The professional welding field is considered one of the most-popular markets in the U.S., and by signing-up now for welding schools in Oakland VA, you can start studying towards your own career as a certified welder.
A number of training courses may be finished in only a matter of 6 months, meaning you’ll probably be sitting for the AWS certification exam within a few months or so after graduating from your program..
Keep reading to discover the admission requirements for welding classes in Oakland VA, how to become a licensed welder, as well as what you may anticipate in the employment market.
In addition, we invite you to have a look at our extensive articles about careers in welding!
Prerequisites
Just How Do I Take Advantage of Welding Schools in Oakland VA?
Welding specialist program prerequisites will differ from school to school but will usually have four common requirements.
- You must be a minimum of 18 years old
- Hold a high school diploma or GED
- Be capable of communicating competently written and spoken English
Suggested Certified Welding Schools in Virginia
These welding schools in your area at the moment are admiting students. So as to choose the best training program, you’re advised to get info from multiple schools prior to choosing one.
Certification Information
What is So Vital About Certification?
There are numerous different kinds of certifications that one can get by graduating from welding training in Oakland VA. Holding these certifications will assist you in a number of important ways.
- Staying qualified differentiates you from other applicants when applying for work
- Certified welders are considered for hire with a greater variety of employers
- Getting an AWS certification or other specialist qualification typically translates into more pay
Common Welding Certifications
While the American Welding Society’s normal CW credential helps make you eligible for the majority of employment opportunities, many fields require a specific certification. Some of the most-popular of them are highlighted below.
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers Certification for those who work on boiler and pressure vessels
- CW Credentials to become a Certified Welder
- API Certification for welders that deal with pipelines in the oil and gas industry
- SCWI and CWI Certification for Welding Inspectors and Senior Welding Inspectors
Find out a lot more about welding qualifications by visiting here!
Employment and Wages
Careers for Welders in Oakland VA
Per the O*Net Online, welders are very much sought after in Virginia. With the predicted outstanding growth through the next several years, there ought to be plenty of opportunities you can choose between. The numbers signify a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for any person who is interested in starting a career in the brazing field.
The below data displays wages and labor estimates for professional welders in the State of Virginia through the end of the decade.
| Virginia | Employment | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 2022 | Change | Annual Job Openings | |
| Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | 9,130 | 9,900 | 8% | 300 |
| Virginia | Annual Salary | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | Median | High | |
| Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers |
$27,600 | $39,200 | $56,600 |
Source: O*Net Online
Welding Specialist Classes – Some Things to Expect
You have made a decision that you really want to be a welder, so soon you’ll want to choose which of the certified welding schools is best. Looking for brazing courses may perhaps sound straightforward, however you need to ensure that you’re picking the best kind of program. Official recognition by the American Welding Society is probably the most crucial feature that can help you choose the right schools. When you finish taking a look at the accreditation status, you’ll want to look a little bit further to be sure that the program you are considering can provide you with the right training.
- Make certain that the school’s program provides courses in pipe welding, GTAW, GMAW, and SMAW
- Look for programs that comply with AWS SENSE standards
- See if the institution offers financial aid
- Be certain the school trains on machinery that matches existing field standards
Choose Your Classes and Be on Your Way to Success!
With the information we now have provided, you will be all set to pick out your certified welding schools!
Welding Schools Staff