Enroll Now
Request Info
What Is Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)? The Beginner's Guide
Learn how SMAW works, what it's used for, the benefits of SMAW welding and more.
Welding technicians are creative and meticulous, transforming strong metal materials into structures and parts.
In Florida, there are no state requirements for becoming a welder. That means you’ll be against some stiff competition for professional welding positions!
To be prepared for the welding industry, aspiring welders should build a foundation of credentials, skills and experience. Students of Universal Technical Institute’s Welding Technology program can do just that by learning skills like1:
- Principles of welding
- Pipe welding
- Engineering and fabrication
- Welding applications
Continue reading to learn more. We relay our learning-based strategy on how to become a welder in Florida!
Get a High School Diploma or GED
Welding in Florida doesn’t require certification or licensing. However, even entry-level welding jobs often require specific credentials and some years of work experience. While these requirements could vary among job openings, most ask for a high school diploma or GED.
Like Universal Technical Institute, most trade schools also require a high school diploma or GED to enroll. That’s because these documents establish that the graduate has completed a structured curriculum, an accomplishment that needs critical thinking, reasoning, and discipline.
Without these documents, you could face a tough journey in pursuing a career. If you want to be a welder but don't have a high school diploma or GED, make getting one your top priority!
Read more: Welding History Goes Back Farther Than You Think
Attend a Welding Trade Program
So, you have a high school diploma or GED. But are you really prepared for a welding job?
To help with your job search, complete a trade program like UTI’s Welding Technology program and earn a diploma. This documentation can help you get noticed by employers who are looking to hire those who have specific credentials and hands-on experience.1
Unlike learning on the job, getting the training you need beforehand can save you a lot of frustration. In the controlled environment of a welding classroom, you can make mistakes more freely and improve with the support of instructors who have industry experience. Before pursuing a welding job with higher-stakes responsibilities, technical schooling can help you iron out any rookie mistakes.
UTI’s welding program was developed in collaboration with Lincoln Electric, a leading brand in the industry, and is designed to take 36 weeks to complete. That's a little less than nine months to learn industry skills and earn a diploma!
In our Welding Technology program, students learn various welding techniques. Our welding courses help students learn four different types of welding:
- Gas metal arc welding (GMAW)
- Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW)
- Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW)
- Flux-cored arc welding (FCAW)
Read more: What is a Military Support Welder & How Can You Become One?
Start Seeking Welding Opportunities
Becoming a welder in Florida may be easier with trade school credentials since they indicate training that helped technicians develop their skills beforehand. With a diploma from UTI's welding program, for example, graduates can demonstrate that they have the skills and knowledge needed to take on entry-level responsibilities.
Additionally, Lincoln Electric helped develop our welding curriculum according to industry standards. For that reason, students can trust that they’ll get industry-aligned training to prepare them for an entry-level welding career!1
Our manufacturer and employer relationships also mean opportunities
It’s important to note that eligibility requirements and conditions for these positions are established by participating employers and are between the employer and the student.
Read more: How to Create Your Welding Resume: Examples and Tips
Learn How to Become a Welder in Florida at UTI!
There are no laws preventing people from entering Florida’s welding industry without training, but if you want to learn how to become a welder in Florida with some hands-on experience and training, our program can help get you prepared.18
Our 36-week Welding Technology program teaches students essential welding skills that can help prepare them for a career in the industry. UTI’s manufacturer relationships also mean students can train on equipment used in the field.
We have two Universal Technical Institute Florida campuses, and our Miramar location offers the welding program. When you're ready, apply to our welding school and take another step toward an exciting career!
UTI Campuses That Offer Welding Training
Interested in attending welding school elsewhere? UTI offers welding training at campuses nationwide. Find one near you.
YOU COULD START YOUR EXCITING NEW CAREER AS A MECHANIC OR TECHNICIAN TODAY.
With classes starting every 3-6 weeks, no need to wait to start your career.
Hands-on training.Get hands on experience with the industry's leading brands.
No Pressure to commit.Get answers to your questions without any obligations.
1 ) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2 ) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.
18 ) UTI now offers all of its automotive, diesel, motorcycle and marine technician training in a blended-learning format consisting of online lecture courses along with in-person, hands-on lab training.
36 ) Students enrolled in select UTI programs are eligible to apply for the Early Employment Program. Participating employers will contact selected applicants to conduct interviews. Hiring, employee retention and compensation decisions are made solely by the prospective employer. Employer participation and program details are subject to change. For additional information, please contact Career Services. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
TRAINING FOR A NEW CAREER STARTS HERE
Take 60 seconds and find out how you can get trained.