Do You Need A Degree To Work As A Welder?

Many people mistakenly assume that getting a four-year college degree is the only path to a stable and well-paying career. But in fact, there are many skilled trades that offer good job opportunities and competitive compensation without the need to spend years (and probably many thousands of dollars in tuition) getting a degree.

Skilled welders are consistently needed in industries like construction, manufacturing, aerospace, and infrastructure, and you can get started as a professional welder without needing to get a college degree. Keep reading to find out more.

Is Welding School the Right Path for Your Career?

While some welders try to learn on the job through apprenticeship programs, getting structured training through a professional welding school will give you the best chances of success as you start a welding career.

A formal training program provides a clear advantage when entering the welding job market. Potential employers know that graduates of an accredited technical school have received a standardized education from qualified instructors covering both the technical and safety aspects of the trade.

What You Learn in a Welding School Program

The curriculum at a welding school like ETI School of Skilled Trades is designed to teach you all aspects of the trade, combining classroom theory with hands-on practice. You’ll learn:

  • The core welding processes: You will be taught various common welding processes, including Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), and Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW).
  • Safety protocols: You will learn proper procedures and how to use personal protective equipment to protect yourself from electrical shock, burns, and fumes.
  • Blueprint and technical reading: Welders need to be able to read and interpret technical drawings as well as welding symbols. You’ll learn through a formal program how to interpret a specification accurately.
  • Fabrication and cutting: Besides joining metal, you will also learn techniques like thermal cutting as well as metal fabrication. These are important for the preparation of material and forming metal components.
  • Job Skills: The best welding school programs also teach the “soft skills” you need for a successful career (such as communication skills, teamwork, time management, and attention to detail).

These training programs can typically be completed in a year or less. ETI’s welding program can be completed in as little as seven months.

Get Ready for Welding Jobs

You can start an interesting and in-demand career as a professional welder without having to get a college degree. The experienced instructors and state-of-the-art welding lab at ETI will help you get all of the skills you need to start your career, and you’ll benefit from ETI’s many years of established relationships with employers who look for ETI grads to hire. Ready to get started? Sign up for ETI’s welding program today!

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