Ideally, a welding school can provide lots of opportunities for practicing hands-on with welding equipment. Welding courses that are taught using the most current techniques are generally preferred. You might also want to consider the accreditation of the school. A program that provides certification in specialty areas, such mig welding, or using a metal insert gas welder, can be a bonus when seeking employment. Other factors might be cost, length of program, and the school's reputation.
Although many courses, such as math, physics, and blueprint-reading, might be taught in a classroom setting, the majority of your training could be in a workshop environment. You may want to visit these classrooms and work areas before enrolling to get an idea as to what methods of instruction are being used. You could also inspect the equipment to make sure it is not outdated or in poor repair. Checking to see that there is an adequate number of welders for each student might also be a good idea.
The accreditation, or official recognition of academic standards, of a welding school can be an important factor to consider. When talking with an admissions counselor, you may want to ask what credentials the school has. In the United States, a college should be accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
If you know what type of welding you would like to do, this information may also help you decide on a welding school. You might want to discuss the different types of training with a representative from the college. Since special skills certification is sometimes favored by potential employers, you could take this opportunity to find out whether or not the institution offers certification in your desired area. The American Welding Society is one organization that offers certified welding courses at many community colleges.
Programs vary in length, so the amount of time you have to dedicate to attending school can usually be a factor when deciding which one to attend. You may want to inquire as to how long the course of study might take to complete. You might also want to consider the reputation of a particular welding school as well as how much tuition and other fees might be.
As a welder, you could expect to work in a manufacturing facility or automotive repair shop. You may also be required to inspect the work of subordinates as a part of your daily duties. Attending the right welding school can be a vital first step toward obtaining employment in this field.