How To Get A Welding Apprenticeship In 2022?

A welding apprenticeship is not one of those programs that can be passed by dilly dally. This program requires full dedication, focus, and passion for welding. This is a tough course where you have to deal with metal, heat, and harsh conditions. There is also always a chance of an accident.

This is why it is easy to lose motivation in between. If you are one of the people who have a strong will and made up your mind to deal with everything, then this profession can give you a shining career ahead.

If you are wondering how to build up your career after your formal education, then look no further. Join a welding apprenticeship program is the first step to become a welder. The apprenticeship programs teach you the ABC of welding and welding skills. By dint of these skills, you are likely to get an advanced degree ahead.

Aspirants like you are the country's future, but the information about the welding industry isn't that clear. So, most of the time, aspirants end up with an unsatisfactory outcome- in fact, not getting a job as a welder.

So, we are a group of researchers whose sole purpose is to provide industry-grade information in the right manner. Could you stick with us to learn more?

After going through the first part, I guess, your mind is confused about the clarity of the meaning/motive behind the welding apprenticeship. You will get to know about those in this section.

Apprenticeship means getting training from any person, institute, company, etc. place. Companies use different kinds of welding methods, so they offer these apprentice programs for creating a workforce for their specific industry.

Formally, you can say it is an internship too. Now probably, a question is arising in your mind that what’ll be the benefits of completing these apprenticeship programs. In this, progressing work, no one provides jobs without experience and technical knowledge.

It’ll push your CV up and provide you with real-life experience about the sector and all the technical knowledge you need as a professional welder, which will make a clear path in getting a welding job and the opportunity of earnings in thousands.

Completing welding apprenticeship programs takes a longer period. The duration is usually 3 to 4 years. Most apprenticeship programs require 144 hours of classroom teaching and instructions every year. The on-field operation training is a minimum of 2,000 hours. Together a program includes 40 hours of work per week. In the end, there is an exam to qualify for certification.

The ultimate purpose of all the welding apprenticeships is to teach the students everything about welding. The course design includes all the academic and field works. There are also some other attributes that the welders think are important. here is a list of them.

• Teaching welding techniques and their uses.
• The importance of safety protocol and standards.
• Using welding instruments.
• Welding all types of materials.

All of these welding courses are taught following some components. They include

• Classroom lectures.
• Instructions in a group.
• Live hand-to-hand work monitored and supervised by professional welders.
• Live demonstrations.
• Written and practical exams to evaluate the learning of skills.

The whole training program needs a value of observation to be developed in students. The opportunity to see the pro workers working is a real deal for anyone who is eager to learn to weld. The deep insight will improve the production rate and individual safety.

Firstly, you will learn a lot of technical theories in the classroom. The mentors work hard to demonstrate and teach them hand-on for better learning. To be exact, apprenticeships teach an individual all types of theory and practice for learning their job responsibilities well.

Other than this the apprenticeship develops a number of skills in a student. They are...

• Ability to understand and visualize 2D and 3D models, and blueprints.
• Withstanding extreme workloads, and the ability to work in harsh environments.
• Attention to details.

Having these skills are essential for a successful and professional welding carrier. These abilities can't be taught. They are developed while working and learning. An experienced welder has these senses developed and sharpened.

Your high school diploma? Of course, it is important.

There are several benefits that you will get from your formal education. It will help a lot in building up your career.

High school graduates have more possibilities to get a job, employment or apprenticeship. The training schools often pay stipend or scholarships to their learners. If you have a formal degree then it will be easier for you to get those facilities.

Later on, you are likely to get the managerial position that demands such education and experience. You will have the practical skill, experience, expertise, and knowledge to join any job. Thus formal education serves as the ladder to success in this profession.

Now, the most arousing question. Going to vocational schools? isn't necessary either.

There are some traits that will help you succeed in any type of apprenticeship. They are...

• Willingness to learn
• Motivation
• passion
• Self-confidence and
• Effective-communication

The same goes for welding. Other than these, there are some questions that will come to you. You have to consider them and consider them wisely as these decisions matter a lot.

The first thing to consider before a welding apprenticeship is that it is a difficult and risky job. You have to always deal with metals and intense heat. It is not something that everyone can do. It requires particular skills and dedication to learn those skills. Not only this a good amount of physical and mental pressure is a must-have to complete the apprenticeship training.

The second thing is the environment. The environment of welding works can be harsh, and hazardous. This is stressful and potentially dangerous. If all the answers to the questions are yes, then this apprenticeship and profession are for you.

Start by looking into the vocational schools in your area for apprenticeship opportunities. It will make the path easier for your apprenticeship program. If you are looking to make your resume prominent and valuable, then you should look for prestigious schools in different states.

If you can't afford either of the two, then joining the community colleges and vocational centers can be an option. They are offering the same courses at minimum prices. The suggestion would be to visit the place in person and consult with the career counselor. The counselor will give you the list of courses, certificates, and programs.

You can go for a welding internship even if you don't have an associate science degree. It can be a good option as you don't have to waste more time on the additional 30 units. You will be ready for a job within a short period of time.

There is another thing to consider is that community and junior schools are more focused on their class lectures rather than the labs. On the other hand, at vocational centers, there are more practical training and equal classroom education.

The most important part, Read the course list carefully. The more courses there are, the better is it for your career. Courses on MIG, TIG, and Stick welding are mandatory.

You have known about what apprenticeship is and now, you are more interested than ever. So, your next work is to find a place of apprenticeship. Luckily, applying for an apprenticeship is not that hard.

You have to know that it’s a heavy load of work, so doing it won’t be easy. Most people don’t want to get involved in it for the insane workload. Still, for the same reason, companies, governments, institutes provide a few apprenticeship programs for building the skilled workforce for the nation.

Moreover, it also provides a few scholarships or stipends to support the financially challenged aspirants. Your first course of action will be to check the Department of Labor and apprenticeship.gov.

You will find a bar where you will be requested to submit the name of your residence/the place where you want to move for work. They will show all the prospectus and a list of company names with their position with their contact numbers.

They can also ask for the type of welding- TIG, MIG, FLUX CORE, and Stick- you prefer. Then after entering all the necessary information, you will have to click apply. Great, you have done it, and if you have fulfilled all the requirements, then Congratulations, they will send you an offer letter through mail/ postal service.

You will have to find out the institutes according to your needs. Few of them ask for a GED or high school certificate. However, sometimes you don’t need those. Here are a few best institutes that we have picked for you.

Top Ranked:

1. Texas State Technical College - Harlingen, TX
2. Hillsborough Community College - Tampa, FL
3. Passaic County Community College - Paterson, NJ
4. USC - Los Angeles, CA
5. ATACO Steel Products Corporation - Cedarburg, WI
6. University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign, IL
7. Los Angeles Unified School District
8. US Department of the Navy
9. William E. Munson Company
10. Wisconsin
11. Universal Plant Services

Scholarships Providers:

1. American Welding Society Scholarship
2. Hobart Institute of Welding Technology
3. National Center for Welding Education & Training
4. Tulsa Welding School
5. Lincoln Electric Welding School
6. Underwater welding schools
7. Lynnes Welding Training
8. Rochester Arc & Flame Center Ind (From AWS)

Unions:

1. Sheet Metal Workers
2. Ironworkers Union
3. United Auto Workers - Chrysler
4. Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers
5. Helmets to Hard Hat
6. Millrights Union
7. PG&E PowerPathways
8. Ingalls Shipbuilding Apprenticeship
9. Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s Apprentice program

Certificate Programs:

1. AWS certified welder program
2. American Welding Society classes for inspectors, instructors, engineers, and other jobs
3. American Petroleum Institute classes

The courses on every program are nearly the same. You will receive hands-on training to learn and use welding equipment efficiently. You will be assisting your trainer in doing various things.

Start making a list of your questions and get the information from your trainer regularly. You will learn about troubleshooting, basic concepts of electronics, metalworking techniques, the process of welding, safety, basic math, and measurements. These techniques will help you start your career really well.

Most of the apprentice program will take you as an assistant welder, so getting into action might be delayed by a few days/weeks. Most of the time, your job will be holding related stuff and providing them to instructors and observing what they are doing.

Expecting payment is not a bad thing, but you shouldn't while going through it. The apprentice program will be easier compared to a welder's work. So, don't fear anything. You can go through it easily.

And after finishing it, you can expect $30,000 to $40,000 yearly. So, it does not make you a millionaire overnight, but yes, you can be a millionaire in a/two decades so easily. Stay focused on your work, and your future is brighter than others.

You know almost everything about what you need to know. But we are here to provide you the last-minute touch-up that will clear your mind and make you total ready.

• If you have time in your hand and have the capability of earning a college degree, go for that.
• If you love to lead your life without hard labor, don’t come to this profession.
• If you don’t have a GED/ high school degree, finish that first and then join this program.
• If you want easy money and early growth, this profession is for you.

The writing started with the question of how to get a welding apprenticeship? See for yourself, how far we have known. We know about the dos, how to dos, and where to do.

If you have gathered your mind together, then this is the time for action. Take a step forward and join the welding apprenticeship program. Our best wishes are always with you.