Best Welding Schools in North Carolina 2024 | A Detailed Guide

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Attending the best welding school can help you understand what the profession is all about. This article has well-detailed information on how to get into welding and how to become a welder in this state, how long it takes to complete a welding school and get certified, and the cost of welding schools in North Carolina.

The best welding schools can teach you the focus and abilities you need for this fantastic job.

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However, before you get into a welding school and know how to become a welder in North Carolina, you must be sure of your choice.

Do you know you can get certified in welding without attending a welding school in North Carolina?

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So how long does welding school take in North Carolina? What is welding school all about? How much do welding schools cost in this state? We’ve got you covered.

There are many different areas of emphasis in the challenging discipline of welding. Yes, you will receive all the necessary education in both the classroom and at work. 

But before enrolling in a welding school in North Carolina, you should be familiar with the fundamental knowledge summarized here.

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Let’s begin! 

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What is Welding?

Welding is a fabrication method in which two or more parts are fused using heat, pressure, or both to produce a joint as the parts cool. 

Although welding is majorly done on metals and thermoplastics, it can also be done on wood.

Additionally, we can define welding as the joining of two pieces of raw material by heat.

So what is welding school all about?

A welding school offers a thorough education that covers technical abilities and other soft skills to assist students in succeeding in this profession.

You are attending a welding school in North Carolina can show you how to get into welding properly and how you can become a well-paid welder.

Are Welders in Demand in North Carolina?

Over the coming years, the demand for welders and other metal workers is expected to increase by about 8%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Additionally, North Carolina is a great spot to start a welding career due to the expansion of sizable manufacturing plants there.

Welders have a fantastic future, and it is just getting better. Career opportunities in welding are expanding quickly.

How Long Does it Take to Be Trained as a Welder in North Carolina?

It should take one to two years to finish the necessary training to become a welder. This includes the time required to obtain a credential and work experience. It can take more time if you choose to go to college. 

So, knowing how long it takes to become a welder in North Carolina depends on the welding school and your program.

How Much Do Welding Schools Cost in North Carolina?

Tuition for courses lasting between three and seven months at welding schools is about $5,000. In contrast, you may have to pay an average of $15,000 for classes lasting up to 15 months in college welding programs. 

However, the cost of your tuition to become a certified welder will primarily depend on the institution you choose to attend. The price of welding schools in North Carolina may also change depending on several other factors, including the state, the program’s length, and the training type.

So, to know how much welding schools cost in North Carolina, you need to research the school of your interest.

While some courses need up to 4 years to complete, others offer certification following a 7-month training period. 

Additionally, depending on your goals, a college degree may be more advantageous than shorter and less expensive welding training.

ALSO SEE: 15 Best Welding Schools In San Antonio

Is it Worth Becoming a Welder?

There are many reasons to become a welder, as it is a gratifying profession. You’ll be able to work in a fulfilling profession with decent compensation if you decide to become a welder. 

Employers in the welding industry are having trouble finding individuals with the necessary skills, so finishing a training course is a wise decision to put yourself ahead of the competition.

Therefore, attending a welding school in North Carolina is what you need to become a highly-paid welder. