Whether you’re looking to start a welding career or you want to improve your skills as a welder, you’ll likely want to go to a welding school. However, choosing a welding school can be a difficult decision.
With so many schools out there, it is hard to know where to start. To make this process easier for you, we’ve created a list of factors you should consider that will help narrow down your search and get you on the right track.
- Location Of The School
The location of a welding school can greatly impact your education because it influences the resources available to you. For example, if the school is located in a rural area, access to metalworking companies and fabrication shops may be limited. On the other hand, if the school is located in a city, there will be more resources available to you.
- Length Of The Program
Welding school programs vary in length, ranging from a few weeks to two years. If you want to get started quickly and begin working as soon as possible, then choosing either an eight-week or twelve-week program might be the best option for you. However, if you are looking to learn more about welding before entering the field, you might want to consider a longer program.
- Tuition And Fees
Welding school tuition and fees vary widely, so it’s essential to do your research before deciding which program is right for you. If you cannot afford the tuition at one school, consider looking into other schools that may have lower costs or scholarships available.
- Job Placement Assistance
After graduation, you will likely want to start working right away. If this is the case, then your welding school must offer job placement assistance. This could include helping to write resumes and cover letters, offering continuing education programs for experienced welders who want to advance their careers, or hosting job fairs with hiring managers to make opportunities more accessible.
What Are The Top Welding Schools In The USA?
If you’re looking for quality welding schools, you should think about attending one that is well-known and respected. There are welding programs at technical colleges, community colleges, vocational schools, four-year universities as well as trade associations. Some of the top-rated welding schools in the USA include:
Albany Technical College
Albany Technical College is a nationally ranked welding school that offers a variety of programs and courses. They have an extensive 54-hour program that results in a diploma rather than a degree, allowing students to immediately get started in the field.
Ashland Community and Technical College
Ashland Community and Technical College offer a two-year welding program across the country that provides students with the skills they need to start their careers in welding. There are hundreds of subjects to pick from the curriculum to help you become eligible for hundreds of jobs in the industry.
Ferris State University
Ferris State University prides itself on the quality of its welding courses and is known for its effectiveness in preparing students to enter the workforce. They offer two-year associate degrees, four-year bachelor’s degrees as well as one-year certificates that you can complete quickly.
American Welding Society
The AWS website features a wide variety of online courses designed to fit any schedule. AWS courses differ from PowerPoint and prerecorded lectures in that they offer brief modules which incorporate video footage, interactive elements, animated graphics, and audio narration to ensure that the material is engaging and easy to understand. 24/7 access allow time-strapped students to learn at their own pace from any laptop, phone, or tablet.
Conclusion
Although choosing a welding school can be daunting, it doesn’t have to be. Consider each of these factors when making this decision and keep in mind what you want from your education before starting classes at one of these schools.