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Are you thinking a career in welding could be right for you? But you’re wondering how to get started?
You might be happy to know that you don’t need a 4-year college degree to become a welder. 2
So, does that mean you can teach yourself to weld?
See if welding can be self-taught in this article. Plus, another common welding training option.
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Can You Teach Yourself to Weld?
Yes, it is possible to teach yourself welding provided you get your hands on enough reliable information and the right equipment.3
There are plenty of resources available for anyone to access that teach the fundamentals of welding. This can help you get started with learning to weld. These sources can come in the form of websites, podcasts, videos, forums, books and other informative media.3
But just because it’s possible to teach yourself welding, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best option.1 At Tulsa Welding School, we strongly advise against self-teaching for welding.
People don’t generally find it easy to learn the various and intricate skills required for welding. In addition to its difficulty, welding also comes with inherent risks, making it a potentially dangerous trade when not approached with necessary precaution.
Let’s take a look at the disadvantages associated with teaching yourself welding along with a few of the potential advantages.
Disadvantages of Teaching Yourself to Weld
Welding Can Be Dangerous
Welding can be dangerous when the necessary safety protocols aren’t followed. If you decide to learn welding on your own, you’re not receiving guidance from a trained professional, which can be critical to understanding and practicing welding safety.1
Your Learning Resources Can Be Limited
When attempting to teach yourself welding, your options are learning by watching and listening—kind of similar to what your experience might be in a classroom.3
If you’re not a conceptual learner, you might not find online resources very helpful.3
Those who prefer learning by doing can seek out formal education in the form of welding training, like the Professional Welder program at Tulsa Welding School. Welding schools often offer hands-on training, so students can have plenty of opportunities to practice what they’re learning under the supervision of experienced instructors.3
You May Not Have as Many Welding Career Opportunities
Welders who opt for a self-taught approach can have limitations on their professional development.3
If you’re just looking for a fun hobby or handy skillset you can use in informal settings, teaching yourself can be fine. But if you want to make welding your livelihood, consider learning the trade at a welding school.
Why Consider Formal Welding Training?
If you’re looking for a promising way to enter into the profession without having to teach yourself, welding training can be a great option to consider.,
When learning from experienced welders, you may not only be reducing the risks involved with welding, but you’re also switching your career aims from average hobbyist to skilled professional.
Career Opportunities
Welding can be a rewarding career path in terms of income potential, and there are ways to improve your chances of success.2
A great way to increase your future earning potential and upward mobility can be to undergo professional welding training.5,6
Companies tend to prefer to hire applicants who have demonstrated a dedication to learning the trade through welding training programs.6 And these programs can often prepare you to become a certified welder, a status that can lead to opportunities for career advancement and higher pay.5
Experienced Instructors
Another advantage of proper welding training that you can’t get when teaching yourself can be experienced instructors. The quality of teaching you receive is directly related to the welding skills you can develop. As with many skills, the better the teacher, the greater your potential.
Career Services
Many welding training programs have career services designed to help students smoothly transition into the welding job market.
You can get help studying for welding tests, creating a resume, looking for open positions, preparing for interviews and more. Some welding training schools even offer on-campus recruitment testing from popular employers in the area.
Prepare for a Career as a Professional Welder
If you’re interested in pursuing the professional welder career path, Tulsa Welding School can help you get started on the right foot with proper training. Feel free to call us at 855-237-7675 to speak with a rep about our welding programs.
1https://weldingheadquarters.com/is-welding-hard/
2https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm
3https://weldingchamps.com/self-taught-welding/
4https://www.aws.org/certification/page/home
5https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm#tab-4
6https://www.tws.edu/student-resources/career-services/
