If you are looking to start a career in welding, one of the first things you need to do is find a good welding school. Houston, Texas is home to many reputable welding schools that can provide you with the education and training you need to succeed in this field. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top welding schools in Houston and what they have to offer.
Why Choose a Welding School?
Welding is a skilled trade that requires both technical knowledge and hands-on experience. While it’s possible to learn some basic welding skills on your own or through an entry-level job, attending a welding school can give you a more comprehensive understanding of the trade. Some benefits of attending a welding school include:
- Access to experienced instructors who can teach you proper techniques and safety protocols
- Hands-on training with real equipment and tools
- Exposure to different types of welding processes and materials
- Connections with industry professionals who can help you find job opportunities
Attending a welding school can also demonstrate your commitment to the field and make you more competitive when applying for jobs.
Top Welding Schools in Houston
Houston is home to several well-regarded welding schools, including:
1. San Jacinto College
San Jacinto College offers both certificate and degree programs in welding technology at their Central campus in Pasadena, TX. The program covers topics such as blueprint reading, metallurgy, and various welding processes. Students have access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, including virtual reality simulators for practicing welds.
2. Lee College
Lee College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in welding technology at their campus in Baytown, TX. The program includes hands-on training with various types of welds and materials as well as courses on safety procedures, fabrication techniques, and codes/regulations.
3. Houston Community College
Houston Community College offers several welding programs at their Eastside campus in Houston, TX. These include a Basic Welding Certificate program, an Advanced Welding Certificate program, and an Associate of Applied Science degree program in welding technology. Students learn about different types of welding processes and materials as well as safety and quality control procedures.
4. Tulsa Welding School
While not located in Houston proper, the Tulsa Welding School has a campus just outside of Houston in Jacksonville, TX. The school offers diploma programs in welding technology that can be completed in as little as seven months. Students receive hands-on training on a variety of welding processes and equipment.
What to Look for When Choosing a Welding School
When evaluating different welding schools in Houston (or anywhere else), you should consider factors such as:
- Accreditation: Make sure the school is accredited by recognized accrediting bodies to ensure that your education will be recognized by employers.
- Curriculum: Look for schools with comprehensive curricula that cover various types of welding processes and materials.
- Instructor qualifications: Ideally, instructors should have relevant industry experience and teaching qualifications/certifications.
- Facilities/equipment: The school should have up-to-date facilities and equipment for hands-on training.
- Job placement assistance: Some schools offer job placement services to help graduates connect with potential employers.
Additionally, you may want to look into factors such as tuition costs, class sizes/availability, and location/proximity to your home or work.
Conclusion
Attending a welding school can be a smart investment if you’re looking to start a career in this field. With so many reputable options available in the Houston area, you’re sure to find one that meets your needs. Take some time to research different programs and evaluate them based on the factors outlined above; doing so will help ensure that you get the most value out of your education.
FAQs
What are the top welding schools in Houston?
The top welding schools in Houston include Tulsa Welding School, San Jacinto College, and Lee College.
How long does it take to complete a welding program in Houston?
The length of a welding program varies depending on the school and level of certification, but typically ranges from 6 months to 2 years.
What types of welding certifications can I obtain from Houston welding schools?
Some popular certifications offered by Houston welding schools include AWS Certified Welder, AWS Certified Welding Inspector, and ASME Welding Certification.
Can I attend a welding school without any prior experience?
Yes, many Houston welding schools accept students with no prior experience or knowledge in welding. Classes are designed to teach students everything they need to know to become skilled welders.
Are there online options available for attending a welding school in Houston?
Yes, some Houston welding schools offer online classes for certain courses or programs. However, hands-on training is still required for most certifications.
What is the job outlook for welders in Houston?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of welders is projected to grow about 3% from 2019-2029 in the Houston area due to an increasing demand for goods that require welded parts such as aircrafts and ships.
How much does it cost to attend a welding school in Houston?
Tuition costs vary between programs but on average range from $5,000-$15,000 not inclusive of books and other expenses.
What types of welding techniques are taught in Houston welding schools?
Houston welding schools teach different forms of welding such as shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), and gas metal arc welding (GMAW).
What are the job prospects after completing a certification from a Houston welding school?
Graduates can become welders, cutters, brazers or solderers in various industries like aerospace, automotive, construction and manufacturing with a median salary range of $39,000-$52,000 annually.