Saw filers are individuals who maintain the sharpness of saws while practicing safety in the workplace. They wear personal protective equipment such as goggles and gloves when performing tasks. An individual who seeks to become a saw filer should consider completing one year to two years of training beyond high school as well as acquiring industry experience via an internship. Staying current on field developments additionally is important in this career area.
A person who wishes to become a saw filer should pursue a one-year certificate training program or two-year associate degree program at a community college or vocational school. Although some employers do not require that you complete college-level training, doing this will increase your chances of becoming employed in this field. Enrollment in this type of program involves submitting your high school transcript along with your high school diploma or the equivalent certification. You additionally need to turn in your current standardized exam results as well as a completed admission form to the school of your choice.
During a training program in this industry, you have to master several concepts. For example, classes cover how to perform saw welding, or joining metal parts together, which must be done when replacing damaged teeth on a saw with new pieces. In addition, you need to study the process of sharpening a saw, or making sure that the teeth of this type of instrument are pointed so that a professional can use it to cut through wood effectively. You must learn these concepts if you plan to become a saw filer because this type of professional has to perform these duties on a regular basis.
Your college training program might require you to participate in an internship, particularly if you are enrolled in an associate degree program, which requires the completion of more training credits than a certificate program does. Even if your college does not require you to receive practical training, you should do this to hone your skills in this field as you strive to become a saw filer. While working as an intern for a company in your area, you must practice how to pinpoint problems with saws and use the correct methods to make them sharper. The manager at your worksite could be willing to hire you full-time depending on how well you complete these tasks.
Keeping your knowledge of the field current is important for you to remain competitive in this field as well. You can attend trade association meetings during which you learn about new tools and techniques being used in the field. Maintaining up-to-date awareness of this industry makes you more attractive to employers when you become a saw filer.