Types of Courses at Welding School

Are you a creative problem solver who loves hands-on work?

Then you might want to think about a career in welding! Better yet, enroll in technical training before you try jumping into a full-time technician role.

If you want to learn key technician skills in four basic welding processes—FCAW, GMAW, SMAW and GTAW—think about enrolling in Universal Technical Institute's 36-week Welding Technology program.¹ Through lab training, UTI welding students can gain knowledge and skills that are often needed in the industry.

It's also crucial to understand what you'll be taught in UTI training before applying!

Keep reading for an overview of the welding trade and what types of courses students take in UTI’s Welding Technology program.

What Is Welding?

Welding is a fabrication process that uses high pressure to join materials, usually made of metal. High heat is also often used, although some types of welding don’t use any heat.

Read: What Rig Welders Do and How to Become One

Welding School Training

Formal welding training may help students in gaining the skills and knowledge required for many full-time technician positions. A program like UTI's 36-week Welding Technology program offers students hands-on training through welding courses taught by experienced industry professionals.

Even better, UTI's curriculum was created in collaboration with Lincoln Electric—a manufacturer well known for its welding innovations in a variety of industries such as construction, shipbuilding, automotive and aerospace.

UTI’s well-structured, comprehensive welding training teaches students the fundamentals of four major welding processes:

• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW): often referred to as "stick welding" because of its usage of a flux-coated electrode (a metal stick or rod placed in an electrode holder) connected to a power source.
• Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW): also known as metal inert gas (MIG) welding, this method makes use of a continuous electrode that travels through the welding gun.
• Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW): FCAW-S techniques employ a continuous hollow wire electrode fed through the welding gun, whereas FCAW-G techniques use shielding gas.
• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW): a non-consumable tungsten electrode process that melts metal by creating a welding arc with a current.

Through this program, which combines theory with hands-on training, students get a realistic sense of what it’s like to perform real-world welds. UTI’s Welding Technology graduates also receive diplomas, which many employers require even for entry-level technicians!

So, you might wonder, “Are there any UTI welding courses near me?” Universal Technical Institute offers core welding training on twelve campuses across seven states. If you live in Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania or Texas, chances are, yes, there are!

Read: Women in Welding

Welding Courses

UTI’s Welding Technology students are taught important skills through these classes for welding:

• Introduction to Welding, Safety & Careers
• Principles of Welding
• Gas Metal Arc Welding I (GMAW)
• Shielded Metal Arc Welding I (SMAW)
• Engineering & Fabrication
• Gas Metal Arc Welding II (GMAW)
• Shielded Metal Arc Welding II (SMAW)
• Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
• Pipe Welding
• Welding Applications I (GMAW & FCAW)
• Welding Applications II (SMAW & GTAW)

Read: Pipeline Welding & How to Become a Pipeline Welder

Welding Careers

Welders can advance in their careers, especially with the right training and experience. But first, they have to get their foot in the door. Most of our grads are prepared to become entry-level welders or in other entry-level roles such as:

• Fabrication welder
• Welder fitter
• Wirer

As with any industry, over time, technicians may be able to advance in their welding careers with experience and hard work.⁷⁷ Here are some examples of advanced roles:

• Inspector
• Quality control
• Certified welding inspector
• Welding project manager

Read: Welding Interview Tips

FAQs

1. What traits do welders need?

To avoid serious injury to themselves and others on the job site, welders must learn safe work practices when using instruments such as welding torches and rods. They must also exercise welding traits such as good hand–eye coordination, manual dexterity and an eye for detail to produce successful, defect-free welds.

Welding technicians must also be innovative problem solvers who can think on their feet and make quick decisions to tackle unexpected problems. Commitment is also vital since it keeps welders motivated and helps them continually innovate their abilities.

2. Is there job search assistance at UTI?

UTI has job search assistance that can help students find work in the industry after graduation. Career Services advisors can help students in putting together their application materials, practicing job interviewing techniques and searching for job listings that match their specific professional goals.

3. What Kinds of Techniques Do Welding Students Learn?

Students learn key techniques in four major welding processes: SMAW, GMAW, FCAW and GTAW!

4. How long is welding school?

At UTI, welding training lasts 36 weeks.

Read: How to Become a Shipyard Welder

Enroll in Welding School at UTI!

Welding school is a great way for those interested in the trade to learn the skills they need. By completing UTI’s Welding Technology program, students can learn important skills in four major welding processes!

Eager to start learning? Check out our site or contact an Admissions Representative at 1-800-834-7308 to request more information. When you’re ready, apply to welding school.