TWS is a Great Training Option for Everyone
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Before you start your welding career, it is important to understand what’s required for your future career path. You have options, and depending on your career trajectory, you will need some on-the-job training or specific education to get certified to work independently as a journeyman welder.
What Education Level is Needed for Welding?
While welding does not require a formal college degree, specific education, training, and certifications are important to become a successful welder. Plus, many employers look for highly trained welders to fill open positions within their company. The following are the different ways you can become a welder:
High School Diploma or GED (Required by Most Employers)
A high school education is the minimum requirement for most welding jobs. However, many employers prefer candidates who have completed specialized welding programs at technical schools. The Welding Program at Tulsa Welding School provides both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.
Tulsa Welding School Training
TWS offers a Welding program that can be completed in as little as 7 months. The program covers welding processes (SMAW, GMAW, TIG, FCAW), metallurgy, blueprint reading, and safety procedures. This prepares you for a lifelong career in welding.
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Apprenticeship
Some welders start out with a welding apprenticeship, forgoing the technical training. This is one pathway to a welding career, but it does have its drawbacks. They include:
Partial Training – as an apprentice, you may only work with residential or commercial welding. You may learn one or two different welding techniques or be relegated to supporting a welder and not able to perform welds for many years. Conversely, technical training offers a complete curriculum and hands-on training that allows you to work with industry standard equipment and perform most welding techniques. You even get to use virtual reality to practice your trade and build confidence so you are ready when you start welding in your new career.
Stagnated Career – without a diploma from TWS, it may be hard to progress in your career. You may find employers pass you over for promotions and you may find it hard to get managerial positions.
Difficulty Passing Certification Exams – certifications can be obtained through organizations like the American Welding Society (AWS). To become certified and work independently, you must have either 4 years of work experience as an apprentice or 3 years work experience and a diploma from an accredited technical school. The goal of the Welding Program at TWS is to prepare you for the certification exam administered by AWS.
Final Thoughts Education Needed for Welding Careers
The minimum education level required to become a welder is a high school diploma or GED, but completing a technical training program at TWS and obtaining certifications from AWS significantly improves your job prospects. If you are seeking higher-level or specialized positions, additional education in welding may be necessary.
Want to Learn More?
The Professional Welder & Welding Specialist with Pipefitting programs at Tulsa Welding School 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 or Welding Specialist with Pipefitting program? Contact us today about our welding certification preparation program.
