How to Become a Welder in Florida

Step 1. Get a High School Degree or Equivalent

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), having a high school diploma or equivalent is usually a minimum requirement for welders.¹

It can be helpful to take math, science and shop classes while still in high school. If your school offers them, welding classes can introduce you to some standard welding techniques and welding equipment.⁴

Step 2. Complete a Welding Training Program

Welders typically obtain postsecondary welding training. While some employers may train employees on the job, most prefer candidates who have completed formal training.¹

What does a welding program generally entail? Let’s take a look at Tulsa Welding School’s training at its Jacksonville campus for a better idea.

TWS’ welding programs prepare students for a career in welding via a largely hands-on training approach. The interactive workshop instruction typically covers a wide array of welding methods:

• SMAW
• MIG welding
• TIG welding
• High frequency TIG
• Flux cored arc welding
• Structural welding
• Pipe welding
• Aircraft welding
• Thin alloy welding
• Pipeline welding

The program can be completed in as little as seven months. Upon graduation, students can be ready for a variety of entry-level welding jobs.

Step 3. Land a Welding Job

Get a head start by looking for a welding job before graduation. Preparing your job search in advance can help you transition from student to work life more easily.⁵ You can find jobs through job fairs, networking, job boards, career websites and company websites.⁶

Job fairs are a great way to discover job openings because participating companies are actively looking for recent graduates—or soon-to-be graduates—who they can hire. Bringing multiple copies of your resume and dressing appropriately can increase your chances of getting called in for an interview.⁶

The Career Services Department at your welding school can help you craft a resume, prepare for an interview and search for jobs.

Personal connections can make a difference when it comes to job hunting. You can foster such connections at local trade meetings and professional trade organizations.⁵ The American Welding Society (AWS), for example, is headquartered in Miami, and the organization hosts professional events for those in the welding industry.⁷

Step 4. Obtain Industry Certifications

Industry welding certifications can improve earning potential and job opportunities. As you progress in your career as a welder, specialized certifications can mean more money, leadership roles and higher-level job responsibilities.⁸ The AWS offers the following certifications.

• Certified Welder

This certification requires no prerequisite courses or minimum work experience. If you like, you can take the certification exam right after graduating from your vocational welding program.⁹

• Certified Welding Inspector

Once you are further along in you welding career and would like to pursue a more supervisory role, you might want to consider getting certified as a welding inspector. To take this AWS certification exam, you need one to twelve years of welding-based work experience, depending on your level of education.¹⁰