An arc welder is a metal worker that uses electricity to join metal to metal, as opposed to traditional welding processes. The welding machine used in the process creates a tremendous amount of heat using an electrode and the base metal material to generate an electric current. In this career, your job duties include welding pieces of metal together as part of the construction process, ensuring the arc welding machine is functioning correctly, and performing routine maintenance on the welder. The qualifications needed for a career as an arc welder include a high school diploma and experience as a welding apprentice. There are also vocational programs available that teach you the skills needed for the job.