How Long Does It Take To Become A Welder?

How Long Does It Take To Become A Welder?

 

A welder is a trained tradesperson who uses heat to connect or cut metal using a hand-held or remotely controlled equipment. A welder's job also includes filling holes, indentations, or seams. Welders are employed in areas such as manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding.  A high school diploma (or equivalent), Pipe welding school training, and industry welding certifications are generally required to become a welder. Depending on which welding career path you pick, the time it takes to finish each step will vary.

 

How Long Does It Take to Learn to Weld?

 

The time it takes to become a welder is generally determined by the educational path chosen. For example, apprenticeships may take many years, whereas vocational school education is frequently completed in less than a year. It is also worth noting that some people begin welding instruction as early as a high school if their school offers a vocational program. Others may begin their education in a vocational school with no prior experience. Here are some elements that influence how long it takes to become a welder.

 

GED/High School

 

A high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED certificate, is usually the minimum educational need for aspiring welders, whether they select on-the-job training or a vocational school. High school students interested in a welding career should take math, science, and shop classes. High school graduation typically takes four years to achieve, while a GED certificate takes around three months. On-the-job training, welding training programs, vocational school, apprenticeships, and community college are all choices for potential welders. Students who complete their welder training can earn a certificate, diploma, or associate degree.

 

Welders are instructed to read different welding techniques, metallurgy, blueprint, and safety procedures. Depending on the type of training a welder takes, learning the welding trade can take anywhere from a few months to a few years. Some welders begin as laborers and develop through on-the-job training without attending a formal vocational training program. However, progressing from a laborer to a welder can take years. It's also worth noting that while some firms are prepared to recruit inexperienced entry-level workers and train them on the job, many prefer to hire people with prior training, qualifications, and certificates. This is partly because even entry-level professionals with formal technical training must often undergo months of on-the-job training and, in some circumstances, certifications, depending on their business.

 

How Long Must You Attend School to Become a Welder?

While others choose to learn the craft on the job, many businesses prefer individuals with formal training. Those interested in welding training programs have two main options: vocational school or community college.

 

School of Vocational Studies

A vocational school's skilled trades training curriculum stresses welding capabilities. Delta Tech's hands-on welding program includes instruction in welding methods, shop safety, pipefitting, and blueprint reading. Metal characteristics, cutting procedures, safety training, rigging, metallurgy, and math are all included in classes. Students can complete the welding curriculum in as little as seven months. When they graduate, they are given a diploma.

 

College of the Community

A two-year community college welding program typically permits students to graduate with an associate degree. Due to their varied schedules, some students may take longer to complete. Community college welding programs include similar themes to vocational school programs, but students must also enroll in general education classes such as English or History.

 

How Long Does It Take to Get a Welding Permit?

The licensing requirements vary by state. Welding contractors in Mississippi must be licensed if they work on public projects worth $50,000 or more or private projects worth $100,000 or more. Before taking the exam, applicants must be pre-approved by the state. While Mississippi does not require a certain amount of work experience, it expects industry experience and requires supporting documents. The Mississippi welding contractor license is valid for indefinite welding work.

 

The license exam consists of 60 questions and has a two-hour time limit. Typical welder work activities such as oxyacetylene welding and cutting, blueprint and plan reading, brazing, pipe welding, materials, SMAW, GIAW, and testing and inspection are all included in the exam. To succeed, welders must correctly answer 70% of the exam questions. To earn this state license, applicants must additionally pass a Business and Law Management exam. Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, and South Carolina have limited reciprocal agreements with Mississippi. Welders must have been licensed in these states for at least three years.

 

How to Select the Best School for You?

Have you considered a career in welding? If this is the case, you may have begun looking into welding schools to obtain your training and certification.

 

While there is a lot to consider as a potential welder, here are a few of the elements that set MTI's welding training programs apart:

 

●     Earn the MTI pipe  welding certifications you need in just 7-10 months by getting hands-on training in a real weld shop (depending on which schedule you choose)

●     MTI welding instructors all have hands-on expertise.

●     There are no general education classes required.

●     All qualified graduates are eligible for lifetime job placement help.

●     Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available to talented students.

●     There are flexible class schedules available.