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Welding Schools: FAQs and Answers
Welding Schools: FAQs and Answers
If you're searching for a career with variety—one that demands a steady hand and leaves you with easily transferable skills, attending one of the many available welding schools might be the right choice for you. Welders are expected to be in constant demand, with many employers saying it's difficult to find enough skilled workers. Welders are also able to take their abilities across industries, from manufacturing to oil and gas to construction. Continue reading to find more answers to frequently asked questions about welding training and careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is welding?
Simply put, it's joining two pieces of metal using enough heat to permanently fuse the items together. However, it's anything but a simple task. There are more than 100 methods of welding, and the process changes, depending on the types of metals being bonded, the application, and the location. Welders help build ships and cars, construct bridges and skyscrapers, join pipes inside oil refineries, and much more. You can weld underwater, and even weld to make jewelry and art.
Where can I find information about how to become a welder?
To find a school near you, consult this directory of welding schools.
What's included in welding training?
You'll be taught how to turn plans into reality, mapping out your welds by reading blueprints, calculating materials, and deciding on the methods to be used. Your hands-on training will likely include electric arc, gas metal arc, stick welding, plasma arc cutting techniques, and much more. Because the work can be dangerous, basic safety procedures will be included in your training. To learn more, read "Welding School: Are You Suited for Welding Training?"
What's an average welder salary?
Median wages were $16.71 per hour, or about $34,750 per year, according to data collected in May 2009.* The majority of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers earned between $13.20 and $19.61 hourly. The top earners in the profession make about $24.38 per hour, according to the statistics. Pay also depends on experience, specialized skills, and location. For example, welders can become certified commercial divers, and work in the areas of shipbuilding, offshore oil rigs, and more.
What are some typical welding careers?
There is no "typical" career path. According to the American Welding Society, more than 50 percent of American goods require some form of welding. Everything from construction and shipbuilding to underwater welding and aerospace production requires welders. And, as technology advances the trade, having an understanding of robotics, automated welds, and computer software continues to gain importance.
How long does welding training take?
You can spend anywhere from a few months to a few years learning the trade. Basic certification courses can be less than a year, and that will leave you with a good understanding of essential techniques necessary for entry-level positions. An associate's degree, which can require one or two years, takes you deeper into the techniques used, such as pipe welding and inspections. An apprenticeship can last upwards of five years, and often includes both classroom work, and paid, on-the-job training.
Can welding schools give me the option to specialize?
Many schools begin with the basics and award you a certificate or diploma upon completion. However, by continuing your studies with an associate's degree, or in a program with "advanced" or "master" designations, you will likely be given the chance to learn additional techniques. In addition, some schools may offer specialized program options, such as underwater and offshore welding. Read "Welding School Specializations: Top Welding Careers" to learn more.
Will I need certification after my welding training?
Nationally-recognized general welding certification doesn't exist, but there are
numerous options for proving your aptitude to employers and clients. Because of the variety of methods, you'll likely require certification for each type of welding you perform. You may be able to attempt certification at the conclusion of your program, but it's best to consult individual schools to learn how they handle certification. Read this article, "Welding Certification: 3 Facts to Ponder during Your Welding Training," to learn more.
What skills are important for welding careers?
You should have accurate hand-eye coordination, good vision, and strong communication skills. You'll also need to be a critical thinker, since you'll have to read blueprints or plans, and translate them into reality. Good physical condition is important, since you'll often be required to work in awkward or cramped positions. You should also be safety conscious, and methodical enough to know how to avoid potential hazards, since you'll be working with heavy metals, heat, electricity, and other potentially dangerous materials.
What prerequisites will I need to become a welder?
A high school diploma, or its equivalent, is essential. It's getting less common to learn on the job, so a certificate, diploma, or degree from a trade or vocational school will likely advance your career much quicker. You should also be willing to continually recertify.
Anything spark your interest?
If manufacturing or construction appeals to you, and you can envision yourself building ships, cars, or even space shuttles, welding could be the perfect choice. So, if you've read enough, now is the time to act. Consult this guide to welding schools, and learn how to continue building towards a satisfying career in the skilled trades.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, web site accessed February 24, 2011.
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