Welding Schools in Los Angeles, California

Since the recession came to an end in 2009, manufacturing in the United States is growing faster than the rest of the economy. Alongside that growth is a strong demand for welders. The American Welding Society estimates there will be a shortage of almost 300,000 professionals in the field by the year 2020.

That provides lots of opportunity for people interested in becoming a welder by attending classes at welding schools in Los Angeles. Let’s take a closer look at the variety of educational opportunities for welding, how to apply, certifications, salary ranges, and job prospects.

Requirements and Eligibility

Welding schools in Los Angeles are offered by technical colleges like Los Angeles Trade Technical College and educational institutions like Glendale Community College, El Camino College and Cerritos College.

Welding students in Southern California can earn Certificates of Achievement or Associates of Science degrees in welding for gas and electric applications. Associates programs are two years in length, while certificate programs are generally one to three semesters long.

Most institutions have open admissions and accept applicants who are at least 18 years old with a GED or high school diploma. Advanced classes generally require prerequisites completed in lower level courses.

List of Welding Programs in Los Angeles, CA

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Stratford Career Institute

Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods.

Programs:

• Auto Mechanics
• Electrician

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Application Process and Costs

Interested students can apply online, or contact the institution to discuss alternative ways to apply if online access is not available. Tuition ranges from $26 to $50 and up per academic unit for California residents and $190 and up for out-of-state residents.

Online Programs

Because of the hands-on nature of welding, classes available online are limited. Often, online welding courses are used to gain noncredit continuing education for welders in the field rather than students learning the trade in a degree program or for a certificate. Nonetheless, various online courses are available that provide credit toward a certificate or degree.

Online courses are offered in a variety of topic areas such as introductory welding, blueprint reading, metallurgy, welded structure fitness, nondestructive evaluation and welding symbols.

There are also programs available online to help prepare students for the position of Certified Welding Inspector. These courses are offered by the American Welding Society, the body that approves final certification for all welders.

Maintaining Certification/License and Renewal

One of the keys to advancing a career in welding is by garnering a specialized certification. Certification provides more opportunities to take a leadership role in the industry, earn more money and take on bigger career challenges.

The American Welding Society is responsible for certifying welders in several different categories including supervisors, educators, welding engineers, inspectors and fabricators. Certifications must be maintained at regular intervals. If too much time passes, a welder must start from the beginning and apply for recertification.

Salary and Job Prospects

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, positions involving brazing machine setters, welders, operators, and tenders are expected to grow almost seven percent through the year 2020.

In the Los Angeles-Long Beach area, there are just over 1000 people employed in the industry. Average hourly pay rates are just over $15. The annual salary is slightly more than $32,000. In the Santa Anna-Anaheim area, average hourly pay rates are just over $17, and average annual salaries are just shy of $36,000.

For more than 20 years, the United States did not encourage young people to learn a trade. As a result, there is a significant demand for welders, fabricators, engineers, teachers, inspectors and a variety of other professional positions related to the welding industry. Signing up for any of the quality welding schools in Los Angeles is the first step toward a rewarding career in the field.

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Welding Schools in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Tulsa, Oklahoma is a growing city with plenty of opportunities for those getting into the right career. Welding is a booming industry for growing cities. There is no better time to be a welder in this city than now. When you think of the right career path for yourself, was job advancement on the top of your list? Do you want something that pays great and keeps you on your toes? If so, this is the occupation for you! Tulsa has several training programs to help you achieve your goal.

Requirements and Eligibility

Tulsa schools accept students directly from high school. Also, they welcome students who wish to switch careers. Tulsa Welding School and Technology Center offers GED preparation for students without a high school diploma. Oklahoma Technical Colleges offers a free preparation course for the GED. Other than a high school diploma or GED, applicants must provide their social security card and photo identification.

List of Welding Programs in Tulsa, OK

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Stratford Career Institute

Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods.

Programs:

• Auto Mechanics
• Electrician

Vatterott College

 

Vatterott College is dedicated to providing students opportunities to gain the hands-on skills necessary to achieve their educational goals.  In fields as diverse as Business, Medical, Technical, Trades, Cosmetology, Dental, Legal, Personal Fitness, and Veterinary, as well as many continuing education opportunities, the school has provided the latest training to give students the skills they need.

