Welders are highly trained professionals who fall within a specialized category. Their services are necessary for a variety of applications, including structures and vehicles such as cars, ships, aircraft, buildings, and homes. There are several reasons someone would choose to become a welder, including high potential earnings, job demand, room for growth, the ability to work independently, and more.

The journey to becoming a welding professional starts with choosing the right welding school for you. Pennco Tech is a vocational school that offers an outstanding welding program at our campus in Pennsylvania, along with a range of other trade programs in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Here, we answer some important questions you should ask when considering welding schools.

How Long Is the Welding School Program?

Ensuring a welding program is right for you involves knowing the commitment it requires. While enrolled in the welding program at Pennco Tech, students will receive 900 hours of comprehensive training, which includes both hands-on experience and classroom instruction, spanning across 26 weeks. The courses prepare students and cover all the necessary topics, and the program is split into two terms:

• WLD 101: Welding Fundamentals (450 hours)
• WLD 102: Advanced Welding (450 hours)

When Can I Enroll?

Pennco Tech’s programs are scheduled to run continuously. This means when each welding term concludes and students in term 2 graduate, first term students move on to second term, while the next group of new students start in term 1. Once enrolled, students begin at the program’s next start date. 

What Skills Are Included in the Program?

Prospective students want to ensure the welding school they choose offers an in-depth curriculum. Those enrolled in the welding program at Pennco Tech will be trained in key procedures, techniques, and safety measures to pursue entry-level welder positions. The skills and techniques students will be trained in include:

• Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW)
• Gas Metal Arch Welding (GMAW/MIG)
• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG)
• Plasma Cutting
• Proper welding equipment/tools

In addition to on-the-job skills, students will also learn crucial skills to help them perform the duties of a welder. The welding program also covers reading blueprints and welding symbols, alloy identification, fabrication, and best safety practices.

Are Class Schedules Flexible?

Not all prospective students are on the same life schedule. To accommodate, Pennco Tech offers its welding program both during the day and in the evening. Students can choose the class schedule that best suits them.

Is Financial Aid Available?

Pennco Tech believes cost shouldn’t stop someone from pursuing their passion. Students enrolled in the welding program may be eligible for financial assistance such as loans, grants, or scholarships. Our Financial Aid office and Student Loan Counseling department can assist students and help them devise the best strategy for managing academic finances.

*Financial Aid available only to those who qualify.

What Certifications Do Graduates Earn?

Pennco Tech’s welding program does not certify, license, or guarantee that students will become certified welders in any state. Students who wish to become certified can do so on their own. Certification/licensing requirements in the state of Pennsylvania are covered in the program. Even so, graduates of the welding program are equipped and ready to pursue entry-level jobs in the field.

Does the Vocational School Help With Job Placement?

While the welding program does not guarantee job placement after graduation, our Career Services department works closely with students in their pursuit of an entry-level position. Resources available to students include networking and job searching tips, resume and interview preparation, as well as professional development workshops.

Can an Entry-Level Job Lead to Other Careers?

Graduates of the welding program will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue entry-level positions. From there, after gaining work experience, they are in a good position to explore options for advancing in their chosen career.

Begin Your Purist of a Rewarding Career at Pennco Tech

If you’re interested in becoming a welder, start your journey at Pennco Tech. Our vocational school offers a thorough welding program at our campus in Bristol, Pennsylvania. The program covers all the important topics of the industry and prepares students in their quest to secure an entry-level welding position. For more information about our welding program and to learn if it’s right for you, contact us today.