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Welding, an intricate and captivating skilled trade, has been shaping our world for centuries. This trade is critical in many industries, from constructing towering structures to crafting delicate welding sculptures. As a welder, you can take pride in transforming raw materials into durable products which will stand the test of time.

“How long is welding school?” is frequently asked by those considering this career. Of course, it’s understandable to want to know how much effort and time is required to achieve your goals. Luckily, some programs like those offered at Southern Careers Institute grant certificate completion in as little as seven months. 

Please keep reading to learn more, and get ready to explore the world of welding with us and discover the possibilities awaiting you in this hot field!

Understanding Welding School

Welding is a skilled labor profession with prospects in the aerospace, construction, power, and oil sectors. However, what does welding school truly encompass, and what is it precisely?

Attending a welding school is a reasonable decision when contemplating entering the skilled trades workforce. Welding school comprises an exclusive establishment granting knowledge and instruction on welding techniques. Welding programs vary in structure and level, ranging from certificate to diploma to college degree programs.

Types of Welding Programs Available

There are other routes to achievement besides attending college. Trade schools, like welding schools, offer a different yet valuable educational experience. While college can broaden your knowledge and help you develop critical thinking skills, trade schools give you specific, industry-specific skills which will make you highly employable. 

A recent study found trade schools can help students understand their aptitude for a particular profession and increase their desire to pursue a career in a skilled trade.

Each professional welding school offers different curriculums for welding techniques. At Southern Careers Institute, you learn about the following: 

  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding – Stick welding uses an electrode coated in flux to generate an electric arc to melt materials. It’s a versatile technique for welding most metals, including thick sections and rusty or dirty materials.
  • Gas Metal Arc Welding – MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding, this technique uses a continuous wire electrode fed through a welding gun and an inert gas to protect the weld from contaminants. It’s a fast and efficient approach for welding thin to thick metal sections.
  • Flux Cored Arc Welding – Similar to MIG welding, this technique uses a continuous wire electrode, but the wire is filled with flux, eliminating the need for a separate shielding gas. 
  • Gas Tungsten Arc Welding – Also known as TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding, this technique uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode and an inert gas. It’s a precise technique that produces high-quality welds, especially for thin sections and non-ferrous metals like aluminum and magnesium.

These skills will prepare you for a career in commercial, industrial, and small business environments.

Differences Between Welding School and Traditional College

Two steel construction workers welding metal in a workshop

The dissimilarities between welding school and traditional college are stark. Welding school immerses students in tangible, authentic welding techniques, which are imperative for attaining the skills required for excelling in the industry.

In contrast, traditional college education emphasizes theoretical knowledge and abstract ideas. While this is significant for obtaining a profound comprehension of a subject, it may necessitate additional preparation for the practical aspects of the profession.

Furthermore, traditional college mentors may possess different levels of hands-on experience than their welding school counterparts. Finally, it may deny you the chance to get knowledge from individuals who have already experienced something in the field.

Get Your Hands Dirty With Welding School!

If you are a young person aspiring to pursue a career in the skilled trades, be unafraid to get your hands dirty. Welding school may be the ideal selection for kindling your future.

Ultimately, determining between trade school and college depends on your interests, life plans, and career objectives. Nevertheless, with 70% of jobs demanding post-secondary education by 2027, either alternative will assist you in becoming a competitive candidate.

Forging Ahead With the Right Welding School

If you’re passionate about welding and ready to take your skills to the next level, you’ll want to choose the right welding school. There are several factors to consider when selecting a school, including accreditation, location, and reputation. 

SCI offers hands-on welding training in six convenient locations across Texas: 

  • Austin
  • Corpus Christi 
  • Harlingen
  • Pharr
  • San Antonio North
  • Waco 

Our experienced instructors will train you with the skills and knowledge needed to perform everyday welding tasks in various industries. Through academic expertise and hands-on lab work, you will learn about welding safety, machine setup, metallurgy, and other topics.

At SCI, we like to set up our students for success. Our welding program aligns with industry credentials and provides a broad knowledge base to help perfect both your hard and soft skills.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates may find entry-level employment in fabrication, cutting, soldering, or brazing as a welding apprentice, structural welder, welder helper, general welder, combo welder, metal fabricator and fitter, and machinist.

How To Pay for Your Welding School

Paying for your welding education can be daunting, but don’t stress! There are various pathways to assist with the financial burden. For example, you may request assistance through vocational rehabilitation, employment programs, grants, and scholarships, among other opportunities, provided you fulfill the prerequisites.

Furthermore, federal grants, loans, institutional scholarships, and military assistance programs may also be accessible for those who qualify.

Southern Careers Institute

Are you seeking a fulfilling career as a welder in the vast state of Texas? Then, look no further than Southern Careers Institute — we offer training on the skills needed to pursue a new career through our welding program.

Ready to embark on the next phase of your welding ambitions? Visit SCI‘s website to learn more!

With SCI, you can seize the reins of your future. So why waste another moment? Start forging ahead today! 

This article was published on: 02/28/23 3:12 PM

What SCI Students Are Saying

"Just finished school for welding. Had the best experience with Southern Careers Institute, and had a lot of fun with my buddies. Already working at SpaceX. SCI is the place to be guys! Don't wait any longer, sign up!”

Testimonal

Enrique H.
Welding

"I recently achieved my dream of becoming a CDL driver, passing my CDL exams at our local DMV in Edinburg. Mr. Gonzalez was such a great instructor, even though it was raining I passed with flying colors!”

Testimonal

Juan L.
Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator

“I made a complete career change when I started my training at Southern Careers Institute. I needed a stable career to continue providing for my growing family. SCI provided me with the medical terminology and know how that I needed to understand and acquire a career in the medical field. SCI taught me that it doesn’t matter where you are in life right now; you always have room to advance and learn.”

Testimonal

Denise S.
Medical Assistant

“I am extremely grateful for the assistance I received from SCI’s Career Services team. I enjoy where I work and what I do. SCI has helped me succeed in life by getting me the necessary education and by making me a stronger and more confident person.”

Testimonal

Raquel S.

“Once I graduated from SCI, I had a sense of accomplishment that helped me through the job search process. SCI provided me with the opportunity to brush up on my skills, extend my accounting knowledge, and they boosted my self-confidence. I went to work two days after my last day of school.”

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Annette D.
Business Accounting

“When my youngest child graduated from high school, I told my husband that it was my time. I went back to school to change careers after spending 37 years in the business field. At SCI, the instructors are professional, and they care about what they are teaching you, as well as expect you to give 100% in return. I had problems understanding how to draw in syringes and give injections. I requested extra help from a knowledgeable instructor, and I was able to receive one-on-one training. Today, I draw injections for approximately 100 patients each week. I am very confident in what I’ve learned. SCI has given me the chance to do what I always wanted to do. Thank you for my education. I am doing wonderful.”

Testimonal

Bonnie M
Medical Assistant

“I am now a certified Lab Tech. SCI helped me get an externship, and I came out with a job. After my little sister had cancer, I knew I wanted a career in the medical field that allowed me to help others. I am happy about what I do.”

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Sidney B
Medical Assistant

“The best place ever!! Ms.Tonia rocks she is the best teacher… I love going to school my time there is amazing.”

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Andrea Garcia

“Southern Careers went beyond my expectations. Very impressed. The assistance I got from Career Services is truly amazing. They really went out of their way to get me placed. They really care and I am grateful to all of them.”

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Olga C.

“Southern Careers Institute totally surpassed my expectations. Once I finished school, the Career Services team helped me find a job. I would tell anyone thinking about starting career training that you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain. I wish I would have started my training sooner.”

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Valerie D.

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