Are you interested in knowing what a welding school is, how long a welding school takes, the cost, and the possibility of becoming a certified welder without going to any of the welding schools in Iowa?
Worry no more; this article will guide you on your journey to learn how to become a welder in Iowa and how much welding schools cost in the state.
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Table of Contents
What is Welding?
Welding is a fabrication process in which two or more parts are fused to form a joint. The process is usually done using heat, pressure, or even both.
The complete welded joint is called a Weldment, whereas the joined parts are called ‘Parent Material. ‘
The material added to the parent material to form a fuse or join is called a filler or consumable.
Certain materials allow for welding: metals or cast iron, thermoplastics, and, on rare occasions, wood.
In welding, the consumables or fillers used to initiate the join are usually of the same composition as the parent material, making it a Homogeneous Weld. In cases where the filler is different in design from the parent material, the weldment is called Heterogeneous Weld.
For instance, with the use of thermoplastic material to fuse an iron cast, the end product is called a heterogeneous weld since they are of different compositions.
So if you want to get certified as a welder in Iowa, you can attend any of the welding schools listed below or use the no-school method we have briefly explained in this article.
Also See: 15 Best Welding Schools in Arkansas
Are Welders in Demand in Iowa?
Welding is a good career option, but it all comes down to “you.” I mean, your clearly defined goals, dreams, and career path.
If you have a passion for welding, go for it; it’s a promising career path with few competitors. I know you like the sound of that.
Welders are basically in demand, just like other professions. It might not be a popular career trend, but once there’s a need for a welder, the incentive is usually mind-blowing.
There’s an excellent employment opportunity this career possesses. Graduates may work in manufacturing, construction, mining, agriculture, artistic railings, maintenance, and repair.
With or without school, here are some skills you need to become a good and certified Iowa welder:
- Physical strength
- Mathematics knowledge
- Endurance
- Teamwork
- Coordination
 What are the Different Types of Welding?
There are nine types of welding processes, but for the sake of our study, we will be discussing the four main types of welding, and they are:
1. MIG WeldingÂ
If you’re interested and want to know what welding is and how to become a welder in Iowa, I suggest you master MIG welding, which is short for “Metal Inert Gas.’ It’s the simplest welding type to learn; it fuses everything from stainless steel to aluminum.
The MIG is versatile and used for multiple positions; the machine you can use for this is inexpensive.
This type of welding, also known as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), uses a wire electrode and a shielding gas that heats the two materials to be joined. Most welding schools in Iowa teach it.
2. TIG Arc WeldingÂ
This process uses a fixed tungsten electrode filler or consumable to join two materials. TIG is a standard method for joining stainless steel and non-ferrous metals; it’s considered the best welding process.
Furthermore, this type of welding produces the strongest joins and a more durable weldment since its slow cooling time increases tensile strength.
Since non-ferrous metals have varying melting points, care must be taken while using this method.
TIG welding is a time-consuming method compared to other welding processes.
3. Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
This is a good process that uses a variety of variables, although it’s advised to use this method in an outdoor setting or under controlled industrial ventilation. It produces smoke and fumes, which are not healthy; hence, care should be taken.
Also, the welder might want to look out for the porosity of the weldment while using this method. FCAW is a trusted method that enables the joined metal or weldment to cool faster.
4. Shielded Metal Arc WeldingÂ
This method is often used in steel and industrial fabrication to welding iron.
Here, the welder follows the stick welding method, where the stick uses an electric current to form an arc between the stick and the metal to be fused.
This method is rarely used on aluminum but is prevalent in welding stainless steel, cast iron, alloyed steel, and some non-ferrous metals.
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Which Type Of Welding Should You Learn?
For a beginner interested in knowing how to become a welder in Iowa and get certified in welding without going to school, I suggest you bypass instructors or welding schools that teach their students Shielded Metal Arc Welding.
SMAW is the most challenging welding process that tends to come first during beginners’ training.
Instructors are expected to teach their students the way forward and not backward, although that’s how they are taught.
Metal Inert Gas(MIG) is a beginner-friendly process that doesn’t take time to learn and, thus, is easy to comprehend.
This versatile welding method is applicable in most industrial processes, creating an excellent employment opportunity.
Therefore, if you want to know what this profession is, how long it takes to go to a welding school in Iowa, and how to get certified without attending a school, take MIG courses seriously.
ALSO SEE: 15 Best Welding Schools in Tennessee
How Long Does it Take to Go to Welding School in Iowa?
How long it takes to go to a welding school in Iowa is a question every beginner asks.
The time it takes to attend a welding school in Iowa varies greatly.
The time it takes to attend and complete a welding school course depends significantly on your program choice, class, certification, and school.
Conversely, it takes a minimum of 7 months and a maximum duration of 2 years to acquire a degree in welding in Iowa.
Are there Factors to Consider While Choosing a Welding School in Iowa?
Generally, the standards of schools differ in the same way the quality of certification varies. Hence, it would be best if you researched before applying to any school of interest.
To succeed in this career path, applying to the right school is paramount, as is the course of study.
If you want to know how to become a welder in Iowa, kindly sit with me.
These factors to be considered are;
1. School Requirements
Knowing the requirements of welding school is considered a good start; schools have different registration procedures, age eligibility, and, of course, application details.
Your ability to determine which school’s requirements suit your credentials is excellent.
You wouldn’t want to start an application process only to find out you lack one of the requirements.
2. Location Of Welding SchoolÂ
Here you consider the distance from your residential address to the school and its motorable length.
Moreso, consider the environmental parameters in such areas.
You might be allergic to cold, snow, hurricanes, and other natural phenomena where the school is located.
3. School InstructorsÂ
The quality of instructors can never be overemphasized, as one can tell that an instructor’s experience can propagate easy learning and better understanding.