Programs:

• Powersports Equipment and Small Engine Mechanic
• Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology
• Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Mechanic
• And more...

Locations:  Tulsa

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Application Process & Costs

The cost of the training will depend on the school, specific program and length of time for completion. Financial assistance is available and most places accept the Post 9/11 GI bill assistance. Workforce Oklahoma is dedicated to helping residents achieve great paying jobs and many students qualify for financial help.
The application process is quick and many students can start their education within weeks from applying. Oklahoma Technical College has a large range of scholarships available including one just for applying within 60 days of high school graduation. Potential students can apply for admission online. Applicants should bring in recent taxes when applying for any type of financial assistance. Cost of tuition ranges from $5000 to slightly over $14,000. The lower end is for shop or field welding training; whereas, the higher end is for professional welding school.

Online Programs

Here’s the exciting news: It takes less than a year to become a welder! In fact, this career path is excellent for someone looking to quickly turn around their financial output. Because the training is extremely hands-on, it will seem like it’s over before it has begun. Tulsa Welding School and Technology Center allows students to graduate in as little as seven months. Four M’s professional welding training last 22 weeks. Meanwhile, the shop and field focus courses last for eight weeks. Oklahoma Technical College’s courses last just shy of 12 months.

While there are no complete online degrees for certification, there is a lot of continued online education. As with anything, there is one exception. There is no prerequisite courses for taking the test to become certified. Therefore, the American Welding Society (AWS) has a host of fundamental seminars. These lessons will give basic information covering: terminology, quality control, design, safety and electrical theory.

Maintaining Certification/License & Renewal

Increase your income potential by getting certified! The American Welding Society has various categories for certifications. In order to become an AWS certified welder, you must test. Picking a great education system is important to helping you pass and obtain your certification. After passing the assessment, applicants should submit their application for certification. Before the certificate expires the welder must renew it. A certification maintenance form is required every six months. It will validate that you are still working within your field. There is a 30 day grace period allowed past the six month renewal period.

Salary & Job Prospects

Salary outlook and job prospects are high in Tulsa. In fact, Four M reports that its professional students make an average of $65,000 per year and they have a 95% job placement. That’s a major success. Many schools offer job placement help.

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Welding Schools in Colorado Springs, Colorado

We all want to make our mark in this life, and what you choose to do as your profession significantly shapes who you are. After all, when you meet someone new, one of the first things they’ll ask is what you do for a living. When you invest your time in pursuit of a welding degree, you can answer by saying you play an integral part in manufacturing important products and structures, utilizing your talents to make a real difference in the world. If you have a keen eye for detail, welding school may be a viable option.

Requirements & Eligibility

Just as with any advanced educational pursuit, it’s necessary first to have obtained either a high school diploma or GED equivalent before applying to welding school. Some of the required skills you’ll need to possess include:

• A steady hand and good coordination
• Patience
• Ability to work well with others
• Good math skills
• Ability to multitask
• Attention to detail

List of Welding Programs in Colorado Springs, CO

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Stratford Career Institute

Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods.

Programs:

• Auto Mechanics
• Electrician

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Application Process & Costs

In order to apply to a welding program, you have a couple of options. You can visit the college campus and speak with the admissions staff, and they can walk you through the process as well as show you around the campus. However, if your busy schedules doesn’t permit this, most schools make their application available online. You simply fill out your personal information and wait for someone to contact you with further directions.

Depending on the program you’re applying for, the cost varies. For example, there are some certificates that only cost around $3,000. However, a four year degree could run up to $15,000. If the cost is too much for you to afford, there are often financial aid options for you to explore.

Online Programs

Many never pursue their education past high school because they simply don’t have time, and this is certainly understandable. That’s why many colleges have made it possible to take welding classes online. This allows students to complete their coursework whenever the time is right for them and in the comfort of their home. Just some of the online courses available include:

• Nondestructive Evaluation
• Welded Structure Fitness
• Blueprint Reading
• Metallurgy
• Introductory Welding Materials
• Welding Symbols

Maintaining Certification/License & Renewal

There aren’t any ongoing licensing or renewal requirements for most welding jobs. However, for some more advanced positions such as welding inspector, you’ll have to prove you’ve kept up with changes in the field. Every three years, it’s required for inspectors to renew their licenses, and this entails testing and paying renewal fees.

