Welding is an exciting career choice that is needed in construction, manufacturing, automotive, and other industries. Becoming a welder involves learning the techniques to work with metal and soldering tools. To get started in the trade, attending a training program is recommended. However, different schools have varying completion times, and it’s important to understand the commitment required before enrolling.

At Pennco Tech, we offer a comprehensive Welding program at our Bristol, PA, campus. Here, we discuss how long it takes to complete our welding school and where your training may take you.

About Our Welding Training Program

Pennco Tech offers flexible day and nighttime options in our Welding program in Bristol, PA. It can be completed in 26 weeks or seven months (daytime) or 75 weeks or 18 months (nighttime). The curriculum, consisting of 900 course hours, offers a mix of hands-on training and classroom instruction.

Our Welding program in Bristol covers several core competencies, including key procedures, techniques, and safety measures. Students are taught how and when to use proper equipment and tools in a controlled environment. Other topics covered include:

• Welding techniques, including stick welding, metal inert gas (MIG) welding, tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding, flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), and oxyfuel cutting
• Blueprint reading and interpretation through understanding welding symbols, specifications, and project plans
• Metal properties and identification skills for selecting the correct welding processes and materials for specific applications
• Advanced mathematics and geometry for taking accurate measurements and calculations on projects
• Innovative fabrication techniques to create metal products from layout to completion
• Welding inspection for detecting defects and ensuring projects meet quality standards
• Proper safety techniques, such as safe work practices, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, and emergency procedures

The program also primes students for industry certifications like the one from the American Welding Society (AWS).

Benefits of a Career in Welding

Welding is a skilled trade that is used in various industries. Students in our Welding program can prepare themselves to become qualified professionals and reap several benefits in their future careers, including:

Welders Enjoy Strong Earning Potential

Welders have an encouraging earning potential. The average welder salary in Pennsylvania is $48,150 annually, as reported by BLS. Welders also have a wide range of options to improve their earnings, including:

• Pursuing certifications to demonstrate their expertise
• Becoming specialized in the field by working as certified welders, inspectors, and educators
• Signing contracts with larger companies
• Completing side jobs
• Working overtime

Specialization and Advancement Opportunities for Welders

There are many opportunities for advancement in the welding field, including working for government entities, steel corporations, and construction companies. Many welders choose to advance their careers through experience and different areas of expertise, such as working on bridges, pipelines, and robotic welding. Other areas of expertise include:

• Welding technicians: They design and enhance welding operations, prepare materials, and maintain equipment to promote efficiency and safety.
• Automotive fabricator-welders: They work in the fabrication and welding of automotive components, focusing on bodywork and the larger metal structures of vehicles.
• Motorsports welders: These workers specialize in welding and fabricating race cars and other high-performance vehicles. This ensures optimal performance and safety under extreme conditions, such as high speeds and weather conditions.

Continued Need for Welders

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are projected to be nearly 45,800 job openings per year for welders and expert metal workers through 2033. Projected job openings for welders in Pennsylvania are nearly 1,720 per year through 2032.

The nation’s infrastructure continues to need the expertise of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers to help rebuild roads and bridges. Just as importantly, more workers will be required to replace those who will soon retire.

How Long Is Welding School at Pennco Tech?

Pennco Tech’s Welding program in Bristol, PA, helps prepare students for careers in welding through hands-on training from highly experienced instructors. Depending on your schedule, it can be completed in less than a year, in as little as 26 weeks in the daytime program or 18 months in the evening program.

At Pennco Tech, we also offer financial aid opportunities to students who qualify. Our Career Services office provides career assistance to graduates, helping them find employment opportunities after training and beyond. To learn more about our welding school in Pennsylvania, contact us today.