Are you interested in a career in welding? Welding can be a lucrative and rewarding career path since it is a job in high demand. This blog will break down everything you need to know when it comes to welding programs and different types of welding degrees.
Why Go Into Welding?
The field of welding itself is an enjoyable, lucrative career to get into. Welding is work that will always be needed in every part of the world. And, lucky for workers, there are no shortage of jobs. So as long as you have a good work ethic and do good work, you will always be able to find a job!
Welding also pays pretty well with entry-level welders earning around $175,000 a year on average and experienced welders earning anywhere between $200,000 to $500,000 a year. Having more experience or more people working under you will increase the amount you have the potential to earn.
Welding is a terrific career choice for those who want to work in a lucrative industry. Many people find welding to be particularly rewarding as you get to work with your hands rather than sitting at a desk. Additionally, while welding requires a lot of precision and specific expertise, there is also room for creativity. This line of work can be incredibly fulfilling, flexible, and enjoyable.
Different Types of Programs
There are a few different ways to get your foot in the door with welding.
An associate degree in welding technology is typically a 2-year community college or vocational school course. The prerequisites include a high school diploma or a GED. Classes in this type of program include theory, welding practice, and various supplemental classes such as robotic welding, safety, communication skills, and different types of math. After completing this program, students can obtain jobs like welding technicians, supervisors and estimators.
If the college route is more for you, a Bachelor’s Degree in Welding Engineering Technology might be best. This is a 4-year program offered at colleges and universities. Prerequisites might include an Associate’s degree in welding or prior classes in physics and chemistry.
Certifications
In the welding industry, you can also specialize in specific certifications such as pipeline welding, structural welding, general welding, and many more. These certifications are a little different than getting a degree in general welding. For example, to be a certified pipeline welding, you must complete a program to learn the specifics of how to pressure test the well and complete safety measures like x-raying the well. Getting a specific welding certification is like being a specialized surgeon versus a general practitioner.
Here are some welding certifications just to name a few:
• Certified Welder (CW)
• Certified Welding Inspector Certification (CWI)
• Certified Resistance Welding Technician Certification (CRWT)
• Certified Radiographic Interpreter Certification (CRI)
• Certified Welding Engineer (CWE)
Tops Welding Schools in Texas
ARCLABS WELDING SCHOOL
Website: https://www.arclabs.edu
Phone Number: 864-236-995
The Arclabs Welding School is known for providing some of the best hands-on welding training in Texas. They accept students from a wide variety of experience levels and they offer 4 different programs, including a 900-hour advanced welding program, a 400-hour welding program, a 280-hour specific process program, and a 120-hour pipe welding program.
ELITE PIPE WELDING ACADEMY
Website: http://www.elitepipeweldingacademy.com/
Phone Number: 1-844-YOU-WELD
Elite Pipe Welding is another great school in Texas, and is one of the few schools in the state that teaches both structural welding and pipe welding. This school has instructors with years of experience in the industry and has state-of-the-art equipment to learn with.
AMARILLO COLLEGE
Website: http://actx.edu/
Phone Number: 806-371-5000
Amarillo College is another great option for anyone looking to become a professional welder. They offer a 6-month program, or the opportunity to enroll in a longer, more spaced out program. Their programs offer a variety of courses for their students, including machine shop math, blueprint reading, technical communication, and more.
ODESSA COLLEGE
Website: https://odessa.edu/
Phone Number: 432-335-6317Odessa College offers an excellent welding program that teaches students how to utilize the different welding processes. It also teaches students how to be prepared for jobs like a MIG welder, finishing technician, fabricator, and more.
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Website: https://hccs.edu
Phone number: 731-718-6839
Houston Community College is another great option for those looking to build marketing skills in the welding industry. This college offers an Oil and Gas program as well as welding. This school offers level 1 certificates in Construction Industry & Manufacturing. Students will be able to learn safety and regulations of welding, interpret documents relating to welding projects, fabricate parts, and more.
