Individuals who are interested in becoming welders should have at least a high school diploma or GED. Some employers simply require high school graduates to complete welding exams they administer at their companies. Meanwhile, others look for welders who have completed a welding certificate program that lasts a few weeks or an associate degree program that takes two years to finish. These programs are available at vocational/technical schools as well as community colleges. Some high schools actually offer formal training programs in welding as well, and the U.S. Armed Forces also operates welding schools.
Aspiring welders also can complete apprenticeships that combine classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training. To get into an apprenticeship program in welding, students usually must be at least 18-years-old and be in good physical condition, according to Oregon.gov. New apprentices earn only a percentage of the wages paid to experienced welders but work their way up to the journey-level rate after proving their ability to complete an increasing number of skills. Apprenticeships typically last four years.
Classes in a welding training program cover topics, such as blueprint reading, pipe layout and advanced math. Students also learn skills such as soldering. Soldering involves melting an alloy to join two metal surfaces together, according to Princeton University. In addition, students gain hands-on training in various types of welding, such as gas tungsten arc welding, shielded metal arc welding and gas metal arc welding, according to Education-Portal.com.
Training in welding prepares students to seek certification in this field. National certification comes from the American Welding Society, or AWS, and is voluntary but boosts an individual's employment opportunities. Students can pursue this certification on their own, or their formal training program can be accredited by the AWS. Some welding employers also provide their own certification tests for their employees.
Employment of welders and related workers is projected to decrease by about 2 percent from 2008 to 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Although a growing reliance on automation will decrease the demand for welders, the outlook for welders in manufacturing is stronger than in other occupations in this field. Median hourly wages of welders and similar workers in May 2008 were $16.13, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics.