If you want to make a career in welding, then New Jersey is an excellent place to start, as the state has schools that offer the program and centers that allow you to get certified without attending a school at an affordable cost.
This guide has compiled a list of the 10 best welding schools to enroll in New Jersey and the requirements you must meet to apply to these welding universities or colleges.
Welding is a robust career path that needs a lot of training and one’s passion for working with their hand to create or design sophisticated metals into tangible structures.
Welding has the most profitable advantage, the highest employment growth, and is the most in-demand skill in the world with an attractive salary.
Statistics show that welding jobs will rise by 26 percent in the future because of the demand it has become in the technology sector.
In this article, you will learn the step-by-step guides to becoming a certified welder and the best welding schools in New Jersey.
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Table of Contents
What is a Welding School?
A welding school, college, or university is a structural building that offers welding as a robust program, practicable training, and technical skills- hard and soft skills, designed to modify students into certified or trained welders to succeed in the technology sector.
This welding school has a lot of experts, knowledgeable instructors, and teachers who have gone through sophisticated training and emerged as the best tutors in the welding field.
These schools have highly recommended training grounds, conducive environments, techniques, and advanced machinery, which help enhance their training processes and learning skills.
What are the Types of Welding Programs one Can Enroll in?
There are four types of welding programs that you can take when you enroll in these welding schools:
- Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) is an automatic wire-feed welding process. It requires an electrode filled with flux with a base metal to weld thick and disfigured metals. It is mainly used for machining industries.
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG): The Metal Inert Gas (MIG) combines thin wire as an electrode to pass through the welding equipment. This type of welding is the most common type in automotive and construction firms to repair vehicles. This method of welding required the protection of shielding gas to avoid contamination.
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG): This process requires an electric arc and non-consumable tungsten when welding to create metal fusion. This method is used by some welders when welding thin sections of stainless steel and copper, aluminum, or magnesium alloys. Firms like aerospace, auto, and farming machinery use this TIG.
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW): this is also known as stick welding. It is typically a manual technique with a consumable electrode shaped like a stick coated in flux. This combines metal with the arc between the electrodes when the stick becomes soft. This method is mainly used in fabricating industries for maintenance and underwater pipelines.
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How Long is Welding School in New Jersey?
Typically, welding programs differ in different schools it might take up to six to 18 months or four years to be certified.
A bachelor’s degree in welding takes about four years to complete, while other certification programs might last for 18 months, and an associate’s degree could take up to two years.
However, students can apply for an apprenticeship or receive on-the-job training for some years, depending on how fast they can learn.
How Do I Become a Certified Welder a New Jersey?
To become a welder in New Jersey, you must first meet the prerequisites, which will give you an advantage when applying to the best welding schools in the state.
Four step-by-step guides explain the requirements to become a certified welder.
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#1. EARNING a HIGH SCHOOL DEGREE in WELDING
Firstly, you must earn a high school degree or high vocational program in welding before enrolling in advanced welding schools.
This would help you know the basic foundations of welding and give you firsthand knowledge for future study in a welding career.
However, there are required courses that offer the essential part of welding, and they must be met to understand the advanced courses in higher institutes.
#2. GET a CERTIFICATE a DEGREE in WELDING
Enrolling in the best welding schools in New Jersey and becoming certified through the American Welding Society (AWS) is one of the most vital steps in becoming a certified welder in New Jersey.
The welding program in New Jersey lasts six months to 2years while the cost of tuition varies.
This program is suitable for face-to-face classes by teachers because of the variety of practical applications that enhance the welding learning process.
#3. PARTICIPATE in an APPRENTICESHIP in the COUNTY.
Becoming an apprentice is the best way to earn a higher and more knowledgeable skill in the welding sector. This enhances your ability to know more about your profession as a welder.
An apprenticeship gives you room for practical experience, job opportunities, and the knowledgeable foundation needed in the welding field.
Requirements to apply as an apprentice in the welding sector.
- Must be 18years+
- Completed a high school degree or vocational program
- Pass the necessary courses needed in the field
- Be physically fit
- Know the safety measures needed in the field
Working as an apprentice makes it easier to complete your welding education and qualifies you to earn a welding certificate.
#4 EARN A WELDING CERTIFICATE
Most employers can select qualified welders knowledgeable and skilled in the welding sector.
Generally, earning a welding certificate is the primary key to being employed as a certified welder in New Jersey.
Likewise, in other states that require a local license to be employed, New Jersey has no license. Some certificates are earned through the American Welding Society ( AWS).
Some of the available certification programs are listed below:
- Certified Welder (CW)
- Cost: $35
- Requirements: None
- Location: At the AWS-accredited Testing Facility.
- Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI)
- Cost: $850 for a member and $1065 for a non-member.
