Welding Schools in Washington | WA

If you are searching for reliable information about welding schools in Washington, you are in the right place. This article will help you learn about welding training in Washington, get more information about welding requirements, online courses and get information on career and salary prospects. You will realize that Washington State has several vocational institutions and community colleges that you can join to study your preferred welding course.

Requirements and Eligibility

Most welding institutions in Washington require applicants with at least GED or High School Diploma. If you have some training from a community college or vocational institution, you can be considered for admission. However, to be considered for advanced welding courses that lead to a welding associate degree, you must present your Diploma or GED certificate. However, don’t let this discourage you from pursuing your preferred course. You can start with a basic welding certificate before advancing to a more technical one.

Application Process and Costs

The application process and cost of learning welding vary by welding institutions. Typically, it involves the submission of application forms either through online or mail. Admission counselors also require applicants to submit copies of their education transcripts and identity documentation. Some institutions may also ask applicants to submit non-refundable application fees. If you are an international applicant, your prospective welding college may ask you to submit additional information, such as financial statements and a copy of passport. If you are accepted, they will send you a letter of admission. For international students, they also include Form I-20 together with your admission letter to help you process a Visa. The in-state tuition fee is between $300 and $3000; varying depending on the institution selected. If you are from out-of-state, you will need to pay higher tuition fee.

Online Programs

There are quite a good number of welding schools in Washington that teach welding lessons online. They prepare students for apprenticeship employment as professional welders in industrial construction, shipbuilding, sheet metal, energy fields and auto body. These programs offer extensive training in all aspects of welding. Upon achievement of welding skills, students are encouraged to seek hands-on experience first for at least six months before applying for certification tests. Online classes are designed to assist students with low-income. They are also designed for full-time employees who want to study welding when they are free.

Maintaining Certification/License & Renewal

While welding certifications are not required to work in the United States, many employers prefer candidates who are certified. So after graduation, you will need to seek certifications from a recognized organization. Some of the organizations that certify welders in Washington State include the American Welding Society (AWS) exam and Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO). The WABO is a voluntary program that tests, approves and documents welding operators and structural welders. The association has a uniform method of determining welders who are qualified to perform specific welding activities. For more information about WABO welding program, visit their official website.

Salary and Job Prospects

According to the information posted on indeed.com, the average salaries for welders in Washington is three percent higher compared to the average salaries for welders nationwide. As of 2013, the average salary for a welder in Washington was around $38,000 a year. This is according to the survey conducted by the United States Bureau of Statistics. There is also a variation of welder salaries within the state. For instance, people with welder licenses or welding degrees seem to earn more compared to those with basic welding education.

You need to attend welding institution and also seek licensing after graduation to help you find a promising career in welding.

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