Salary & Job Prospects

Making the investment in welding certification is one that pays back, and the job outlook for welders is good. In fact, over the next ten years, there is expected to be an increase of around six percent for skilled welders, cutters, and solderers. The current median annual pay is $36,300. However, those who are able to advance their skill in the field and move on to higher positions can make as much as $62,698 on average.

Making an Impact

When you have a job you hate, minutes can feel like hours. However, when you’re armed with a welding certificate, you can pursue a career in which you can truly make an impact. Job outlook is good, and you won’t be wasting your time at a job with no opportunity for advancement.

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Welding Schools in Mesa, Arizona

The welding industry is a booming job market. As more and more young adults are graduating from traditional universities with four year degrees and realizing they are now out thousands of dollars with no job prospects, technical institutions are becoming more appealing. Skilled trades are always in high demand with a constant job security. The United States is always building something new that requires the skills of an experienced welder, from railroads to pipelines.

Requirements and Eligibility

Most welding programs require their students to be 18 and able-bodied. While there are a few programs throughout the country that allow high school students the opportunity to learn welding skills before they turn 18. A high school diploma or GED is required to get into the program. Because of the rigorous physical requirements that come along with being a welder, students will most likely be required to be on their feet for hours at a time, lifting heavy objects, and working in extreme temperatures.

List of Welding Programs in Mesa, AZ

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Arizona Automotive Institute

Get hands-on training with Arizona Automotive Institute. We offer diploma programs in the skilled trades at our campus in Glendale, Arizona.

Programs:

• Combination Welding
• Automotive Service Technology
• HVAC and Basic Refrigeration
• And more...

Locations:  Glendale

Stratford Career Institute

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• Auto Mechanics
• Electrician

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Application Process and Costs

Prospective students should fill out an application on the program’s website and follow up with an academic advisor. It will be in the student’s best interest to fill out a FAFSA to aid in paying for the costs. Once someone is accepted to a program, they will enroll in the proper courses to complete their certificate and/or degree, depending on the educational path they choose to pursue. Earning your certificate or degree in welding usually costs a few thousand dollars, although it differs from college to college.

Online programs

Currently there are no online programs for welding technology in Mesa, Arizona. This is largely due to the fact that this is a hands-on course and career. A large part of the student’s curriculum is going to be in experiencing, first hand, the processes and procedures of welding. Although this option may be available to students in the future, for now, a more traditional classroom approach is available.

Maintaining certification/license and renewal

Students will obtain several certifications for different welding processes and positions. Typically welders are required to keep up these certifications to continue work as a certified skilled tradesmen. The period for certification renewal is usually 6 months, although it may differ from state to state and employer to employer. Job sites will keep up on their welders’ certifications by utilizing the employee’s work as proof that they are still capable of meeting the certification requirements. This makes it easy on the tradesman to keep all proper certifications without having to go back to school or fill out multiple forms.

Salary and Job Prospects

There will always be a job market for the skilled trades in America and abroad. This allows for the welding program graduate to choose where he or she will end up in their career journey. From welding shops around town to traveling welding jobs, students have a myriad of options upon completion of their training and education. Starting wages can be anywhere from twelve dollars an hour to upwards of thirty dollars an hour depending on the worker’s experience level and certification. Traveling welders tend to make more, although time on the road can be difficult for welders with families. When traveling however, welders earn a salary as well as a per diem to cover the costs of hotels, food, and travel. Benefits are also a big deciding factor for prospective employees when choosing their career path.

Choosing to become a welder is a big step for anyone, but it can turn into a very prosperous and fulfilling career when students choose a well respected program to attend.