- Requirements: A level of education and a period of work experience.
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
- Cost: $850 for a citizen and $1065 for a foreigner
- Requirements: A level of education and a period of work experience.
- Certified Welding Educator (CWE)
- Cost: $635 (member) and $850 (non-member)
- The requirements include: Completing the Certified Welding Educator (CWE) application, must be a full-time or part-time classroom teacher, having a valid welding certification, Letter of recommendation which shows you are qualified to teach.
- Certified Welding Sales Representative (CSR)
- Cost: $275 for a member and $355 for a non-member.
- Requirements: Must be met in different ways.
- Certified Associate Welding Inspector
- Certified Radiographic Interpreter
- Certified Welding Engineer
- Certified Robotic Arc Welding
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What are the Requirements to Become a Welder in New Jersey?
There are certain things to do or requirements to meet before you can enroll in the best welding schools in New Jersey.
Firstly, you must pass your high school diploma or degree and some written assessment tests through AWS at the end of your training in the program.
How do I get Certified as a Welder Without School in New Jersey?
Becoming a certified welder without attending a welding school in New Jersey is achievable, but this requires full-time, personal skills such as strong attention to detail, time management skills, organizational skill, and applying for an apprenticeship or learn-on-job to hone your craft.
You must know the welding field’s requirements, the basic welding and metal terminology, comprehensive safety measures, procedures, and requirements, effective hand-eye coordination, and learn under an expert or mentor.
After passing the written test, you can obtain your certificate from the American Welding Society, which recognizes your ability and capability to become a certified welder in New Jersey.
What is the Cost of Welding Schools in New Jersey?
In this case, not every welding school offers a paid program. Some welding schools offer free training to students who can’t afford to pay their tuition or requirements fees to get into the program.
However, some welding schools might charge a fortune or less to attend their programs. These tuitions vary by school; it is recommended that you visit their school websites to learn more about them.
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What are the Best Welding Schools in New Jersey?
New Jersey has well-structured community colleges, universities, and schools that provide quality academic learning and also apprenticeships in welding.
These schools have the learning capacity to train students to become the best occupational personnel for which they apply.
Listed below is vital information to guide you in choosing the best welding schools in New Jersey.
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#1. Atlantic County Vocational Technical School.
Atlantic County Vocational Technical School is a two-year public school located in Mays LANDING.
New Jersey offered certification programs in Welding.
This college is one of the best welding schools in New Jersey, with over 19 career and comprehensive technical programs through rigorous specialized curriculum,
community-based partnerships, and field-based experiences, which help its students become the best in the world.
Its courses are modernized, so all students will get the information needed to start a career and become a welder in New Jersey.
The school has experts, technical teachers, and experienced instructors who have gone through a sophisticated school system to train students in the required field.
The cost of tuition is not specified; therefore, by visiting the school’s website below, you will get a glimpse of the requirements to apply for welding and the details about the school you might need to know.
#2: Bergen Community College.
Bergen Community College is a 2-year community program located in Paramus, New Jersey, and has had over 600 attendees since 1968 and was founded in 1965.
This school offers an associate degree in manufacturing and logistics, including welding courses and certification. Bergen has graduated more than half a million students with associate degrees and certificates since its founding in 1968
Bergen Community College is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and has emerged as one of the best welding schools in New Jersey.
You may check the school site below to know enrollment eligibility requirements.
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#3: Brookdale Community College
Brookdale Community College is a two-year community college located in Lincroft, New Jersey. This school has access to high-quality and cost-effective educational and learning options with clear paths to personal educational and economic success.
This school offers a free welding program and free grant funding for students. Its courses are modernized so that students get the most out of all the comprehensive programs suited to engage them. Their available programs are STEM training, embedded training, and periodic welding programs.
The annual tuition for the school program varies depending on the qualifications you are pursuing. You can check out the school site below to see how the school is being programmed.
#4. Burlington County Institue of Technology
Burlington County Institute of Technology is a community school that offers vocational and technical education needs for students at the high school and post-secondary levels in Burlington County, New Jersey.
This school has more than 2,000 students from 38 schools throughout the county and has two districts (in Medford and Westampton) that offer vocational training.
They have irresistible high-tech programs that are profitable and highly advanced for pursuing welding as a career. Some programs are Electronics, computer science applications, Automotive Technology, Fleet Maintenance Mechanics, welding, etc.
The cost of tuition varies, which can be found on their website below.
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#5 Camden County Technical School.
Camden county technical school is an accredited two-year community college located in Camden County, New Jersey. This technical school offers welding certification programs for high school students as well as for adult students.
The program duration is about 3–24 months, both for high school diplomas and adult courses,, which are streamlined to provide the necessary information to achieve the best career in the welding path.
