People sometimes ask, “How long does it take to become a welder?”. The better question is, of course, “How long does it take to become a good welder?” Anybody who has a welding machine, or access to one, and has tried to weld something can be called a welder—but becoming a good professional welder takes time, effort, and training.
If you are looking to get into welding as a career, most companies require certification, which can vary from state to state. You may also be required to pass a skills test to become licensed as a professional welder. Most welding jobs will require you to have at least a high school diploma or GED, some technical and on-the-job training, and an official certification. There are additional certifications that may be required since there are different types of welding (MIG, TIG, Stick, etc.).
According to the American Welding Society, welding jobs in the manufacturing sector in the U.S. have increased steadily since 2000, as water and oil pipelines and bridges and highways are being built or need repair. There are many may colleges and training schools that offer welding classes, hands-on training, experience, and everything you need to become a certified, licensed welder.
Whatever type of welding you’re looking to get into, learning from an expert is the right decision. We recommend taking classes to find out more about the type of welding you want to do, what best suits you, and what kind of equipment you need to reach your welding goals. You can also decide if welding is for you as a career, a way to make a good living, or just a hobby.
At Vern Lewis Welding Supply, we offer a variety of classes to help you get you an excellent start to your welding career or hobby. You can learn the basics and sharpen your skills by working with our experienced instructors. Our training rooms have top-of-the-line equipment, which will be a big help in making your decision as to which welding process is best for you.
The American Welding Society has a Certified Welder Program that is a performance-based program with no prerequisites or certifications required to get started. The Certified Welder program teaches welding procedures used in structural steel, petroleum pipelines, sheet metal, and chemical refinery welding industries. Tests for Certified Welders are performed at AWS Accredited Testing Facilities located throughout the world. Final certification will provide transferrable credentials that you may take wherever you go.
Welding can be a rewarding and lucrative career. Isn’t it time you do your research and get started?
