The welding industry is interwoven with our daily lives. The profession spans industries such as transport, energy, construction, automotive, and many others. With such a critical role, it is alarming that there is a lack of interest in this trade among the current generation. According to the American Welding Society, the majority of welders are in their mid-fifties and the U.S. will face a shortage of 400,000 skilled welders in the next decade.
Welding schools in New York and across the country are working with industries to attract newcomers. From short-term to longer-term programs, progressive learning, apprenticeships, incentives, and financial aid, there are many options to learn this trade.
NYC Buildings oversees the licensure of welders in New York. Candidates for a license must be at least 18 years old, be able to read and write the English language, and have a good moral character. There is an option to complete one of two exams – The American Welding Society (AWS) Manual-Shield Metal Arc Welding Process certifications or the New York State Department of Transportation Field Welder Certification Manual-Shielded Metal Arc Welding Process. All applicants must submit details for a background investigation to the Licensing and & Exams Unit before the license can be issued.
New York City College of Technology Division of Continuing Education
New York City College of Technology offers several welding courses geared for those seeking a new career or upgrade their current skills. Courses include the Welding Pro Course (12 hours), Basic Electric Arc Welding (84 hours), Advanced Electric Arc Welding (42 hours), and Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) Welding (70 hours).
Program overview:
Basic Electric Arc Welding
Duration: 4 weeks
Contact hours: 84 hours
Courses:
Arc Welding with Metal Electrodes and Carbon Arcs, Sources of Electricity for Welding, Welding Circuits, Types of Electrodes, Current Controls, AWS Classifications, Standard Welding Symbols, Physical Testing of Weldments, Sample Weld Specimens, Rates of Arc Travel
Prerequisites:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Relevant experience in the industry
- Permission of the instructor
Program cost:
Tuition for the Basic Arc Welding program is$2,295. Students are expected to purchase proper safety apparel including welding aprons, work shoes, gloves, and goggles or hood. The estimated cost for safety items is $275.
Website: https://www.citytech.cuny.edu/continuinged/
Address: 300 Jay Street, Howard Building, 4th floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: 718-552-1170
Michael Daniel Metal Design, Inc.
Michael Daniel Metal Design offers an Introduction to Welding and Metal Sculpting Class is not a certification course. The training covers basic welding and metal sculpting techniques. Apart from welding, students will also learn the safe operation of power tools used in metal sculpting and fabrication. The class is designed to accommodate students with no prior experience in welding or sculpting. A maximum of 7 students are admitted with each cycle. Classes meet once a week from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
Program overview:
Introduction to Welding and Metal Sculpting Class
Duration: 5 weeks
Contact hours: 15 hours
Courses:
Oxy-acetylene Gas Welding, MIG Welding, ARC Welding
Prerequisites:
- No experience or prior training is required to enroll in the program
Program cost:
The cost of the program is $595. It includes al the necessary materials.
Website: http://www.michaeldanielmetal.com/welding-classes-new-york-city
Address: 22-14 40th Avenue, 3rd Floor, Long Island City, Queens, NY
Phone: 718-707-9655
Apex Technical School
The Combination Welding Program at Apex Technical School prepares students for entry-level positions in the industry. Training will include theory and practical experiences in the shop in the essential skills need for a career in welding. Coursework will include the gas and electric welding processes, reading blueprints for metal layout and fabrication including exotic metals, pipe welding, and tube welding, and manual and automatic cutting techniques.
Program overview:
Introduction to Welding and Metal Sculpting Class
Duration: N/A
Contact hours: 900 hours
Courses:
Blueprint Reading and Fabrication, Oxyacetylene Welding, Cutting, and Brazing, Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 17 years old and have parental consent (for applicants under 18 years)
- Must have a high school diploma or equivalency. Candidates with no high school diploma must take and pass a standardized exam
- Attend an interview with an Admissions Representative
- Sign the Enrollment Agree and pay the application fee
Program cost:
The approximate cost of the program is $15,695. Textbooks and supplies are not included in the cost. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.
Website: https://apexschool.com/
Address: 24-02 Queens Plaza South, Long Island City, NY 11101
Phone: (212) 645-3300
Long Island Welding School
Long Island Welding School offers a Basic Welding Course, an Intermediate Welding Course, and an Advanced Welding Course. The Basic Welding Course is designed for beginners with no experience. Graduates have the option to continue to the Intermediate and Advanced Welding courses. Long Island Welding School is an approved American Welding Society Accredited Test Facility so students can take the state exam onsite. Classes meet Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm or 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm or 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Saturday and Sunday classes are also available. Boot rentals are available for students who want to prepare for AWS qualification.
Program overview:
Basic Intermediate and Advanced Welding Courses
Duration: 2 weeks
Contact hours: 24 hours
Courses:
Safety, Principles of SMAW, GMAW, & TIG, Wire Selection, Gas Selection, Welder Settings
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 17 years old and have parental consent (for applicants under 18 years)
- Make a deposit of $200 to sign up
- Pay the tuition in full before the start date unless arrangements have been made for payment over time
- Must purchase equipment and uniform
Program cost:
The cost for each program is $2,500. The cost includes all-steel material, welding equipment and gas. Students must provide their own helmet, welding jacket, welding gloves and work boots.
