If you want a career that is creative, innovative, and hands-on, you may be wondering how to get into welding. From local repair shops to big industrial factories, welders put their set of specialized skills to work every single day to help build some of the world’s most advanced machinery and goods.

Today, there are no formal educational requirements to become a welder or to get into welding at all. However, there are ways to stand out and land a job. While some employees are willing to hire inexperienced workers and train on the job, many more are looking for welders who have gone through training and credentialing programs. This is where a postsecondary welding certificate can come in handy (pun intended). A college-level welding certificate program can provide you with fundamental knowledge of welding materials and equipment, as well as hone your welding skillset.

If you are looking to get into welding in Connecticut, Goodwin College’s specialized welding school offers technical training and hands-on experience that the top employers today are searching for. The 24-credit welding program can be completed in as little as eight months. In this time, students learn everything from welding safety and fabrication to common welding methods, including shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, flux core arc welding, and thermal cutting. Our coursework covers how to navigate a welding worksite safely and includes projects that mirror the type of work you will be doing in the field.  The curriculum includes:

• Welding Safety
• Welding Principles
• Welding Fabrication
• Thermal Cutting
• Introduction to Shielded Metal Arc Welding
• Introduction to Flux Core Arc Welding
• Introduction to Gas Tungsten Metal Arc Welding
• Introduction to Gas Metal Arc Welding

Students may choose to earn the welding certificate on a full-time or part-time schedule. We understand that many of our students are balancing work and family obligations. We’re all about convenience, so that even inexperienced welders can train and get into the welding field fast.

For those looking to get into welding, rest assured the welding industry offers higher than average starting pay, good benefits, and a bright future. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the need for welders is expected to grow by 6 percent over the next several years. According to the BLS, job prospects should be good for welders trained in the latest technologies. However, welders who do not have up-to-date training may face some serious competition for jobs.

At Goodwin, students have the advantage of learning and training on state-of-the-art machinery. You will create and weld complex parts using our CNC plasma table, put your skills to the test using our virtual reality welding machine, and have the opportunity to learn precise pipe alignment with our innovative Bluco table.

Upon completion of the welding program at Goodwin College, students leave prepared to pursue the voluntary welding certification to become Certified Welders. Professional welding certification is a big plus for employers, and can make you stand out from the competition when applying for jobs.

With a Welding Technology certificate from Goodwin College, you will be prepared to start your career in the field as a welder or cutter. Learn more about the welding program online or call 1-800-889-3282.