Basic welding study can be started at the high school vocational technical level or initiated through an associate degree at most community colleges. Advanced certification can also be acquired at nationwide career schools or through concentrated study at schools offering a full range of professional development for welders. The military also offers career development opportunities, including the welding trades. Your school choice will depend on where you live and how much time you have to invest in pre-employment training.
Many employers will only hire welders from accredited training programs. When choosing a welding school, always be sure that the programs offered are accredited by either the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT) or the Council on Occupational Education (COE) or approved by one of the six regional trades evaluators, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, Middle State Association of Colleges and Schools or New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
When researching welding schools and programs, look for a wide variety of technical offerings. A successful school will provide hands-on training in basic arc welding, gas welding, metal inert and tungsten inert gas welding, brazing, soldering and cutting. Advanced processes include resistance, laser, electron beam and pressure welding including cold press, friction and ultra-sonic processes. Additional skills for career advancement include drafting, metallurgy and machining study.
A well planned career in welding can begin with training and employment in high school and continue through advanced skills development at the community college level. Project design and production management opportunities can be created through dedicated welding school study. Well chosen employers may be willing to pay for some or all properly timed educational upgrades.