For high school graduates seeking a hands-on career with long-term growth potential, welding offers a clear and practical path. Welders are essential across industries such as construction, manufacturing, energy and transportation, where demand remains solid.
This guide walks through how to become a certified welder after high school, step by step, from choosing training to earning certification and launching a career. Learn how Universal Technical Institute (UTI) supports students with industry-aligned welding training, certification preparation and career guidance.1
1. Research the Welding Industry and Career Opportunities
Before starting training, it’s important to understand the welding field and the opportunities available.
A welder is a skilled tradesperson who uses heat and specialized tools to fuse metal parts together, helping construct, repair or maintain infrastructure, machinery, vehicles and equipment.
Demand for welders remains solid due to ongoing infrastructure investment, industrial growth and a retiring workforce. Welders are needed across industries such as:
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Automotive and transportation
- Oil and gas
- Shipbuilding
- Aerospace
Common entry-level welding roles include:
- Fabricator
- MIG welder
- TIG welder
- Pipe welder
Many UTI graduates work across these roles, applying their training in a variety of real-world settings.
2. Choose a Welding Training Program That Fits Your Goals
Selecting the right welding training program is one of the most important steps in preparing to become a certified welder.
Look for welding training programs that offer:
- A balance of classroom instruction and hands-on lab training.
- Industry-aligned curriculum.
- Certification preparation recognized by employers.
- Strong employer connections and career support.
Reputable welding training programs, like UTI’s, prepare students specifically for American Welding Society (AWS) certification exams, credentials that are widely recognized by employers.
Welding certification demonstrates a welder’s ability to meet rigorous industry standards and qualifies them for a broad range of job opportunities.
When comparing programs, consider factors such as:
- Program length.
- Welding processes taught.
- Certification preparation.
- Lab hours and facilities.
- Career services and hiring support.
One example of a welding training program designed to support certification preparation and career readiness is Universal Technical Institute’s Welding Technology program.
Welding Career Training at Universal Technical Institute
Universal Technical Institute’s Welding Technology program is designed to help high school graduates build job-ready skills through hands-on training aligned with industry standards.
The program combines theory instruction with hands-on lab training, giving students extensive practice with professional tools, materials and welding equipment in real-world environments.
Students train in multiple welding processes, including gas metal arc welding (GMAW), flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) and shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), while developing essential skills such as blueprint reading, safety procedures and equipment maintenance.
The program reflects current industry needs and can be completed in less than a year, helping students move efficiently from training to certification preparation and readiness for entry-level welding roles after graduating.
3. Complete Welding Coursework and Fundamental Training
Formal welding training builds the technical foundation required for certification and entry-level employment. UTI’s welding training includes hands-on courses that cover essential welding processes and skills.
Students develop core competencies such as:
- Blueprint reading
- Metal preparation
- Welding positions and joint configurations
- Safety protocols and protective equipment use
- Equipment setup and maintenance
The structured progression of coursework allows students to build skills step by step, ensuring foundational techniques are comprehended before advancing to more complex welding tasks.
4. Gain Hands-On Welding Skills in Lab Settings
Hands-on welding practice is critical for developing accuracy, consistency and confidence.
UTI places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, delivering hours of lab-based welding training. In these supervised lab environments, students practice multiple welding techniques, weld with different metals and apply safety procedures under instructor guidance.
Lab training includes:
- Performing welds in multiple positions.
- Welding with professional-grade equipment.
- Applying real-world safety routines.
- Maintaining and troubleshooting welding tools.
UTI students are also introduced to advanced topics such as open root welding and metal properties, helping prepare them for the expectations of employers.
5. Prepare for and Pass Welding Certification Exams
After completing training, the next step is earning certification.
Welding certification exams are practical tests that assess a welder’s ability to produce safe, high-quality welds on specific materials and positions.
A simple exam-prep checklist includes:
- Reviewing core welding concepts.
- Practicing test welds.
- Studying AWS standards and procedures.
- Understanding exam-specific requirements.
Earning welding certification can expand job opportunities and may support access to more advanced roles over time.
6. Apply for Entry-Level Welding Positions
With training completed and certifications earned, graduates can begin applying for welding roles.
A strong entry-level welding resume should highlight:
- Welding certifications earned.
- Welding processes mastered.
- Hands-on lab experience.
- Safety training.
Common entry-level welding positions include:
- Aluminum welder
- Fabricator
- Cutter
- Pipe welder
- Brazer
UTI supports graduates through personalized career services, including resume assistance, interview preparation and access to employer hiring events. Staying proactive, connecting with local employers, attending job fairs and joining trade organizations can further strengthen job prospects.
7. Advance Your Welding Skills Over Time
Welding is a career built on continuous skill development.
As technology, materials and methods evolve, continuing education helps welders stay competitive and pursue specialized or higher-responsibility roles. Advancement options may include:
- Advanced pipe welding.
- Non-destructive testing (NDT) certifications.
- Welding inspection or instruction pathways.
UTI offers opportunities for refresher training and continued education, supporting long-term career growth and skill advancement.
Start Your Welding Training Journey Today
Becoming a certified welder starts with a clear plan, from exploring the industry and choosing the right welding training program to building hands-on skills and preparing for certification exams. With the right training and support, high school graduates can take a focused path toward entry-level welding roles across in-demand industries.
UTI helps students move from training to certification preparation with an industry-aligned welding curriculum, extensive lab time and career support designed to help graduates take their next step with confidence.
If you’re ready to begin your path toward welding certification, apply today to learn how UTI’s Welding Technology program can help you start building skills for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What education do I need before starting welding training?
Most welding programs require a high school diploma or GED, making welding training accessible for recent graduates and career changers.
How long does it take to earn a welding certification?
Welding certification can often be earned in six to 18 months, depending on the training program and individual pace.
Which welding certifications are most recognized by employers?
The AWS Certified Welder credential is one of the most widely recognized and respected certifications in the welding industry.
Do I need hands-on experience before taking the certification exam?
Yes. Hands-on welding experience is strongly recommended, as certification exams focus on practical welding performance.
Where can I take welding certification tests?
Welding certification exams are offered at accredited testing facilities and many trade schools, including Universal Technical Institute campuses.
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.