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Should I go into welding strait out of high school or should I go into college and study the trade?

I am a sophomore in high school, and I am planning on going into the field of welding. I enjoy doing this kind of work, and I find it interesting and entertaining.

high-school career-advice welding
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Jeffrey’s Answer

The route that I took at the beginning of my career was to take a 3-month course at a local welding school. It allowed me to enter into the workforce and earn a paycheck quickly, without saddling me with the debt associated with a 2-year college degree.

After you have a solid welding base under you (3-5 years), I would suggest working towards becoming a CWI (Certified Welding Inspector). This certification is not only for welding inspectors, although it is a great career with much higher pay, but it can be used as a springboard into a quality career, as I did.

With a CWI you can work as a quality manager in a weld shop, and eventually become a consultant or welding engineer. You will of course have to broaden your knowledge base along the way, with formal classes and self teaching, but it is possible.

Jeffrey recommends the following next steps:

Enroll in any welding shop classes available at your high school
Find a local welding school that offers a short term certification course (3-6 months)
Gain experience in welding shops
Work towards passing the CWI exam
Choose a path to success!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Lucas
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James Constantine’s Answer

Good Day Lucas!

College would be helpful! I suppose college would not be in the evenings, so it would not be possible to do both college and a job. The colleges would have to pay instructors more at night.

EXPERTS NEARBY
https://weldingcareernow.com/welding-schools/antwerp-oh
ALSO https://www.weldingschooledu.com/welding-school-in-antwerp-oh/
ALSO https://waterwelders.com/best-welding-schools/
ALSO https://instructorschool.com/best-welding-schools-in-ohio/
ALSO https://ohiotech.edu/programs/welding-fabrication-technology/
ALSO https://www.vocationaltraininghq.com/welding-schools-ohio/
Ultra-Violet Light comes from welding arcs.

EYE-HAND COORDINATION ➞ SHARPER JOINS / ACCURACY
https://www.optimumvisionaz.com/blog/2018/1/30/foods-for-brain-and-eye-health

If you have 'energy to burn,' you can do college and an apprenticeship. That is if there is college at night! Foreseeably, you could do it with enhanced nutrition. The secret is neither starving nor overeating! Small meals every 2 hours. Six small meals a day. Select small amounts of low-glycemic-index carbohydrates, too! [1 to 2 slices of Pumpernickel rye bread, not 6 slices of white breads.]

Add an ounce [28gr] of protein food like lean meat/poultry/seafood/egg/cheese/yoghurt/milk. Repeat the snacking behavior two hours later, selecting other low-glycemic foods and a little protein food.

A 100 kg [15 stone 10 pound] man requires 3,300 ml of additional water a day.
JC
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Dave’s Answer

Either way works. You may have an easier time being hired if you have some credentials behind you already. If you get hired on somewhere that will teach you, the real world experience may be more beneficial. If you want to do something else in the welding trade later on, i.e weld engineer, then a school may be the way to go to get solid fundamentals on the science behind welding. Do your research on schools! There are some that are only out to make money. Lastly, if you do attend school, be prepared to take qualification tests again, even if you graduate with some AWS qualifications.
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Steven’s Answer

Start working now! Even if its volunteering or just job shadowing for free; it will be a valuable experience and could lead to a job in the future. Education can always help out and I would say go for it, study the trade but at the same time get some work experience too, whether that's a side job or an internship. With education you will be able to move up faster within whatever job you get.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, Steven! Lucas
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Daniel’s Answer

Start by entering the welding trade through a trade school or community college. Gain practical experience as you settle into the field. Once you're established, consider returning to school. Some employers might cover college costs, so take advantage of this. Aim for a bachelor's degree in welding engineering or materials science. Also, consider becoming a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) to unlock more opportunities. To succeed, combine hands-on experience with academic knowledge. Create a goal map, planning your education path up to a doctorate. Even if you don't go that far, this plan will guide you while you gain experience.
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Ed’s Answer

Hi, Lucas. I'm really happy to hear you're considering the welding trade as a career. My recommendation is similar to Dave and Steven's - probably best to find a good trade school and get some formal training. I also agree it will be good for you to get some experience in the welding industry while you're going to school - even if you're working as a laborer in a fab shop or something like that. It all helps to shape your understanding. The credentials that come with school and the experience from part time or entry level work will differentiate you from the rest of the field when it's time to seek full time, career level employment. Good luck!
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