MIG welders use metal inert gas (MIG) to join metal together. That’s the brief scientific explanation of what they do. But good MIG welders are part craftsman and part artist. Yes, they want their weld seams to hold up, but the really special ones also want them to look good.

Those are the welders that hiring managers are looking for, and if you’re hoping to be hired as a MIG welder, there’s a good chance you’ll be taking a weld test as part of your interview. This type of welding can be complicated, so you won’t be able to bluff your way through it.

But if you are a well trained and experienced MIG welder, you’re probably in demand and will have little trouble finding work.

Here are some of the other things companies will be requiring from a welding candidate:

Education: Candidates must have completed school training in a welding program. These welding skills can be learned at a vocational school or community college.

Certification: Many companies prefer MIG welders to be certified. The Canadian Welding Bureau licenses all structural welders in Canada. CWB testing is available at the Institute of Technical Trades’ Toronto welding facilities every two weeks.

Experience: Most companies are requiring a minimum of six months experience in MIG welding.

Pass a weld test: The quality of the weld must be judged to be good.

Comfortable working with a variety of metals: Carbon steel, stainless steel, alloys, aluminum.

Personal equipment: Candidates must have a welding helmet & welding jacket.

Shop equipment: Previous crane and forklift experience is a plus.

Attention to detail: Welders need to make clean lines and cuts when welding. Paying attention to the job at hand is also critical because of the dangerous nature of super-heated metal.

Dexterity: MIG welders need to have steady hands during the welding process.

Strength: It’s not unusual for welders to lift or hold heavy pieces of metal in place while they weld them.

Stamina: MIG welders can expect long hours on their feet, sometimes in hot conditions. They must be available to work a minimum of 35 hours each week.

Technical skills: Welding is complicated and requires technical knowledge. Welders need to read blueprints, do basic math,  and have an understanding of metallurgy and electricity.

Troubleshooting skills: Welders must be able to recognize flaws in welds and structural imperfections in the metal.

Good Vision: Keeping a steady eye during the welding process requires good vision.

Are you looking for work as a MIG welder?

We can help you find this and many other light industrial positions. Get in touch with HCR Personnel Solutions, a leading manufacturing recruitment agency in Toronto that recruits top professionals for exceptional career opportunities.