You should be mechanically inclined, and be tempermentally suited to do highly accurate work that requires concentration and physical effort. You should also be able to work independently and not mind doing work that can be repetitive and tedious. Machine shops are usually clean, and well-ventilated. Noise levels have also been reduced with the introduction of better designed machine tools. The welder's work normally consists of either the joining or cutting of metal.
Welders repair broken metal parts on all types of machinery, equipment and structures.
They also assemble, fit, cut, and weld parts in the making of hundreds of different kinds of large structures and work in the manufacturing of different kinds of small objects and parts. You should have good manual dexterity, good vision, and math background using fractions and decimals. Welding requires a certain degree of stamina, since you are usually bending, crouching, lifting, and kneeling. In addition, you will be exposed to strong odors, heat, and bright light. You should be able to work within precise limits or standards of accuracy.