MEET THE PRO: Benjamin Hunter, Welder

By Arkansas NEXT on Friday, September 25, 2020

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

Arkansas Elite Welding Academy
Arkansas Northeastern College
Arkansas State University - Beebe
Arkansas State University - Mid South
Arkansas State University - Newport
Arkansas State University Three Rivers
Arkansas State University - Mountain Home
Arkansas Tech University - Ozark Campus
Black River Technical College
East Arkansas Community College
Lexicon Inc.
Nabholz Construction
National Park College
North Arkansas College
Phillips Community College
Southern Arkansas University Tech
UA Cossatot
University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology - McGehee
University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville
University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton

READY TO HIRE YOU

Cargill
CenterPoint Energy
Central Moloney Inc.
Hytrol
Lexicon Inc.
McKee Foods Corporation
Nabholz Construction
Simmons Foods Inc. & Affiliates
Tyson Foods
Welsco

"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

See more of your options in MANUFACTURING.