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Welding Schools in Sacramento, California

Those of us who call California know that it can be an appealing place to live. The state can also be a fairly expensive place to live with high rent and utilities costs. Because of this and other factors, getting a good job is of the utmost importance if you with to stay in the state. One career that offers a high paying salary would be welding. In many parts of California, welding jobs are in high demand. The need for a competent welding professional is even high in the Sacramento area and often offers a starting salary of $50,000 or more. If this path seems appealing to you, here is some more information about how to get started:

Requirements & Eligibility

A high school diploma or G.E.D would be the first place to start. Some of the larger high schools will offer welding classes for students who are interested in the trade, and this type of early training can be a good way for a potential employee to differentiate himself from the competition. Beyond high school, training for this vocation is available from community colleges, trade schools and private welding schools. Sometimes a good first step for the prospective welder would be to join the Armed Forces because they can often provide a degree of on-the-job training and experience for this type of career. Training for this job can generally run from a few short course over a few months to several years. The length of training depends on the type of job where the welding activity will be done. Obviously a Journeyman Pipe Welder will take longer to be trained than just a general candidate. Many employers will require a certification in either inspection through the American Welding Society or precision soldering from the IPC Association Connecting Electronics Industries.

List of Welding Programs in Sacramento, CA

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Stratford Career Institute

Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods.

Programs:

• Auto Mechanics
• Electrician

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Application Process & Costs

The application process is fairly simple for most schools. First of all, you will simply need to apply to the school and go through the steps to become a student at their institution. After graduation, many people will apply to the city of Sacramento to begin their career. Usually a city job will require a battery of tests before they will hire you, generally with total fees of several hundred dollars or more. The Certified Welder (CW) program is simply a performance-based test where you will be tested on procedures in the structural steel, pipeline, sheet metal and chemical refinery welding industries. Usually it is strictly a pass/fail test; as long as you are able to complete the job in the allotted time you will pass.

Online Programs

This type of trade is a very technical, hands-on type of program. Thus, finding online programs can be somewhat of a challenge. Some opportunities to take online classes exist that will count toward an undergraduate degree. These classes will usually touch on the skills of examining blueprints and other types of skills unrelated to practice. The American Welding Society also offers WeldAcademy Connect, which is an online training program that helps students prepare for the fundamentals portion of the Certified Welding Inspector test.

Maintaining Certification/License & Renewal

A certified welder will take to reinstate their certification every six months. Generally the process is not difficult and can usually be done right over the phone or online.

Salary & Job Prospects

The salary and the job prospects vary widely. For a junior welder, the starting salary is generally $19 per hour. Most employers will want experience and this has a tendency to shrink the job prospects. However, since welding is a specialized skill there are always jobs available within the Sacramento area.

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Welding Schools in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

We only have one life to live, and during our limited time on this earth, it’s important to find work we can do passionately rather than spend a significant portion of our days clocking into a job we don’t enjoy. That’s why the time invested in welding training can pay off. Here, you’ll receive a valuable education that’s sought after in the market, allowing you to embark on a career in which you can advance.

Requirements & Eligibility

In order to be accepted into a welding school, you’ll need to first have completed high school or obtained your GED. You may also need to provide transcripts to prove your performance. There are also general qualities you should possess including:

• Good hand/eye coordination
• Attention to detail
• Ability to focus on a single task for an extended period of time
• Good problem-solving skills
• High endurance
• Ability to work well with others

List of Welding Programs in Oklahoma City, OK

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Stratford Career Institute

Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods.

Programs:

• Auto Mechanics
• Electrician

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Application Process & Costs

The application process is relatively simple, especially since most programs allow for you to apply conveniently online. To start, you’ll have to fill out general personal information along with provide transcripts from your high school. Once that information is reviewed, administrators from the school will be in contact in order to help you through the rest of the process.

The cost for welding classes varies, and it primarily depends on what type of certificate you are pursuing. A four year degree may cost you anywhere between $12,000 to $14,000 while many certificates only cost around $3,000. For those having trouble paying tuition, however, there’s usually financial aid available for which they can apply.

Online Programs

Life’s busy, and it can be difficult for many to attend classes on a typical campus setting. That’s why many programs are making their material available for students to take advantage of online. They are carefully created to offer students the same quality that they would receive in a hands-on setting, and they are proven to prepare students for real-world scenarios. Just some of the classes offered online include:

• Welding Metallurgy
• Introductory Welding Material
• Welded Structure Fitness
• Welding Symbols
• Nondestructive Evaluation

Maintaining Certification/License & Renewal

If you decide to become a welding inspector, you can expect to have your license renewed every three years. This requires you to prove you have kept up on the changes in the industry as well as be able to perform at a quality level.

