{"schemaVersion":"1.0","exportedAt":"2026-05-15T12:39:38.002Z","occupation":{"soc":"51-4121.00","title":"Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers","group":"Production","sector":"31-33","jobZone":2,"jobZoneInferred":false},"framework":{"version":"v.26.05","description":"","contextCovered":"This framework covers welding, cutting, soldering, and brazing competencies from entry-level shop floor production through senior lead and departmental leadership roles in manufacturing and fabrication environments.","levels":{"emerging":{"label":"Emerging","statements":["Personal protective equipment and shop safety protocols — identify and apply under direct supervisor guidance on a production floor.","Shielded metal arc and basic gas metal arc welding equipment — recognize components and set up with hands-on assistance in a vocational training environment.","Flat-position weld beads on mild steel — execute following step-by-step instructor direction in a controlled shop setting.","Workpiece dimensions and surface conditions — measure and visually inspect using straightedges and templates under close supervision before fabrication begins.","Filler rods, flux, and torch tips — select from a provided welding chart with guidance from a journeyman welder on a light fabrication job.","Faulty equipment operation or defective base materials — recognize common indicators and report immediately to a supervising welder or shop lead.","Job numbers and piece marks — apply to finished components using standardized marking methods as directed by work order instructions.","Hand tools common to the welding trade — identify, handle, and use safely under direct observation during entry-level shop tasks.","Basic metallurgy terminology and weld joint types — recall and apply in guided classroom or on-the-job learning exercises.","Work area cleanliness and hazard controls — maintain consistently as part of daily shop housekeeping routines directed by a supervisor."]},"developing":{"label":"Developing","statements":["Safety equipment and lockout/tagout procedures — apply independently and verify compliance before beginning welding operations on a production line.","Shielded metal arc and gas metal arc welding equipment — set up, adjust, and operate with reduced oversight across routine fabrication assignments.","Weld joints in flat, vertical, and overhead positions — complete to specification on standard structural or sheet-metal components with occasional quality checks.","Straightedges, squares, and weld inspection gauges — use routinely to confirm workpiece conformance to dimensional tolerances on familiar job types.","Torches, torch tips, and filler materials — select and install independently by reading welding procedure specifications for common metal types and thicknesses.","Equipment malfunctions and material defects — diagnose recurring issues, document findings, and notify supervisors with clear written or verbal descriptions.","Job traveler tags and piece-mark systems — complete accurately and consistently to support production tracking on multi-piece fabrication orders.","Welding method selection for common carbon and stainless steel applications — apply working knowledge of geometry and basic metallurgy with limited supervisor input.","Weld quality and bead appearance — monitor in-process using visual inspection and basic destructive test results to catch non-conformances early.","Production schedules and job priorities — interpret and follow using shop floor work orders and, when available, ERP system task lists."]},"proficient":{"label":"Proficient","statements":["Full-scope welding operations across multiple processes — perform autonomously on complex fabrications including structural steel, pipe, and pressure components in a manufacturing environment.","Non-routine weld defects such as porosity, undercut, and incomplete fusion — diagnose root causes and implement corrective action without supervisor direction.","Welding procedure specifications and qualified procedure selection — interpret and apply independently across varied metal types, thicknesses, and joint configurations.","Precision fit-up and dimensional conformance — verify using calibrated inspection tools and correct deviations before and during welding on tight-tolerance assemblies.","Equipment selection for specialized applications — evaluate and configure GMAW, GTAW, SMAW, or oxy-fuel systems to match material and position requirements.","Quality control checkpoints and weld acceptance criteria — apply AWS or applicable code standards consistently across an entire production run without prompting.","Material identification and traceability documentation — manage piece marks, heat numbers, and job records to satisfy customer and regulatory requirements.","Metallurgical considerations including preheat, interpass temperature, and post-weld treatment — determine and apply for alloy steels and dissimilar metal joints.","CAD drawings and engineering sketches — read and interpret to extract weld symbols, dimensions, and assembly sequence for complex fabrication projects.","Welding-related data and production metrics — record and report using spreadsheet or ERP software to support shop-floor quality and efficiency tracking."]},"advanced":{"label":"Advanced","statements":["Welding program standards and best practices — establish and maintain across a production department, setting quality benchmarks aligned with industry codes and customer requirements.","New welders and trainees — mentor and evaluate systematically, providing structured on-the-job coaching to accelerate skill development and credential attainment.","Welding procedure development and qualification testing — lead from concept through documentation, ensuring compliance with AWS, ASME, or applicable certification bodies.","Cross-functional process improvement initiatives — drive by analyzing weld defect trends, cycle times, and rework costs using ERP and quality data to reduce waste.","Equipment procurement decisions and capital investment recommendations — inform by evaluating emerging welding technologies and presenting cost-benefit analyses to management.","Production scheduling and resource allocation — coordinate across welding cells and shifts, using ERP and scheduling software to meet delivery commitments at organizational scale.","Safety culture and hazard-mitigation programs — champion by authoring procedures, conducting risk assessments, and leading incident investigations across the fabrication facility.","Welding specification compliance and third-party audits — manage by preparing documentation packages, interfacing with inspectors, and resolving non-conformance reports at the organizational level.","Workforce competency frameworks and skills matrices — design and implement to align welder qualifications with production demands and career advancement pathways.","Strategic supplier and materials partnerships — cultivate by evaluating filler metal and base material performance data and negotiating quality agreements that support long-term production goals."]}}},"sources":{"onet":"v30.2 (CC BY 4.0)","crosswalk":"https://skillscrosswalk.com","generator":"LER.me"},"attribution":"© EBSCOed"}