The Benefits of Starting Your Welding Career with On-the-Job Training

If you are interested in beginning a career in welding, you have several choices. Many trade schools, vocational programs, and career academies advertise affordable tuition and a quick program that can get you working within a year or two. This is a good option for those with a high school diploma looking for a new career. However, instead of paying for education and putting off work for another year or two, you also have the option to begin a career in welding with on-the-job training. With this option, not only will you learn from master welders who will mentor you through the process, but you will have the option to earn while you learn and begin your career immediately.

Build Practical Experience Through On-the-Job Training

There are many careers where what you can learn from a book or video isn’t enough to be successful, and welding is one of them. While you can certainly learn from these methods, to have a successful career as a welder, you need practical experience, where you are taking the tools and putting all your instruction to actual use. When you touch the tools, the lessons solidify in a way they can’t otherwise. While trade schools and vocational programs offer some hands-on experience, there is something about working on projects that really “matter” that helps new welders understand why they do what they do. 

Gain Real-World Skills with Experienced Welders

Learning welding from a master welder who is actively practicing the trade offers a valuable advantage over traditional classroom settings. Rather than just learning about welding techniques, you’ll observe firsthand how an experienced professional applies these skills to real-world projects. This hands-on mentorship provides a unique opportunity to build the skills and mindset of a skilled welder. By learning from someone with extensive knowledge and a genuine commitment to your success, you’ll be well-prepared to thrive in your welding career.

Get Hands-On Learning with Tailored Mentorship

Some new tradespeople enter the field with a natural talent. Others have passion but need to take more time to develop. With hands-on learning, you won’t be held back from the pace of your class, but you will be free to develop skills at your own pace with your mentor. Some new welders will need more time on technical knowledge, while others will fly through this piece but will need more time to develop practical skills. Learning at your own pace can make for a much healthier work environment, as it takes the pressure to conform to a class off the table. The personalized attention you will get from the master welders working with you will make sure that you are always ready for anything that may come up in your career. This personalized attention will make you safe, accurate, and effective during your apprenticeship.

Achieve Career Growth with Real-World Experience

You are well set up for career advancement when you begin your career with on-the-job training. Even without formal education, you can be trained by a master welder and start to determine where you’d like your career as a welder to go. There is such high demand for welders in architecture, engineering, energy, construction, mechanics, aerospace, automotive, and more that you can use your time as an apprentice or entry-level worker to determine the path you want to take. Some entry-level workers will go on to be specialists, others may choose a supervisory or training path, and others may find their passion for project management. No matter which route you choose, on-the-job training means you will have a mentor who is dedicated to your success and will help guide you toward each step you need to take.

Earn While You Learn and Avoid Student Debt

While a trade school, technical school, or career academy can be far more affordable than a traditional four-year university program, it isn’t free. You will likely pay tuition and fees if you choose this route to begin your welding career. At the same time, your ability to work is limited by the hours you spend in school, making it difficult for those new to the job but supporting themselves or a family to make ends meet. If you start your welding career with on-the-job training instead of paying tuition, you will be paid as you learn. Earning while learning means entering the field far more quickly, regardless of your family or financial situation. By the time you’d be ready to graduate from trade school and start recouping your investment, you could already climb the ladder at Swanton Welding, moving from entry-level to wherever your career may take you.

Start Your Career with Swanton Welding

Swanton Welding is dedicated to building the next generation of welders, and the best way we can do that is by investing in our people, both new and established. We have trained our current team to strive for excellence, and we know they are ready to pass down their wisdom and experience to whoever is ready and willing to take on the challenge. We want welding to be an accessible career path for anyone passionate about blending technical skills and the science of metal fusion with the industrial art of creating functional designs from metal. Swanton Welding is a family that cares about our people, and starting with us means starting your new career in the best possible way.

Take the First Step Today

You can start your welding career with on-the-job training at Swanton Welding, and earn while you learn directly from experienced welders. Gain hands-on experience, explore different paths in the field, and grow into advanced roles—all without student debt.

We’re more than just coworkers; we’re a team invested in each other’s success. We’re here to provide the mentorship, experience, and support to help you thrive in a career that’s challenging, rewarding, and full of opportunities. If you’re ready to put your passion into practice, we’d love to meet you. Contact Swanton Welding today.