Achieve Success Without External Education Requirements

Many students are taught that higher education is the only path to achieve success, which can make those who don’t have the means to go to a traditional college or university feel as though they are doomed to a life of meaningless work. This could not be further from the truth. 

Higher education can be a great choice – for some people. You can also have a successful career in many different trades without external education. Welding offers a pathway that will allow you to advance based on hands-on experience and practical skill development, not on how many years you spent in school. If you choose to pursue a career as a welder, there are many opportunities available to help you hone your skills.

Why Begin a Career as a Welder?

If you have a high school diploma and are trying to figure out your next move, beginning a career as a welder can be a great choice. There are some great benefits to choosing a career as a welder. 

• Interesting Work

There are some jobs that are interesting, but barely pay the bills. There are some jobs that pay the bills, but are a chore to get through. Welding gives you the best of both worlds. Welding combines technical knowledge with artistic skill. You will have the opportunity to take a blueprint and quite literally create a real structure from metal. Skilled welders need to visualize designs while having the technical precision and knowledge of welding techniques to create a product with structural integrity. As you advance, you can specialize in different techniques and industries that interest you.

• Great Salary Potential

Even though welding pays well, entry level welders will start off at entry level pay, which averages around $20/hr. However, welders can quickly move up as they gain experience, get their certifications, and hone their skills. For those with a high school diploma and a willingness to put in the time and effort, welding can be a great path for financial security. Certified and experienced welders can expect to double that entry level salary after putting in a few years of work to gain the right skills.

• High Demand

Many different industries need welders. No matter where you are, there are welding jobs to be had. With fewer high school graduates choosing to go into the trades, those who do choose this path will never have difficulty finding a job. 

• No Degree Required

While you can choose to begin your career as a welder at a technical or vocational school, you do not need to invest time and money into a four-year degree to begin. You can get hands-on skills and practical experience, along with the necessary skills you’ll need to be successful through an apprenticeship or certification program, which will allow you to earn money while you learn on the job.

Do You Need a Trade School Degree to Begin a Welding Career?

Can you begin a career in welding with a trade school degree? Yes. 

Do you need to go to a trade school? No. 

There are several different paths to becoming a welder. All you really need is technical knowledge, safety training, and hands-on experience. During your training, you will also hone skills in manual dexterity, attention to detail, and physical stamina.  

Going to a trade school allows you to gain all the necessary classroom work and training done before you begin working. You can get very in-depth training, will cover many different aspects of welding, and will have the opportunity to get your certifications completed. Many vocational schools will help you with job placement, which is a great bonus. However, going to a trade school has a few drawbacks. You will need to invest both time and money in your career before you can begin working. A vocational degree in welding can take up to two years and cost several thousand dollars.

Choosing to become a welder through on-the-job training is an attainable path many aspiring welders choose. During training, you will have experienced welders teaching you the practical skills needed to become a successful welder. You will work alongside these welders, and this mentorship model can give you the practical training you need to be effective at your job. One of the main benefits of on-the-job training is that you can “earn while you learn”. You will be employed by the fabrication shop as you gain the knowledge and skills needed. This is an excellent benefit for many beginning welders who are anxious to get out of the classroom and into a workplace setting as quickly as possible. You will still learn about welding theory, blueprint reading, and welding codes and standards, but you will do it in a practical setting. 

Education is a great thing, but it doesn’t always have to happen in a classroom. On-the-job training is an excellent way to begin a career as a welder. When you are part of a welding company that values training, you will have continuous education opportunities available. 

We value on-the-job training, and feel it is a great way to continue giving back to our team. Through mentorship, our employees learn tried and true processes, get to know their mentors, and feel the sense of value we’ve built this company on. 

If you’ve been thinking about a career change, are ready to begin your career, or crave a creative job with opportunities for advancement, contact Swanton Welding to learn more about our job openings.