The cost of tuition in Camden County Technical Schools varies from $500 to $10,000 depending on the qualification, with a median cost of $1,300.
#6 Cape May County Vo-Tech Technical Center
This college is a public school located in Middle Township, New Jersey, which serves vocational and technical programs to students in ninth through twelfth grades from Cape May County, New Jersey, United States, operating as part of the Cape May County Technical School District.
The school has been accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools since 2000
They offer several programs in welding and train students with the necessary information taught by experts.
#7 Lincoln Technical Institute Academy
This institute is located in South Plainfield, New Jersey, and its educational foundation is embedded in helping students achieve professional success through educational support and job specifications.
The available welding programs you can find in this school are Welding and Metal Fabrication Technology Welding Technology, which duration may last 34-44 weeks.
Lincoln Tech has good access to many industry contacts, such as partnerships and an organization that promotes education and financial aid to students.
The annual tuition is not specified; you can visit the school site below to check out the requirements for enrolling in this school.
#8 Hohokus School of Trade and Technical Sciences
HoHoKus School of Trade and Technical Sciences is in Paterson, New Jersey. This technical school offers hands-on and real-world welding training through the American Welding Society.
This college is accredited by (A.C.C.S.C.) the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools & Colleges and has been the best welding school in New Jersey.
The institution is authorized under federal laws to enroll non-immigrant alien students, and the duration of its program may last for 6-12months depending on the qualifications.
You can check the school website to find more information about eligibility, tuition fees, and requirements to enroll in the school.
#9 Ocean County Vocational-Technical
Ocean County Vocational School is located in Toms River, New Jersey, and runs vocational training in welding for high school diplomas in addition to adult evening and accelerated courses.
This vocational training ground has provided full-time public high school programs and serves adult students. It operates under the supervision of the Ocean County Board of County Commissioners and an appointed Board of Education.
Welding programs available are Basic Welding 1 & 2 with a course duration of 5hour – 2 years.
The cost to attend this institute varies from $410–$10,000 depending on the qualifications, with a median cost of $1,300.
#10 Universal Technical Institute’s Campus.
Universal Technical Institute’s campus is a private for-profit system of vocational schools located in Bloomfield, New Jersey. This Institute offers a 36-week Welding program and certification.
This is one of the best welding schools in New Jersey, with basic and advanced areas of welding education from experienced instructors.
UTI offers modified technical programs under the banner of several brands, including Universal Technical Institute (UTI), Motorcycle Mechanics Institute and Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI), MIAT College of Technology (MIAT), and NASCAR Technical Institute (NTI).
You can check out the school site below to know if you are eligible to apply.
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Welder’s Responsibilities in New Jersey
Fundamentally, welding is joining two pieces of metal like brass, aluminum, or steel through melting to produce a finished structure.
Welders are responsible for melting metal to create, design, and build new structures and parts. Before this can be done, there are basic responsibilities needed to follow by every welder.
A BASIC RESPONSIBILITY OF A QUALIFIED WELDER
- Study the project’s blueprints and be able to follow the instructions.
- Figure out the right welding method to apply
- Decide on the best welding equipment and machinery suitable for the project.
- Maintenance of the welding machinery after use.
Where can Certified Welders Work in New Jersey?
There are a lot of welding opportunities open for a certified welder in New Jersey with an attractive salary.
These welding firms never cease to employ qualified welders as long as you are skilled and knowledgeable. Such fields are:
- Manufacturing
- Construction of buildings and bridges
- Shipbuilding
- Gas & oil field power plants and refineries
- Auto & motorcycle fabrication and repair
- Aerospace applications.
Underwater Welding Certificate Schools in New Jersey
Divers Academy International, located in the city of Erial, is the only underwater welding college in New Jersey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long does it take to be Trained as a Welder?
Technically, to become a welder, it takes quite a long time to go through a program or apprenticeship to be trained. These programs offer several courses, qualified training, and experienced and complicated practicals that require learning time.Â
But this depends on which school or apprenticeship you applied for. Some schools might take up to 4 years, while some training programs like apprenticeships might take up to 2+ years to be certified.
How Much Does a Welder Make Annually?
Welders are highly in demand worldwide, and job opportunity growth increases yearly.
According to the U. S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the welding salaries in New Jersey are higher and more competitive than the national average of $40,240.
Over the years, the average salary has varied more than expected than the average annual salary.
Do I Need a Welding License?
Likewise, in other states that need a local license to get a job, New Jersey has no license. Some certificates are earned through the American Welding Society ( AWS), but you must renew your certification every six months.
References
- https://www.vocationaltraininghq.com/
- https://weldingtech.net/nj/
- https://generalcontractorlicenseguide.com/
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