Salary & Job Prospects

Those pursing welding certifications will be glad to know that the job outlook in the field is good. Over the next ten years, there’s expected to be an increase in demand of about six percent. Even better yet, graduates can expect to earn a median salary of nearly $40,000. Those who are able to use their skills to advance can make up to $150,000.

Satisfaction for Years to Come

With so many opportunities in the industry, those who obtain a degree in welding will have many choices as they look for work in the field. If you have a steady hand and attention to detail, you can put your skills to work doing something that makes a positive difference in society. Best of all, you’ll be building a career which you can advance in, allowing you to truly put your unique talents to work and begin building an impressive resume you can be proud of.

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Welding Schools in Baltimore, Maryland

According to the Bloomberg Businessweek, the average welder is currently 55 years old, which means there is a large demand for young welders to replace the ones reaching retirement age. There are roughly 30 specialties within welding.

Welders work in a variety of fields including construction, ship and boat building, and manufacturing. They help maintain and repair a variety of structures ranging from oil rigs to pipes to bridges. Welder-divers have been trained as scuba divers and work underwater to repair ships or oil rigs. If an item is made of metal, a welder will work on it at some point. As can be guessed, welders need extensive training and a certification. Luckily, there are schools that teach welding in Baltimore.

Requirements & Eligibility

The chief prerequisite a Baltimore welding school demands is education. At a bare minimum, the applicant must have completed tenth grade. Most schools, however, prefer applicants who have either finished high school or gotten their GED. In fact, since more people are applying for welding classes, many schools recommend getting the GED first.

Students must also be 18 years old, and if they are attending a class where they will be actually welding, they need to wear work boots, flame retardants shirts with long sleeves, and heavy pants. The schools will supply safety gear that the student is expected to wear to class.

List of Welding Programs in Baltimore, MD

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Lincoln Tech

Get a hands-on education at Lincoln Tech. Designed for today’s tough job market, our in-depth programs cover many fields including: Health Sciences, Business and Information Technology, Hospitality, Automotive Technology, HVAC Technology and Electrical Systems Technology. Financial Aid is available for those who qualify. Programs vary by campus.

Programs:

• Automotive Technology
• Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning (HVAC)
• Electrical
• And more...

Locations:  Columbia

Stratford Career Institute

Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods.

Programs:

• Auto Mechanics
• Electrician

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Welding Schools

Earlbeck Gases & Technologies offers courses in shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, and a variety of custom programs.

The North American Trade Schools offer courses in metal inert gas (MIG) welding, tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding, stick welding or manual metal arc (MMA) welding.

The Community College of Baltimore has established a partnership with Earlbeck to offer welding courses. The classes are held at Earlbeck and include shielded metal arc welding, MIG welding and TIG welding. People who already have basic welding experience may sign up for the intermediate or advanced classes.

Application Process & Costs

At Earlbeck Gases & Technologies in Baltimore, classes range from $150 (Welding Basics) to $3400 (Fundamentals with any Intermediate (Package)). That package covers Fundamentals of Welding paired with one of the Intermediate courses. Fundamentals of Welding covers items an entry-level welder would be expected to know.

The Community College of Baltimore charges $1500 for Fundamentals of Welding and $2200 for the other, more advanced courses.

Online Programs

The American Welding Society (AWS) offers online courses in welding. The courses include Safety in Welding and Metallurgy. Fundamentals of Welding describes some of the various specialties within welding. Students need computers that can use Flashplayer 11 or later and Google Chrome or Safari 5 or Internet Explorer 9 or 10. The cost of the courses varies with members of the AWS getting significant discounts.

Maintaining Certification/License & Renewal

The AWS is in charge of certifying welders and maintains accredited test facilities (ATFs) throughout the US. Earlbeck Gases & Technologies in Baltimore operates the only ATF in Maryland.

A certified welder must send a certification maintenance form to the AWS every six months. They need to have their employer sign the form to prove that they are still performing the same techniques they had tested for. Renewing a certification costs $15.00.

Salary & Job Prospects

An entry-level welder can make $14 to $16 an hour, while a more experienced welder can make $30 an hour. According to the US Department of Labor, there were 337,000 jobs for welders, cutters, brass workers and solderers in 2010. The Labor Department expects that number to increase by 15% by 2020. As the average welder is 55 years old, there is a large demand for young welders to replace the ones approaching retirement age.

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