Website: http://www.longislandweldingschool.com/
Address: 59a Urban Ave, Westbury, NY 11590, United States
Phone: 516-997-8586
The Welding Expert Inc.
The Welding Expert offers various training options for beginner and expert welders, including the all-inclusive welding course. This training option starts with the fundamental concepts of welding with opportunities to apply the knowledge gained in real-world settings under the guidance of expert instructors. Students will then progress to advanced courses such as pipe welding which will help them qualify for ASME Code welding in all positions and for all thicknesses. The program covers four phases. The first phase introduces students to the craft of welding followed by Horizontal, Vertical and Overhead plate positioning covered in phase two, preparation for pipe welding qualification test or periodic code testing in phase three, and requirements of ASME IX for various qualifications in phase four. TWE currently works with the NYS Department of Education with Access VR for the welding specialty program. They are also certified for the AWS SENSE program, NYS DOT welder certifications, and are an approved vendor for NYC DOB Pipe welder qualifications. In addition to the all-inclusive course, they offer other full-length courses, brush-up workshops, and specialty workshops for the beginner, intermediate, and advanced students.
Program overview:
Basic Intermediate and Advanced Welding Courses
Duration: Varies
Contact hours: 15 hours
Courses:
Principles of SMAW, GMAW, & TIG, Welding Steel Plates in Flat, Horizontal, Vertical and Overhead Positions
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 18 years old – applicants under 18 must have parental consent
- Register for the workshop of choice
- Make arrangements to pay the required tuition
- Must purchase required equipment
Program cost:
Tuition starts at $1,750 for 15 hours of instruction. An all-inclusive $1,950 program is also available. The Welding Expert also offers pay-as-you-go training.
Website: http://www.theweldingexpert.com/
Address: 101 Rome Street, Farmingdale, NY 11735
Phone: (347) 668-5396
How Long Does It Take to Become a Welder in New York?
A welding certificate program that provides the training needed for entry-level employment takes an average of 4 weeks at vocational schools in New York. Upon graduating, you will have basic skills to use various welding techniques. Most employers require extensive hands-on experience to delegate assignments. Most of this experience you will acquire through additional on-the-job training.
Do You Need A License to Weld in New York City?
You must obtain a license to weld in New York City.
To obtain a New York City Welder license, you must :
- Be at least eighteen years old
- Be able to read and write the English language
- Have good moral character
- Successfully complete one of the following exams:
- The American Welding Society (AWS) Manual-Shielded Metal Arc Welding Process (SMAW) certifications for:
- Certified Welder – Groove and fillet welds in flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead positions with unlimited thicknesses and 3G and 4G certifications
- Obtain the appropriate AWS certificate in addition to the above certification to weld special steels or metals
- The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Field Welder Certification Manual-Shielded Metal Arc Welding Process (SMAW) for:
- 3G and 4G – Groove and fillet welds in flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead positions and unlimited thicknesses
- Submit information for a background investigation to the Licensing & Exams Unit.
Required Documents
- DPL1 Form
- AWS or NYSDOT certification card
- Visual Acuity Test Form
- LIC62: Physical Exam Form, must be completed within 90 days prior to application date
- Child Support Certification Form
- Photo ID (driver’s license)
- Birth certificate, current passport or green card
- Social Security Card
- Marriage Certificate/Legal name change documents (for name changes)
- Proof of Residence (utility bill, lease or deed) or a typed notarized letter and bill from the person you are residing with
The Department will provide a letter with a list of instructions and required items you must submit to the Department to obtain your license if you meet the qualifications and you pass the background investigation.
You have one year from the date of the letter to obtain your license. If you do not complete the process within the timeframe, you will need to redo the entire process including the background investigation.
What Is The Best Welding School in New York?
NYC College of Technology offers a renowned welding program. They offer basic and advanced courses at an affordable rate. The program is hands-on and taught by industry experts. Students benefit from job placement assistance.
How Do I Get A Welding Certificate?
A certified welder is someone who has passed an American Welding Society certification exam. Certification demonstrates your ability to perform particular welding processes safely with the buildpro table. You must pass an exam administered by the American Welding Society to obtain a welding certification. The tests cover welding methods, gas safety, and discount welds quality. Upon completion of the requirements for certification, you will be eligible to use the designation (WTD) in your practice.
Some of the credentials offered by the American Welding Society (AWS) include Journeyman, Master, and Certified Welder. These all require that you complete an exam and demonstrate proficiency in a specific welding specialty.
How Much Does A Welder Make in New York?
Certified welders earn a median annual wage of $61,340 in New York City. Entry-level welders earn an average wage of $42,550 annually.