Automotive Welding Schools
There are many different aspects of Auto Tech and welding is one of them. If you want to do auto body welding, here are the automotive welding schools.Why take Automotive Welding Classes?
What to Expect in Automotive Welding School
Automotive welding classes can be heavy in math and science so if you are still in high school, be sure to focus on those as well as taking auto shop or welding classes as electives. Once you get to your welding trade school, you can expect to learn the following welding techniques:
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG)
- Shield Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
- Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG)
- Plasma Arc Cutting (PAC)
Finding a School with Welding Classes
Trade schools all across the nation offer not only automotive welding classes but general welding classes and degrees as well. This is because welding techniques and equipment are generally the same through many different industries. So, once you learn the techniques you will be able to translate that into auto body welding or another industry. Nonetheless, all automotive welding schools are listed at the bottom of the page.
Trade Schools Near You
Steps to Become an Auto Body Welder
Course Objectives of Automotive Welding School
Here’s what you can expect to learn while taking auto body welding classes:
- Welding Safety
- Career Development in Welding
- Welding Principles
- Fabrication and Engineering in Welding
- Applications of Welding
- GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding)
- SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding)
- FCAW (Flux-Cored Arc Welding)
- GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding)
- Pipe Welding
Certifications Acquired in Automotive Welding Training
As with most programs, when you finish automotive welding school you can earn a variety of awards or certifications. Most welding schools will provide a certificate of completion while others will offer an associate’s degree program. On top of this, your program should set you up to complete many different welding certifications that meet the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) standards. This will set you up well as you look for a job as an auto body welder. Once you find a company, many of them will fund your extra training or any costs that come with certifications.
Qualifications to Start Welding School
Although it will vary from school to school, there is typically one requirement to get into and automotive welding program, a high school diploma or a GED. Some schools may require students to interview for the program while some will require an essay and some will accept anyone who applies. Along with that, some schools may require students to take other general technology courses before actually starting the welding classes. Be sure to check your local trade school to see what requirements they have.
Welding Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2019), there will be over 430,000 jobs for welders in the US by 2028. This is a 3% increase which is a little slower than the national average of job growth but still good. This means there will be about 15,000 job openings by 2028 with many more as the current welder labor force is a bit older and looking to retire soon. This outlook plus its good pay opportunity with the average annual salary of $41,380 and the average hourly wage of $19.89 makes for a great job opportunity for those fresh out of high school or those looking for a career change.
Welding School FAQs
What is the best welding school?
It is very difficult to verify which welding school is the very best. That being said, some of the most popular welding schools, especially for auto body welding are Universal Technical Institute and Arizona Automotive Institute.
How long does it take to become a welder?
Depending on the program, school, and level of certification, becoming a welder can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. Different certification levels will require more training than others which is why the variation is so large.
Is welding a hard job?
The difficulty of welding greatly depends on the work setting and the person doing the job. Welding can be a very physically demanding job which suits some individuals more than others. Along with that, welding can be very mentally taxing with long hours and tough working conditions. So, it can take a while to get used to the work, but once you get the hang of it, welding can be an extremely fulfilling career path.
What do welders make an hour?
The average hourly wage for welders in the US is $19.89 according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Along with that, welders make on average $41,380 per year.
Automotive Welding Schools List
Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming
Alabama
Bevill State Community College
Bishop State Community College
Central Alabama Community College
Gadsden State Community College
George C Wallace State Community College – Hanceville
George C Wallace State Community College – Dothan
George C Wallace State Community College – Selma
H Councill Trenholm State Technical College
J F Drake State Community and Technical College
J F Ingram State Technical College
James H Faulkner State Community College
Jefferson Davis Community College
John C Calhoun State Community College
Lawson State Community College
Lurleen B Wallace Community College
Northeast Alabama Community College
Northwest-Shoals Community College
Reid State Technical College
Shelton State Community College
Southern Union State Community College
Arizona
The Refrigeration School
4210 E Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034