Welding jobs are on the rise due to new construction, pipelines, and natural gas projects. Indeed, welders are needed in almost every sector. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for welders is expected to grow by 8 percent by the year 2030. Apart from demand, welders will earn higher than average wages with a median annual salary of $47,010 for entry-level welders. Welder programs provide students with professional training in several welding types as well as new welding technologies. Students will also gain knowledge and skills to apply for welding certifications to demonstrate their competency in the field of welding.
Universal Technical Institute
Students enrolled in the welder program at Universal Technical Institute will gain skills to assume an entry-level position as a welder. They will learn all four welding types to become combination welders. Methods covered include gas tungsten arc welding, flux-cored arc welding, gas metal arc welding, and shielded metal arc welding. Students will also learn how to weld in a range of positions for pipe welds as well as plate and sheet metals. Course topics include an introduction to welding, safety and careers, principles of welding, engineering and fabrication, pipe welding, and welding applications. The program was developed in conjunction with Lincoln Electric, so students will train on current brand technology, including VRTEX virtual welders. The program covers 501 classroom hours and 399 lab hours. Graduates will have the skills and knowledge to take relevant industry welding tests or American Welding Society (AWS) certifications used in structural, construction, and pipe projects.
Program overview:
Welding Technology
Duration: 36 weeks
Semester credit hours: 36
Clock hours: 900
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must apply for admission to UTI
- Must be able to pass a criminal background check
- Must be proficient in the English language – reading, writing, verbal
Program cost:
The total program cost of $22,295 includes tuition, textbooks, registration fee, lab fee, and equipment fee.
- Website: https://www.uti.edu/
- Address: 301 W. Howard Lane, Austin, TX 78753
- Phone: 737-284-3100
Austin Community College
Austin Community College provides welding students with an unsurpassed technical training to start a career as a certified welder, welding inspector, or respected metal artist. The school offers the program in a variety of formats including individual courses, specialty certificates, and comprehensive college degrees. The program is extremely hands-on. Students will have the opportunity and gain the knowledge to manufacture products as simple as drawer pulls and as complex as skyscrapers. The department hosts unique offerings such as Technical Welding, Welding Inspection, Metalsmithing, and Metal Sculpture. Course topics in the Structural Welding Certificate include introduction to shielded metal arc welding, introduction o gas metal arc welding, introduction o tungsten arc welding, and introduction o blueprint reading for welders. Graduates will possess the skills and knowledge to thrive as Welding Technologists.
Program overview:
Welding Technology – Structural Welding Certificate
Duration: 20 weeks
Semester credit hours: 24
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must apply for admission to ACC
- Must be able to pass a criminal background check
- Must be proficient in the English language – reading, writing, verbal
Program cost:
Tuition costs $2,346 for in-state residents and $7,170 for those out of state. The costs for books, supplies, and equipment are not included.
- Website: http://www.austincc.edu/
- Address: 1020 Grove Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78741
- Phone: (512) 223-6000
Southern Careers Institute
The welding program at Southern Careers Institute takes a hands-on approach to prepare students with the expertise in commercial, industrial, and small business work with plate welding. The program includes training in Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding, Flux Cored Arc Welding, and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. It aligns with industry credentials and sets students with a broad knowledge base to develop hard and soft skills needed by employers. Students learn how to safely operate hand tools, power tools, and oxy-fuel cutting devices, read welding drawings, welding symbols, and physical characteristics, perform SMAW Bead Welds, SMAW Fillet Welds, GMAW Groove Weld, and GMAW Plate welds. Graduates will be prepared to take several certification exams including National Center for Construction Education and Research Core Certificate, National Center for Construction Education and Research Welding Level I and Level II Certificates. And OSHA-10.
Program overview:
Welding Technology Diploma
Duration: 7 months
Clock hours: 700
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 16 years of age – applicants who have not reached the age of 18 at the time of admissions must provide proof of high school diploma or Ged and have written permission from a parent or legal guardian
- Must have a high school diploma or GED – official transcripts or a verifiable diploma required
- Must apply for admission to SCI
- Must provide criminal history information
- Must be proficient in the English language – reading, writing, verbal
Program cost:
The program cost of $13,360 includes tuition and other fees. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://scitexas.edu/
- Address: 1701 W. Ben White Blvd, Ste 100, Austin, Texas 78704
- Phone: 844-783-6569