Where Skill Meets Technology
You’ve invested in welding automation, whether it’s your first robot or you’re expanding a full cell. That’s a big step forward. But the real gains don’t come just from buying the right system, they come from building the right team around it.
We asked our network a straightforward question: How important is operator certification when implementing welding automation? The majority said it adds real value.
Now, certification isn’t mandatory. Plenty of solid operators get the job done without one. But if your goal is to get the most out of your automation, and keep things running smooth, certification might be one of the best tools in the toolbox.
Want More from Your Welding Automation? Train the People Who Run It
Let’s be honest. Welding automation is only as effective as the people operating it. Our recent LinkedIn poll made it clear that many in the industry see certification as a smart move. Not because someone said you have to do it, but because it gives operators the knowledge and confidence to use equipment to its full potential.
What Certification Brings to the Table
Gets More Mileage Out of Your Equipment
You would not hand a high-performance truck to someone who has never driven stick. Same idea here. Certification helps operators understand the full capabilities of your welding cells, making sure you get the most value out of your investment.
Fills Gaps Without Guesswork
The skilled trades gap is real, and good welders are hard to find. Certification programs, especially those from the American Welding Society (AWS), bring structure and consistency to operator training. It is not about starting over. It is about sharpening the edge.
Boosts Safety and Smarts
Automation changes how we approach safety, but it does not make it any less important. Certified operators are often more aware of robotic and welding safety practices, which helps protect both people and equipment.
Keeps Quality Consistent
Automation is all about repeatability, but only if everything is set up right. Certified operators are better equipped to dial in the correct parameters, spot small issues early, and maintain consistent weld quality.
Thinking About Certification? Here’s How to Prep
Step 1: Look into AWS’s CRAW Program
The Certified Robotic Arc Welding (CRAW) credential is a respected standard in the U.S. It is tailored for professionals working with automated welding systems.
Step 2: Identify Training Needs
Every operator has different strengths. Use internal assessments or discussions with your team to find out where structured training could help them grow.
Step 3: Make Time for Hands-On Practice
No one learns welding or automation from a manual alone. Operators need time on the shop floor working with real equipment to build skill and confidence.
Step 4: Lean on Partners Who’ve Been There
You do not need to figure it all out yourself. CLOOS North America offers more than just automation systems. We work closely with your team to help them grow into their roles, whether that includes certification or simply better day-to-day performance.
Real Results Start with Real Training
Certification does not automatically make a great operator. But it can help a good one become a valuable leader on your floor. If you are building a shop that aims for better quality, stronger output, and more stable performance, training and certification are well worth considering.
At CLOOS North America, we see automation from a welder’s perspective first. We are here to guide your team and help you make the most of every machine, every weld, and every operator.
