The welding schools listed here will provide you with what you need to know on how to get into welding as a career; you will know how to become a certified welder with or without attending a school, the cost, and how long it will take to become one in Pennsylvania.
The steel sector employs a sizable portion of the workers in Pennsylvania. Welders are among the most crucial steelworkers in charge of creating, connecting, and cutting metal elements.
Welding might be the perfect career for you if you’re seeking work in Pennsylvania’s steel sector, have an eye for reading charts and diagrams, and want to learn how to use vital tools.
A welder might build bridges for roads, cut and connect pipes, or work on a building structure. However, you must be a skilled welder to complete these contracts.
Therefore, in this article, we have compiled a list of the welding schools in Pennsylvania that will train you on what you need to know about welding and how to become a certified welder. We will also discuss how long it takes to finish a welding program in these schools and how much it costs.
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Table of Contents
What Is Welding?
In the simplest terms possible, welding can be defined as the heating and melting metal parts to unite them.
Welders employ a variety of equipment and techniques to complete their work.
Are Welders In Demand In Pennsylvania?
Welders in Pennsylvania benefit from a strong job market and somewhat above-average pay due to the demand for their skills in the steel industry.
However, new welders may begin as apprentices or welder assistants and advance to supervisors, inspectors, and teachers as they gain experience.
Therefore, to be an experienced welder in Pennsylvania, you need to enroll in a welding school where you’d be taught how to become a welder.
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What Are The Roles And Duties Of A Welder In Pennsylvania?
Your duties as a welder at facilities or construction sites will include cutting and joining metals and other materials. A welder should perform four main tasks each day, though.
It should be possible for a welder to examine and comprehend detailed drawings, plans, and directions. Additionally, a welder must be able to follow all of these guidelines correctly.
The ability to examine raw materials is another skill a welder should have to choose the best techniques for a successful outcome. There are around 100 welding techniques, including gas tungsten arc welding, shielded metal arc welding, and gas metal arc welding.
Possess the skills necessary to employ the proper tools for the selected method.
Lastly, a welder should be able to keep tools and equipment in good condition, so they function as intended. There are many different kinds of tools, including both electric and manual machinery. Welders may need to be able to employ a variety of tool combinations to do their jobs correctly.
Is it Worth Becoming a Welder?
Welding is a highly satisfying job, therefore, there are many reasons to pursue it. If you choose to become a welder, you’ll have the opportunity to work in a rewarding industry with fair pay.
Finishing a training program is a wise move to put yourself ahead of the competition since employers in the welding business struggle to find people with the right abilities.
Being a high-paid welder requires you to enroll in a welding program in Pennsylvania. Additionally, understanding the length of a welding school’s program can help you prepare for the immediate future and the long run.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Welder in Pennsylvania?
A certification course runs for 6 to 18 months and comprises practical classes.
The cost of a welding certificate program will vary depending on the college you choose to attend. For their curriculum, some universities charge $3500, while others charge up to $20,000.
To receive your welding certificate, you will also need to take a final test at the end of your studies. Graduates can also choose to get a higher degree in welding.
The Associate Degree in Welding Technology is a more advanced welding certification. Studying for this program takes two years.
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How to Become a Welder in Pennsylvania
Have you decided to learn how to weld in Pennsylvania? These fundamental stages might help you learn how to become a welder in this state.
#1. Learn the fundamentals of the welding process.
Read information about welding to understand the job better. Additionally, it would be a good idea to ask some questions if you have friends and family employed in the industry.
#2. Identify and assess your assets.
You must be physically fit and strong to work as a welder. Additionally, some personal qualities are crucial.
You should have exceptional physical dexterity and spatial orienting abilities. You should also be able to work independently and even have a little bit of artistic talent. If you lack at least the majority of these qualities, a career in welding might not be the ideal choice for you.
Nevertheless, if you are persistent, it won’t be a problem.
#3. Select the top training course.
Once you’ve decided to become a welder, you need to find the program that best meets your needs. This post lets you learn more about the state’s top welding certification schools.
#4. obtain your certification.
You must pass the test to receive your certification as a welder and complete your training. Consider that it must be taken at a welding testing facility that has received accreditation.
#5. Keep your certification current.
Following certification, you must keep it up at all times. You must fill out specific documentation twice a year to do it.
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10 Best Welding Schools in Pennsylvania
The schools listed here will train you to get into welding and become a certified welder in Pennsylvania. Below is a list of the 10 best welding schools in Pennsylvania.
#1. Triangle Tech
With the help of their Welding and Fabrication Technology curriculum, students will learn how to weld proficiently.
Students who enroll in welding classes learn how to weld various metals utilizing cutting-edge techniques and related skills, including reading blueprints, shop details, fitting, and designing.
Graduates from these programs can become highly sought-after professionals by acquiring these vital abilities.
Graduates can also obtain a Specialized Technology Associate Degree (AST Degree).
Also, graduates of Triangle Tech are qualified to work as entry-level welding technicians in both light and heavy welding, as well as other allied trades.
Before graduating, students must pass the certification exams for the ASME Code for pipe fitting and piping systems and the A.W.S. Code for plate and structural welds.
#2. Pennsylvania College Of Technology
One of the top welding programs in Pennsylvania is Penn College, which is two hours from the Reading region in Williamsport.
Penn College offers two recognized welding degree programs. The Welding Certificate program can be a fantastic place to start if you want entry-level abilities in three fundamental welding techniques.
This extensive, four-semester, 59-credit curriculum costs about $16,000 in tuition annually. You can obtain a B.S. in Welding and Fabrication Engineering Technology and associate degrees in Metal.
Fabrication Technology and Welding Technology.
