What Is The Best College For Welding?

Welding has been a sought-after trade for centuries, and its importance has only grown in recent years. According to a 2017 Bureau of Labor Statistics report, welding jobs are expected to increase by 8% from 2016 to 2026 – faster than average, with 48,400 new jobs. But what is the best college for welding to attend?

This article will highlight the five stand-out schools for training students in all aspects of welding, and will discuss the unique features of each, as well as their reputation and available courses. In total, these five schools offer over 65 welding courses, and are attended by over 25,000 students annually.

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at which college is the best for welding!

What is the Best College for Welding?

Welding is a popular career choice with a long list of benefits, including potential pay, variety of job opportunities, and overall job satisfaction. Deciding on a college or program in welding can be a challenge — and choosing the “best” option can depend on many factors.

From certification programs to four-year welding degrees, this article will review some of the best colleges for welding.

Accredited Colleges for Welding

The American Welding Society (AWS) is a professional organization that sets standards for certification and accreditation of welders.

Any college you’re considering should be accredited by the AWS, so you know they’re offering a high-quality welding program. Here are some accredited colleges that offer welding programs:

Lincoln College of Technology – Lincoln College of Technology offers a host of welding programs, ranging from certificate programs to a two-year Associate of Applied Science (A. A.
S. ) in welding.
Ex’pression College – This college offers a certificate program in welding, as well as a two-year Associate of Science degree in Welding Technology.
Lincoln Land Community College – Lincoln Land Community College offers both a certificate in welding and a welding assistant diploma program.
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology – OSUIT offers a welding program that leads to awards in Applied Technology, Industrial Technology, Associate of Applied Science and four-year Bachelor of Technology degrees in Welding.
San Joaquin Delta College – San Joaquin Delta College offers a certificate in welding, as well as an Associate of Applied Science degree in welding.
College of Western Idaho – The College of Western Idaho offers Associate of Applied Science degrees, Associate of Science degrees and welding certificates in welding technology.

Certification Programs vs. Degree Programs

If you’re considering a welding program, it’s a good idea to determine if certification or a degree is right for you. Certification programs are shorter and typically involve technical training alongside specialty certifications. On the other hand, a two-year degree in welding provides comprehensive training as well as an in-depth look at welding philosophy and theory. Some states may also require a four-year degree for certain welding jobs.

Industry Certifications

The AWS offers a variety of certifications for welders, including the Welding Certification Certificate Program. This program provides a comprehensive introduction to welding technology and allows participants to take exams to become a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI). The AWS also offers several specialty certifications, such as welding instructor certification, welding supervisor certification, welding inspector certification and welding fabricator certification.

Other Benefits of College Education

A college education is more than just technical training. College introduces students to an array of opportunities, including industry connections and mentorships. It can also provide the opportunity to build a professional network, as well as the opportunity to participate in research projects and internships.

Conclusion

Choosing the best college for welding is an important decision to make. Accredited programs from colleges such as Lincoln College of Technology and OSUIT can provide you with the necessary skills for a successful career in welding. It’s also important to consider the type of degree you’d like to pursue—certification or a degree—and any specialty certifications you may need. While college can provide the educational foundation, students can also benefit from connections developed in a college environment—such as internships and research projects. Citations: https://www. lincolnedu. com/degree-programs/welding-technology/https://expression. edu/degrees/welding-and-materials-engineering/http://www. llcc. edu/academics/subjects/welding/https://www. okstate. edu/admissions/academic-programs/index. php?academic-program=wldghttps://www. deltacollege. edu/dept/welding/index. htmlhttps://cwidaho. cc/welding-technology/index. html