How Long Does It Take To Become A Welder?
A welder is a
trained tradesperson who uses heat to connect or cut metal using a hand-held or
remotely controlled equipment. A welder's job also includes filling holes,
indentations, or seams. Welders are employed in areas such as manufacturing,
construction, and shipbuilding. A high
school diploma (or equivalent), Pipe welding school training, and industry welding certifications are generally
required to become a welder. Depending on which welding career path you pick,
the time it takes to finish each step will vary.
How Long Does It Take to Learn to Weld?
The time it takes
to become a welder is generally determined by the educational path chosen. For
example, apprenticeships may take many years, whereas vocational school
education is frequently completed in less than a year. It is also worth noting
that some people begin welding instruction as early as a high school if their
school offers a vocational program. Others may begin their education in a
vocational school with no prior experience. Here are some elements that
influence how long it takes to become a welder.
GED/High School
A high school
diploma or equivalent, such as a GED certificate, is usually the minimum
educational need for aspiring welders, whether they select on-the-job training
or a vocational school. High school students interested in a welding career
should take math, science, and shop classes. High school graduation typically
takes four years to achieve, while a GED certificate takes around three months.
On-the-job training, welding training programs, vocational school,
apprenticeships, and community college are all choices for potential welders.
Students who complete their welder training can earn a certificate, diploma, or
associate degree.
Welders are
instructed to read different welding techniques, metallurgy, blueprint, and
safety procedures. Depending on the type of training a welder takes, learning
the welding trade can take anywhere from a few months to a few years. Some
welders begin as laborers and develop through on-the-job training without
attending a formal vocational training program. However, progressing from a
laborer to a welder can take years. It's also worth noting that while some
firms are prepared to recruit inexperienced entry-level workers and train them
on the job, many prefer to hire people with prior training, qualifications, and
certificates. This is partly because even entry-level professionals with formal
technical training must often undergo months of on-the-job training and, in
some circumstances, certifications, depending on their business.
How
Long Must You Attend School to Become a Welder?
While others choose to learn the craft on the
job, many businesses prefer individuals with formal training. Those interested
in welding training programs have two main options: vocational school or
community college.
School
of Vocational Studies
A vocational
school's skilled trades training curriculum stresses welding capabilities.
Delta Tech's hands-on welding program includes instruction in welding methods,
shop safety, pipefitting, and blueprint reading. Metal characteristics, cutting
procedures, safety training, rigging, metallurgy, and math are all included in
classes. Students can complete the welding curriculum in as little as seven
months. When they graduate, they are given a diploma.
College
of the Community
A two-year
community college welding program typically permits students to graduate with
an associate degree. Due to their varied schedules, some students may take
longer to complete. Community college welding programs include similar themes
to vocational school programs, but students must also enroll in general
education classes such as English or History.
How
Long Does It Take to Get a Welding Permit?
The licensing
requirements vary by state. Welding contractors in Mississippi must be licensed
if they work on public projects worth $50,000 or more or private projects worth
$100,000 or more. Before taking the exam, applicants must be pre-approved by
the state. While Mississippi does not require a certain amount of work
experience, it expects industry experience and requires supporting documents.
The Mississippi welding contractor license is valid for indefinite welding
work.
The license exam consists of 60 questions and
has a two-hour time limit. Typical welder work activities such as oxyacetylene
welding and cutting, blueprint and plan reading, brazing, pipe welding,
materials, SMAW, GIAW, and testing and inspection are all included in the exam.
To succeed, welders must correctly answer 70% of the exam questions. To earn
this state license, applicants must additionally pass a Business and Law
Management exam. Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, and South Carolina
have limited reciprocal agreements with Mississippi. Welders must have been
licensed in these states for at least three years.
How to Select the Best School for You?
Have you considered a career in welding? If
this is the case, you may have begun looking into welding schools to obtain your training and certification.
While there is a lot to consider as a
potential welder, here are a few of the elements that set MTI's welding
training programs apart:
●
Earn the MTI pipe welding certifications you need in
just 7-10 months by getting hands-on training in a real weld shop (depending on
which schedule you choose)
●
MTI welding instructors all have
hands-on expertise.
●
There are no general education classes
required.
●
All qualified graduates are
eligible for lifetime job placement help.
●
Financial aid and scholarship
opportunities are available to talented students.
●
There are flexible class schedules
available.