Graduates of Penn College are in high demand for employment in various global sectors. You may learn the theories and hone your skills to excel in your field here.
With the most up-to-date technology at your disposal, working in industry-driven labs, and knowledgeable teachers guiding the way, you’ll be prepared for all the changes that lie ahead.
#3. New Castle School Of Trades
Are you interested in welding school but unsure how to start? The best option might be the Welding program at the New Castle School of Trades in New Castle, Pennsylvania.
In order to get ready for entry-level welding employment, students at this welding trade school will receive a wide range of expertise working with various welding techniques and metals.
Based on ASME and AWS regulations, this extensive course will give graduates a well-rounded understanding of various welding applications and techniques.
Students will learn about and practice using oxy-fuel equipment, electric, gas, flux, and gas tungsten arc welders, mobile and semi-automatic burning equipment, carbon and plasma arc cutting equipment, hydraulic shears, horizontal band saws, and grinders.
#4. Welder Training and Testing Institute
One of the top trade schools in Pennsylvania, this welding school is situated around 50 miles from Reading, Pennsylvania in the Allentown region.
A 900-hour welder-fitter curriculum is available at the institution for students with no prior welding expertise.
You’ll learn how to weld carbon steel plates and metal using a variety of techniques, as well as how to cut metal with an oxygen-acetylene torch.
Additionally, you will receive specialized, practical instruction in gas tungsten arc welding (TIG) methods.
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#5. Delaware County Community College
You can enroll in the Welding Certificate Program. This thorough, 225-hour hands-on training course will assist you in developing the skills necessary to conduct in-demand welding procedures like gas metal arc welding, shielded metal arc welding, and oxygen fuel cutting.
Additionally, you will learn how to read blueprints and fabrication basics. The program will set you back about $4,000.
In Pennsylvania, Delaware County Community College also provides a variety of individual welding courses, including Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding, and Intro to Welding Processes. These 45-hour courses each cost slightly under $500 and have 45 hours of teaching.
#6. Harrisburg Area Community College
The Welding Technology Certificate program at this institution consists of 35 credits. You will acquire crucial abilities in blueprint reading, weld inspection, testing, and learning how to perform seven types of welds.
After completing this certificate program successfully, you will have the practical knowledge to execute welding in flat, vertical, horizontal, and overhead positions, making you a strong contender for entry-level welding employment.
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#7. Rosedale Technical College
Students at this welding school have received training in technical, manufacturing, and automotive professions.
This school works to prepare its students for job placement as soon as they graduate by combining thorough, practical training with industry-standard tools.
Students can complete substantial hands-on training that equips them with the knowledge and abilities to feel ready for a career in the welding industry in as little as eight months.
Their coursework focuses on a variety of topics, including:
- Arc Welding (SMAW), MIG Welding (GMAW) and TIG Welding (GTMA)
- Thermal cutting processes
- Welding print reading
- Welding fabrication
- Metallurgy
- Pipe welding
- Welding testing and inspection
Additionally, graduates receive a Welding Technician diploma. To further prepare students for a successful career, they will receive training in the fields and the chance to achieve API (American Petroleum Institute) and AWS (American Welding Society) qualifications.
#8. Steel Center for Career and Technical Education
They provide a training course that educates students to use their technical knowledge and abilities in brazing, flame-cutting, shielded and non-shielded metal arc, gas welding, and plastic welding.
The lesson includes hand, semi-automated, and automatic welding procedures. Students study metal characteristics, blueprint reading, electrical concepts, welding symbols, welding rod types and uses, safety procedures, and welding symbols and mechanical drawing.
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#9. Erie Institute of Technology
Students will comprehend the common welding processes and applications at the foundational, intermediate, and advanced levels after completing the Welding Technology job training program.
Students who choose to major in welding will take courses in reading blueprints, gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, welding fabrication, and pipe welding.
Furthermore, students will be qualified to work as welders, welding specialists, welding technologists, or welding engineers at entry-level positions in the welding industry.
#10. Laurel Technical Institute Sharon Satellite
Graduates of this school’s Welding and Fabrication with Pipeline Technology curriculum will be ready to enter the workforce as pipefitters/welders, welder fabricators, industrial mechanics, or welding repairs in entry-level roles.
You’ll receive training in:
- Welding procedures
- Blueprint reading
- Fabrication
- Layout
Additionally, more training is given in various welding and manufacturing processes and techniques.
Oxyacetylene welding, brazing, and cutting (OAW), arc welding (SMAW), MIG welding (GMAW), flux cored welding (FCAW), TIG welding (GTAW), pipe welding, and certification test preparation are all covered in the course material. These are all done in accordance with the most recent industry standards, procedures, and methods.
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Frequently Asked Questions On Welding Schools in Pennsylvania (Penn)
How Much are Welders Being Paid Annually In Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, there are many career opportunities available for welders, so it will be simple for you to land a position after graduation.
The average yearly wage for welders in the USA is around $39 390, while it is $42 150 in Pennsylvania.
In Pennsylvania, the top 10% of welders make an average of $59 440 each year.
What Are The Four Major Certification Programs For Welders Working In Pennsylvania?
The four major certification welding programs include;
Certified welder
Certified welding inspector(CWI)
Certified welding educator (CWE)
Certified welding sales representative (CWSR)
How much does it cost to start welding?
To get started as a welder in PA, you’ll likely spend $200 to $400 for a quality welding machine.
How do I get my welding license in PA?
To be a certified Pa welder, you have to go through the following steps:
Get a high school diploma/GED.
Apply for a certification program in welding.
Gain experience through apprenticeship.
Earn a Pennsylvania welding certification.
How many years does it take to learn Welding?
Typically, welding training ranges between 7 months and 2 years of hands-on instruction, depending on the program of your choice.
References
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