, layouts and work orders. Major employing industries: Many welders are members of unions such as the International Assn. of Machinists and Aerospace Workers or the United Assn. of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry. Welders seeking work may also try direct employer contact with welding companies, manufacturers, machine shops, truck and automobile body shops, heavy equipment industries and makers of steel products. Advancement: Varies. The most common step is from journey-level worker to lead or job-shop supervisor or, with the required experience and training, to inspector or welding instructor. For more information: To learn about the test to become a certified welder or an inspector, or for information on the trade, call the American Welding Society in Miami at (305) 443-9353, Ext. 215. Researched by DALLAS M. JACKSON and MIMI KO / Los Angeles Times