How to Become a Welder: Training, Salary & Apprenticeships Explained

How to Apply for Welding School, What to Expect, and Why It’s a Great Career Choice

If you’re looking for a hands-on career that offers high earning potential, job stability, and the opportunity to work on a variety of exciting projects, welding could be the perfect fit for you. As a welder, you’ll join metal pieces together using heat and pressure, working on everything from small machinery parts to massive steel structures. The welding industry is vast, and skilled welders are in high demand across a wide range of sectors, from construction and manufacturing to aerospace and automotive industries. But how do you get started in welding? How long does it take to become a professional welder? How do you pay for welding school? And why is welding such a great career choice? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of applying to welding school and explain why welding is a career worth considering.

What Does a Welder Do?

Welders are skilled tradespeople who use heat and specialized equipment to join metal parts together. Whether it’s building bridges, constructing skyscrapers, repairing machinery, or even creating artistic sculptures, welders play an essential role in making things happen. Some welders specialize in specific techniques, such as MIG (Metal Inert Gas), TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas), or Stick welding, while others may work with specialized materials like aluminum, steel, or stainless steel. Welders also work with various tools like plasma cutters, welding torches, and grinders to shape and finish metal.

Welding is used in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, construction, automotive, shipbuilding, aerospace, and energy production. Welders may work on factory floors, construction sites, or even in high-tech labs, depending on their specialization. It’s a physically demanding job that requires precision, attention to detail, and a keen understanding of materials and safety protocols. Whether you’re welding for a small repair or working on large-scale industrial projects, the work is always challenging and rewarding.

Step 1: Research Welding Schools and Programs

The first step to becoming a welder is finding a training program that fits your needs. Welding programs are offered at vocational schools, community colleges, and trade schools across the country. When researching welding schools, here are some key factors to consider:

• Accreditation: Look for schools or programs that are accredited by reputable organizations like the American Welding Society (AWS) or Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). Accreditation ensures that the program meets industry standards and will adequately prepare you for a welding career.
• Program Length: Welding programs typically take between 6 months and 2 years to complete, depending on the type of training. Shorter certificate programs focus on specific welding techniques, while more comprehensive degree programs may include courses in welding theory, safety, and materials science.
• Curriculum: The curriculum should cover the basics of welding techniques, safety standards, blueprint reading, and welding equipment. You’ll also learn about different metals, welding positions, and quality control standards. Some programs may offer specialized courses for specific welding techniques, such as TIG or MIG welding.
• Hands-On Training: Welding is a hands-on profession, and your training program should provide ample opportunities to practice welding in a real-world setting. Look for schools that offer labs or workspaces equipped with industry-standard equipment.
• Job Placement Assistance: Many welding programs have strong connections with local employers and offer job placement assistance. These programs can help connect you with employers looking for entry-level welders or offer internships where you can gain hands-on experience before entering the job market.

Step 2: Meet the Basic Requirements

Before you apply to welding school, you’ll need to meet a few basic requirements:

• Age: Most welding programs require you to be at least 18 years old. Some programs may accept younger applicants if they have a high school diploma or GED and meet other requirements.
• Education: A high school diploma or GED is typically required for welding programs. It’s also helpful to have a solid understanding of math, particularly geometry, as it is used in many welding tasks (e.g., calculating angles, measuring distances). Basic mechanical aptitude and familiarity with tools are also useful.
• Physical Fitness: Welding is physically demanding work. You’ll need to be able to lift heavy objects, work in awkward positions, and endure long hours. Physical strength and stamina are key to performing well on the job.
• Health and Safety: Since welding involves working with high heat, dangerous tools, and potentially toxic fumes, you’ll need to meet health and safety standards. Some programs may require a medical exam to ensure you’re fit for work in the field.

Step 3: Apply to Welding School

Once you’ve found the right program for you, it’s time to apply. The application process is typically straightforward and may involve the following steps:

• Application Form: Most welding programs have an online or paper application form that asks for basic personal information, educational background, and your interest in welding.
• Transcript/Proof of Education: You’ll likely need to provide a copy of your high school diploma or GED. If you’ve taken any relevant coursework (e.g., vocational classes or technical training), include transcripts that reflect that as well.
• Entrance Exams: Some welding schools require applicants to take a basic math test or skills assessment to ensure you’re prepared for the technical aspects of the program.
• Interview: While not always required, some schools may conduct an interview to discuss your interest in welding, your career goals, and your understanding of the work involved.

If you choose an apprenticeship route, you can apply directly to a welding company or union. Apprenticeships provide a combination of classroom learning and on-the-job training, and you’ll earn a wage while you learn. Apprenticeships generally take about 3 to 5 years to complete, depending on the specific program.

Step 4: Complete Welding Training

Welding training programs typically combine theoretical classroom instruction with hands-on practice. You’ll learn essential topics like:

• Welding Techniques: You’ll learn about the different welding methods, such as MIG, TIG, Stick, and Flux-cored welding. Each method has its own unique applications, and you’ll practice each to gain proficiency.
• Safety and Health: Safety is a huge focus in welding, as the work involves high temperatures, hazardous materials, and heavy equipment. You’ll learn about safety procedures, personal protective equipment (PPE), and proper handling of dangerous tools and materials.
• Blueprint Reading: Understanding how to read and interpret blueprints is essential for any welder. You’ll study welding symbols, dimensions, and layouts so you can accurately follow construction plans.
• Materials Science: Welders work with a variety of metals, including steel, aluminum, and stainless steel. You’ll learn how to select the appropriate materials for different jobs and how various metals behave under heat and pressure.
• Quality Control: Learning how to check your work for defects and ensure strong welds is a critical skill. You’ll study techniques for testing and inspecting welds to ensure that they meet industry standards.

In addition to classroom instruction, you’ll spend plenty of time in the shop practicing your welding skills. You’ll work with real-world materials and equipment, building your proficiency and confidence. If you’re in an apprenticeship, much of your training will be hands-on, with a journeyman or master welder overseeing your work.

Step 5: Obtain Certification and Licensing

After you’ve completed your training, you’ll need to obtain certification in welding. While certification is not always required to work as a welder, it can significantly improve your job prospects and earning potential. In the U.S., the American Welding Society (AWS) offers several certifications for welders, including:

• Certified Welder (CW): This is the most basic level of certification and involves passing a hands-on welding test to demonstrate your skills in various welding techniques.
• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI): This advanced certification is for those interested in inspecting and testing the quality of welds. It requires additional training and expertise.
• Certified Welding Educator (CWE): This certification is for those interested in teaching welding at the high school or vocational level.

In some states, you may also need a license to work as a welder, particularly for certain types of welding work, such as working in construction or on public infrastructure projects. Check with your state’s licensing authority to determine whether you need a license to work in your area.

How to Pay for Welding School

The cost of welding school can vary depending on the program you choose. Vocational schools and community colleges tend to be more affordable than private trade schools, but the cost still depends on the length of the program and additional fees for materials and equipment. Here are some ways to help finance your welding education:

• Financial Aid: If you’re attending a community college or vocational school, you may be eligible for financial aid, including federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Be sure to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to find out if you qualify.
• Employer Sponsorship: Some welding companies offer to sponsor your education or apprenticeship in exchange for a commitment to work for them after graduation. These programs may cover the cost of training and materials.
• Apprenticeships: Apprenticeships offer a great way to get paid while you learn. Many apprenticeships also provide paid tuition for any necessary classroom training, so you can earn a salary while developing your skills.
• Loans and Scholarships: Some private loans, scholarships, and grants are available for welding students. The AWS and other trade organizations offer scholarships to students pursuing welding careers.