A Guide to How to Get a Welding Apprenticeship

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Are you ready to become a welder? Did you know that you must be an apprentice for 4 years before you can apply for your welding license to work without supervision? How do you go about securing a welding apprenticeship? It might seem like a big step, but don’t worry—we’ll walk you through the process.

What is a Welding Apprenticeship?

A welding apprenticeship is a paid internship as a welder, where you get to complete welding tasks under the strict supervision of a licensed welder. As you may already know, to become a licensed welder, you must complete 3 to 4 years of welding experience.

How to Find A Welding Apprenticeship?

There are a few ways to get an apprenticeship. They include:

Completing the Welding Program at Tulsa Welding School (TWS)

Although you are not required to complete a post-secondary education to get a welding apprenticeship, it has advantages. In this competitive job market, completing additional education can prove your commitment to the role and show employers you are interested in completing the welding apprenticeship.

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Further, completing your education in as little as 7 months at TWS can replace one year of apprenticeship so you can get your welding license sooner. The greatest advantage of completing the Welding program at TWS is the extensive knowledge and skills you’ll gain by the time you finish. Instead of picking one discipline, you can learn many different disciplines and choose the one that works best for you. You will also have knowledge that will help you advance your career further down the line.

Find the Perfect Welding Discipline for Your Skills and Goals

There are many welding disciplines that you can choose from as an apprentice. Each one is useful in different situations and has unique materials. The main welding disciplines, all taught in the Welding Program at TWS, include:

Shield Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
Metal Inert Gas Welding (MIG)
Tungsten Inert Gas Welding (TIG)
High-Frequency TIG Welding
Flux-cored Arc Welding
Structural Welding
Pipe Welding

Earn Your American Welding Society Certification

The American Welding Society (AWS)1 offers many options for welding certification. Whether you want a general or specialty welding certification, AWS offers over ten certification exams to prove your proficiency in your craft.

Many employers want certified welding professionals who have proven their proficiency. This is because welding employers are responsible for welding employees, and customers request one with a certification because of their advanced abilities.

Discover the Right Niche for Your Apprenticeship

Finding the correct apprenticeship that suits your skills is challenging. Do you want to work for a big or small company? Do you want to specialize in one type of welding or practice your hand in different disciplines? If you are wondering how to find the right apprenticeship, TWS has you covered.

After graduation, we help you find an apprenticeship you are passionate about. We have strong ties with the community, and employers know that TWS graduates are work-ready and need less training than other apprentice candidates. Let TWS help you find the right apprenticeship and start your lifelong career.

Ace Your Welding Exam with Confidence

Many welding apprenticeship programs require candidates to pass a welding exam as part of their qualification process. This practical assessment helps ensure that apprentices possess the essential skills needed for the job.

However, in some cases, employers may accept a post-secondary education in welding or a related field as an alternative to the exam. By completing a formal educational program, individuals demonstrate a foundational knowledge and hands-on experience that can serve as a substitute for the exam, making them equally competitive for apprenticeship opportunities. This flexibility allows for multiple pathways into the field, accommodating different backgrounds and levels of expertise.

Want to Learn More?

The Professional Welder program at Tulsa Welding School’s starts by helping you know what it’s like to be a welder in interactive workshop courses and welding booths. You’ll be trained in structural, flux core, and pipe welding in as little as seven months. You’ll also be prepared to excel in job interviews and welding tests for various certifications. Read about the types of welding careers you can pursue with your skills. Ready to start a Professional Welding program? Contact us today about our welding certification preparation program.