What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Welder, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Welder, you need strong technical skills in metal fabrication, blueprint reading, and welding techniques, typically backed by a welding certification or completion of a technical program. Familiarity with tools like MIG, TIG, and arc welders, as well as safety equipment and quality inspection systems, is essential. Attention to detail, physical stamina, and effective problem-solving are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure precise, safe, and durable work that meets industry standards and project requirements.
What are some common safety challenges welders face on the job, and how are these typically addressed in the workplace?
Welders regularly encounter safety challenges such as exposure to intense heat, ultraviolet light, fumes, and the risk of burns or electrical shock. Most workplaces address these risks by enforcing strict safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like helmets, gloves, and flame-resistant clothing. Additionally, employers often provide regular safety training and ensure proper ventilation systems are in place to minimize exposure to hazardous fumes. Team discussions and safety briefings are also common to keep everyone aware of best practices and recent safety updates.
What do welders do?
Welders are skilled tradespeople who join metal parts together using high heat and specialized equipment. They work on construction sites, in manufacturing plants, shipyards, and many other settings to build or repair metal structures and products. Welders must be knowledgeable about different welding techniques, safety protocols, and the properties of various metals. Their work is essential in industries like automotive, aerospace, and infrastructure.
What is the difference between Welding vs Pipefitting?
| Aspect | Welding | Pipefitting |
|---|
| Certifications | Welding certifications (e.g., AWS) | Pipefitting certifications (e.g., NCCER) |
| Work Environment | Fabrication shops, construction sites, manufacturing | Construction sites, industrial plants, maintenance |
| Job Focus | Joining metal parts through welding | Assembling and installing piping systems |
| Tools & Equipment | Welding machines, torches, safety gear | Pipes, fittings, wrenches, threading tools |
Welding and pipefitting share overlapping skills and certifications, often working together in construction and manufacturing. While welders focus on joining metal components through welding techniques, pipefitters specialize in installing and maintaining piping systems. Both roles require safety training and certifications, but their daily tasks and work environments differ slightly, making each role unique within the industry.
What is it like to work at Hendrickson?
Hendrickson is a company that values innovation, collaboration, and customer satisfaction, fostering a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement.
As a leading global supplier of integrated suspension and braking systems, Hendrickson operates in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, with a diverse team of engineers, technicians, and support staff working together to design and manufacture high-quality products. The company's mission is to provide innovative solutions that improve the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of the transportation industry.
Working at Hendrickson may appeal to candidates who are passionate about engineering, manufacturing, and problem-solving, as the company offers opportunities for professional growth, skill development, and contributions to cutting-edge projects that shape the future of transportation.
Do workers at Hendrickson get paid breaks?
Yes. Most people get paid breaks.
76% of people say they get paid breaks.
Based on data from 29 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and March 2026.
Does Hendrickson pay people when they’re sick?
No. Most people don’t get paid when they’re sick.
82% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.
Based on data from 33 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.
At Hendrickson, are sick days and vacation days separate paid time off?
Only some people have separate paid time off for sick days and vacation.
59% of people say they have to use vacation days when they’re out sick.
Based on data from 17 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and April 2026.
Is the health insurance from Hendrickson affordable enough for their workers?
Most people say the health insurance costs are okay.
88% of people say the health insurance costs are okay
Based on data from 24 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and April 2026.
Do people get paid time off at Hendrickson?
Most people get paid time off work.
85% of people say they get paid time off.
Based on data from 20 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and April 2026.
Do workers at Hendrickson worry about hours?
Most people don’t worry about getting enough hours.
89% of people report they don’t worry about getting enough hours.
Based on data from 19 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and March 2026.
Do Hendrickson workers get to choose the shifts they work?
Some people don’t get to choose which shifts they work.
60% report that they don’t have enough control over which shifts they work.
Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and March 2026.
How easy is it for Hendrickson workers to change shifts?
Most people find it hard to change shifts.
90% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.
Based on data from 10 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and March 2026.
How easy is it to get time off at Hendrickson?
Most people find it easy to get time off.
74% of people report it’s easy to get time off.
Based on data from 31 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.
Do Hendrickson managers change schedules at the last minute?
Most managers don’t change people’s schedules at the last minute.
78% of people say their manager doesn’t change their shift schedule at the last minute.
Based on data from 18 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and March 2026.
Do workers at Hendrickson do extra work that they don't get paid for?
Rarely. Most people don’t do unpaid extra work.
94% of people report that they don’t do extra unpaid work.
Based on data from 16 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and March 2026.
How easy is it to take sick days at Hendrickson?
Some people find it hard to take sick days.
37% of people report that it’s hard to take time off if they are sick.
Based on data from 30 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.
Is working at Hendrickson good if you’re a parent or caregiver?
Only some parents and caregivers say this is a good place to work.
64% of people who care for a child or other relative report this isn’t a good place to work.
Based on data from 11 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2025 and March 2026.
Do people at Hendrickson feel treated with respect by their managers?
Some people don’t feel treated with respect by their managers.
41% of people say they’re not treated with respect by their managers.
Based on data from 29 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and March 2026.
Do people at Hendrickson get to take their breaks without interruption?
Most people get breaks without interruption.
68% of people report that they get to take their breaks without interruption.
Based on data from 31 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.
Is it stressful to work at Hendrickson?
Some people feel stressed out here.
56% of people say they often feel stressed out at work.
Based on data from 32 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.
Do people at Hendrickson enjoy their jobs?
Only some people enjoy their job.
52% of people report they don’t enjoy their job.
Based on data from 27 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.
Do people at Hendrickson recommend working with their team?
Only some people recommend working with their team.
52% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.
Based on data from 33 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.
Do people get enough training when they start at Hendrickson?
Some people didn’t get enough training when they started.
36% of people report they didn’t get enough training when they started working here.
Based on data from 33 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.
Do people get support to advance at Hendrickson?
Only some people are given support to advance their career here.
In the last year, 44% of people report not being given support to advance their career here.
Based on data from 32 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.
Do people think Hendrickson’s headquarters understands what’s happening where they work?
Most people think headquarters doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.
77% of people think that this employer’s headquarters or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.
Based on data from 31 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and March 2026.
Do workers feel well informed about how Hendrickson is doing?
Only some people feel well informed about how the company is doing.
35% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.
Based on data from 31 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and March 2026.
What are the most popular jobs at Hendrickson? What are the most popular categories at Hendrickson? 