When you meet a good instructor, your career path takes a new turn of success.
Some schools utilize experienced instructors while others settle for below average, which isn’t as good as it affects students’ performance.
4. Types Of Courses OfferedÂ
The choice, of course, matters a lot as various certifications make one a welder. Don’t sleep on this research topic if you want to know how to become a welder in Iowa.
Not all schools offer the preferred course you would want to go for; therefore, doing proper research on the courses offered by these schools will do you good.
ALSO SEE:Â 15 Best Welding Schools In Las Vegas
List, Location, and Cost of the Best Welding Schools in IowaÂ
This article will list ten Iowa schools and their addresses, respectively.
This list of schools outlined below is not necessarily in descending or ascending order of the best welding schools.
But trust me, these schools are superb.
#1. Des Moines Area Community College
- Location: 2006 Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, Iowa.
Des Moines Area Community College is one of the top welding colleges in Iowa.
This school offers three academic programs to train you to become a welder in the state. The welding programs include; Certificate in welding, an Associate in Welding and Certificate In Welding, and Shielded Metal Arc.
The welding program at Des Moines Area Community College is professionally accredited to offer quality education in this field professionally.
#2. Eastern Iowa Community College District (EICCD)
- Location: W Third Street, Davenport, Iowa.
Welding programs offered in Eastern Iowa Community College District are one many professionals recommend for beginners.
The Eastern Iowa Community College District welding programs include; Certificate In Welding, an Associate In Welding, and Certificate In Structural Welding.
#3. Eastern Iowa Community College District (ICCC)
- Location: One Triton Cycle, Fort Dodge, Iowa.
In the list of best welding colleges and universities in Iowa, the Eastern Iowa Community College District makes it to the top 10.
Most of the welding programs offered in the Eastern Iowa Community College District focus on welding technology.
Programs offered at ICCC include Certificate In Welding Technology and an Associate In Welding Technology.
#4. Hawkeye Community College
- Location: E Orange Road, Waterloo, Iowa
HCC offers two introductory welding courses: a Certificate In Welding Technology program and an Associate degree In Welding Technology.
Both welding programs offered at Hawkeye Community College focus on giving students the best training to become professional welders in Iowa.
#5. Iowa Lakes Community College
- Location: Estherville, Iowa
Iowa Lakes Community College is one of the top-rated welding schools in Iowa state accredited to offer welding programs.
Through its certificate program, the school gives students hands-on training and all they need to know about the welding profession.
Expert teachers and professionals teach classes with track records in the profession.
The program offered at Iowa Lakes Community College is the Certificate In Welding program.
#6. Indian Hills Community College
- Location: Grandview Ave, Ottumwa, Iowa
Programs offered at Indian Hills Community College include an Associate degree in Welding Technology and a Certificate program In Welding Technology.
Indian Hills Community College’s welding programs are internationally recognized and accredited by the official accrediting bodies in Iowa, making it one of the best welding schools in the state.
#7. Kirkwood Community College
- Location: Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
The welding programs offered at Kirkwood Community College are all certificate programs. Both strategically empower students with the skills and knowledge to craft as professional welders in Iowa.
Kirkwood Community College programs include a Certificate program In Advanced Welding Technologies and a Certificate program In Combination Welding.
#8. Marshalltown Community College
- Location: Center St, Marshalltown, Iowa
Programs offered at Marshalltown Community College for welding students include:
- A Certificate program In Manufacturing Welding.
- Certificate In Manufacturing Welding (Construction).
- An Associate program In Manufacturing Welding Practitioner.
Remember that before applying to any of the welding programs at Marshalltown Community College, you must meet the prerequisite requirements for the program.
#9. Northwest Iowa Community College (NICC)
- Location: Park st, Sheldon, Iowa
Northwest Iowa Community College is one of Iowa’s top colleges for welding students.
The programs offered include an Associate degree In Advanced Welding Technologies and a Certificate program In Production Welding.
#10. Western Iowa Tech Community College
- Location: Stone Ave, Sioux City, Iowa
Western Iowa Tech Community College offers three programs leading to a professional degree in the welding profession.
Programs offered include:
- A Certificate program In Industrial Welding.
- A Certificate program In Production Welding.
- An Associate degree In Welding Technology.
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Frequently Asked Questions On Welding Schools In Iowa
How long does it take to be trained as a welder?
This greatly depends on the school and choice of welding course but approximately, welding school takes up to 7 months and two years for completion.
How much do welding schools cost in Iowa?
Generally, Iowa welding schools do not cost much as tuition fee ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 maximum to get your certificate in welding.
Knowing how much welding schools cost is excellent in choosing the school to attend.
This cost varies with the welding schools as some training centers offer on-the-job experience; hence no need for a certificate.
How much does a welder make annually in Iowa?
The salary of welders varies with a certificate, years of experience, and employer. However, the highest-paid welders in 2017 worked in Ames, Iowa, earning a mean income of $20.29 per hour. Now do your mathematics.
For an average welder in Iowa, the annual salary was $39,850 per year in 2019.
How do I become a welder in Iowa?
To become a welder in Iowa, you must understand blueprints and mathematics skills and have a GED or High school diploma.
Do I need a welding license to practice in Iowa?Â
Welding generally does not require a certificate or license, but to stand tall in your career, getting a permit will distinguish you from others.
Some employers are very selective, and priority is given to those with a workable welding license.
If you want to know how to get certified in welding without school, Iowa is a good state for such.
Conclusion
Iowa has great welding schools, most of which do not cost much to transform a beginner into a pro welder.
Knowing how long welding school takes and how to become a welder in Iowa starts with a decision. Are you ready to take that decision?
See you at the top
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