(888) 830-7678
Welding is a fabrication process that involves joining metallic parts by combining pressure and heat so that the parts start to melt and fuse together. Welding has applications in virtually every industry, meaning that skilled welders can enjoy good job prospects. Professional welders take pride in their work. Welding competitions are sometimes held to allow welding schools to demonstrate their students’ expertise. Read on to learn more about welding competitions and how you can become a welder.
The Purpose of Welding School Competitions
A typical welding competition gauges participants’ skills in Tungsten Inert Gas, Metal Active Gas, and Manual Metal Arc welding. The competition comprises three stages, requiring students to complete processes involved in common welding jobs. At each stage, competitors complete welding test pieces in various welding positions in stainless steel and carbon steel aluminum.
The event targets trainees in a welding school or apprentices in the welding industry. After completing each task, the test pieces are marked using a set criterion. Participating in welding competitions allows skilled students to win prize money and scholarships. They offer networking opportunities for students and prominent employers.
Welding school competitions introduce hundreds of students to potential employers. External evaluators assess student performance to help them create solid career foundations. The contractors and vendors who judge the competitions donate welding tools, hoods, and jackets. Students learn and gain experiences that benefit their future careers in welding.
Who Organizes Welding School Competitions?
The American Institute of Steel Construction organizes welding competitions in collaboration with steel-based industries like Puma Steel. Most of the competitions kick off statewide celebrations like National Manufacturing Day. Steel Day welding challenges cater to high school juniors and seniors across the state.
Welding competitions started with simple stick-welded fillet welds. Over time, welding school programs have improved, increasing the quality of student welders. Modern competitions incorporate the latest welding technology and processes in multiple-piece fabricated weldments. These challenges closely match the construction, manufacturing, fabrication, and agricultural processes. The events are open to the public, and big companies offer plant tours of their facilities.
How Can I Get a Welding Job?
Welding jobs are physically demanding and require hand-eye coordination, stamina, and the ability to work in uncomfortable positions. You typically must attain a high school diploma or GED as an aspiring welder. Although community colleges sometimes offer welding courses, industry-specific institutions like ETI School of Skilled Trades offer the most comprehensive welding training programs for learning the skills you’ll need to succeed as a welding professional.
Once you complete a training program, your work experience will typically begin with apprenticeships and entry-level positions that allow you to gain experience in basic welding tasks. Building relationships with instructors during internships creates valuable connections for welding job leads.
The American Welding Society (AWS) offers certifications to enhance your employability. To be certified, you must pass a practical exam showcasing your welding abilities and following codes and procedures. Some companies require specific AWS certifications to offer you an employment position.
Go to Welding School in Chicago at ETI
ETI School of Skilled Trades prepares you to succeed as a professional welder with training from experienced instructors in a job-site simulation 13,000 square foot welding lab. Our program can be completed in as little as 7 months, and when you’ve finished your training, you’ll have the advantage of our unique Employer-Graduate match process that has had employers coming back to hire our graduates for the past 12 years.
Apply today to start your journey towards a better career as a professional welder.
English 
Spanish