Typical Welding Courses

Each school uses its own curriculum.

But here are some examples of subjects you may learn about in welding classes near you:

• Workplace safety
• Metallurgy (i.e., the properties of metals)
• Welding symbols and principles
• Fundamentals of:
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Electricity
    

    Welding trade schools

• Trades math
• Blueprint reading
• Mechanical drawing
• Human relations
• Methods of fabrication
• Setup and maintenance of tools and equipment
• Material selection and handling
• Various types of welding methods, such as:
  • Oxyacetylene welding
  • GTAW
  • GMAW
  • SMAW
  • FCAW
    

    Welding trade schools

• Weld inspection and quality control
• Plasma and thermal cutting
• Automated systems

Skills You Can Learn

Welding school can teach you how to carry out tasks such as:

• Interpreting welding codes, specifications, and technical drawings
• Setting up and safely using various kinds of welding equipment, tools, and accessories like:
  • Safety gear
  • Electrodes and wire feeders
  • Torches and welding guns
  • MIG pliers
  • Clamps and magnets
  • Angle grinders
  • Chipping hammers
  • Wire brushes and metal files
    

    Welding trade schools

• Taking accurate measurements
• Making precise calculations
• Preparing materials to be welded
• Using direct and alternating current to create arc welds
• Choosing and performing the most appropriate welding process for each project
• Producing different types of welded joints like:
  • Lap
  • Tee
  • Butt
  • Corner
  • Edge
• Creating clean and precise welds in flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions
• Cutting materials using plasma or thermal equipment
• Fabricating durable goods

Licensing & Certification

Most states don’t require welders to be licensed unless they are self-employed contractors with their own businesses.

For the few states that do have government licensure, registration, or certification requirements.

It is generally just for a particular area of the trade.

Such as inspection or structural steel, pressure vessel, or pipeline welding.

Can you become a certified welder without going to school?

Technically, you can. For basic American Welding Society certification.

You don’t need to meet any educational requirements.

But you do need to pass a skills test.

Most people who enter this trade learn fundamental welding skills through a welding trade school.

It is also possible to learn everything on the job if your employer is willing to train you as a true beginner.

Welding trade schools

Can I teach myself to weld?

Some welders are self-taught, but that isn’t the norm.

Experienced people in the trade often recommend that newcomers go to welding trade school to learn the proper techniques and safety procedures.

However, you can learn some of the fundamentals by watching online videos and getting lots of practice with the right materials and equipment.

Most importantly, you need repeated practice at welding various kinds of joints.

Welding trade schools

Try to find some experienced welders in your area before you get started.

So that you can ask for some tips and advice.

It can be difficult or impossible to recognize and correct any improper techniques you may be using without formal instruction (or at least an in-person mentor).