Apprenticeships have been an ideal way for employers to train new employees for centuries, teaching students the skills they need to thrive in a specific trade. In fact, apprenticeships date back to the 14th century and are now experiencing a resurgence in popularity due to the growing skills gap and increasing demand for skilled-trades workers. One of the most prevalent trades that makes use of apprenticeships is welding. Welding is a highly skilled trade and 100% hands-on and visual, which makes the profession fitting for an apprenticeship.
Choosing the best welding apprentice
Entry-level training varies by welding type and is generally specific to the master welder (journeyman licensed). However, employers still want to ensure that they are choosing an apprentice with the basic knowledge and skills for welding. We’ve previously provided an article that highlights the importance of welding safety, Welding Safety Tips from NBS, which we cannot stress enough. In an environment where any type of welding takes place, safety must come first, which is exactly why employers who are hiring apprentices must be sure they know the basic safety rules.
Using an entry-level assessment to hire an apprentice
Welders are craftsmen and their craft can be extremely tedious and time-consuming. With that, mistakes can be very costly and when training and teaching are being conducted, mistakes do happen. To help employers minimize the risk and frequency of training mistakes, they need to identify the applicants with the greatest potential. An assessment test will do just that; help employers identify candidates with the basic knowledge of welding and safety.
Since most novice welders must have at least a year of welding training and schooling, an assessment test at the entry-level is a wise option. Because trade skills are now being introduced at the high school level and federal funding (Perkins Act) has been introduced to help close the trade gap, prior knowledge can be expected from applicants right out of high school.
Nocti Business Entry-level Welding Test
At NBS, we offer an entry-level assessment exclusive to welders. This assessment test covers the basics of welding across all varieties, helping employers and master welders identify the best candidates and ultimately a worthwhile apprentice.
Specific Competencies and Skills Tested:
- Safety
- Welding symbols and blueprint reading
- Oxyfuel cutting
- Arc cutting process
- Physical characteristics
- Weld fit-up and quality
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
See more details about our entry-level welding assessment here
With this entry-level assessment test, employers identify applicants with the highest knowledge base who are ready to be an impactful part of the workforce. More importantly, employers can identify the knowledge that a new apprentice lacks to better focus their training.
The benefits of having a great training program
The benefits of having an effective training program are far-reaching, especially for welders, which is why apprenticeships are such a brilliant idea for the trade. Not only do master welders shape and train employees to follow their own procedures, they also ensure that they have the skills and knowledge to help their business thrive. Other benefits include:
- Building their own workforce of skilled welders
- Worker retention
- High return on investment
- Receive potential funding and grants for hosting an apprentice program
Using the Nocti Business Solutions Welding Test
Nocti Business Solutions offers an assessment test specifically designed to measure the skills and core competencies an entry-level welder should possess. By using this test, employers in the welding industry can ensure that they select the best apprentice. They will be able to identify an apprentice who has the skills and knowledge to be an impactful hire; one who will quickly learn the skills they need to achieve success as a welder. Whether you are a MIG, STICK, or TIG welder, our assessment test covers all the basics. If you are using apprenticeships to grow your business and help young trade workers succeed, contact NBS for a sample assessment today!
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