Here's a breakdown of the key skills: Welding Techniques: Mastery of Different Welding Processes: Proficiency in multiple welding techniques, such as TIG, MIG, stick, and potentially others, is crucial for handling various materials and weld joint designs. Precision and Accuracy: The ability to create welds with exceptional quality and dimensional accuracy is essential for x-ray grade work. Understanding of Weld Properties: Knowledge of how different welding parameters affect weld characteristics (e.g., heat input, cooling rate, porosity) is critical. Code Compliance: A strong understanding of welding codes, standards (e.g., AWS, ASME), and regulations for specific industries (e.g., nuclear, pipeline) is vital. Weld Repair: Expertise in repairing welds, particularly those that might fail an x-ray inspection, is a valuable skill.