Do I need experience to enroll in Welding School?

Are you considering a career as a welder but need to know if you need experience to enroll in welding school? If you have your heart set on becoming a welder, then The Refrigeration School (RSI) has a Welding Specialist program that will prepare you to become a successful welder.

Do I Need Experience to Enroll in Welding School?

The short answer is no. The Welding Program at RSI is an entry-level program for welding beginners. However, it does help to already have a passion for welding and know that this is what you want to do for a career. Most Welding School students have some experience with welding, whether as a hobby or from creative expression.

Why Do People Become Welders?

There are many reasons why people become welders. They include:

A Quick Start Trade

Did you know you can start welding in as little as seven months? The Welding Specialist program at RSI can prepare you for an apprenticeship with classroom theory and hands-on experience in real-life scenarios. Plus, RSI offers OccuWeld, a virtual reality welding training software that teaches you how to weld in a safe environment where you can make mistakes without catastrophic consequences.

Interest in Creativity and Design

Welding requires precision and planning, which can attract those interested in working with their hands. Like sculpting, welding is both an art and a science. Turn your passion for welding into a career with the help of RSI.

Working Independently

Although you may report to a supervisor and work alongside a team, you will ultimately work independently on your welding projects. You decide about torch temperature, which welding position is the safest, and whether you want to use GMAW, GTAW, SMAW, or FCAW. If getting out of the office and working autonomously is essential, then welding may be your calling.

Opportunity to Specialize

Do you want to become a pipe fitter or underwater welder or focus on infrastructure? When you become a welder, you can specialize in one or more industry sectors. You can become certified in different specializations by completing a Welding program and getting apprenticeship experience. The welding specializations that you can choose include:

Brazer – those that heat molten metal and join together metal objects.

Ironworker – helps erect new structures like buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure.

MIG Welder – metal inert gas welders use electricity to melt and join pieces of metal together in conjunction with a consumable electrode filler.

Metal Fabricator – cut, shape, position, and align different types of metal.

Pipe Fitter – installing, repairing, and maintaining piping systems for oil and gas, natural gas, and transportation of other liquids.

Do I Need a License or Certification to Become a Welder?

To become an independent welder or manage apprentices, you must become licensed in Arizona. A welding certification from the American Welding Society (AWS) can help you advance your career. According to AWS, a welding certification can reward you with a higher salary, more robust employment demand, and better job stability. Both a license and certification are proof of your abilities for employers who are looking to hire trained welding professionals.

Want To Learn More?

The welding certification path starts with enrolling in RSI’s Welding Specialist program. We offer hands-on training with classroom lectures to prepare you for entry-level structural, alloy, and pipeline welding job opportunities. To learn more, contact us.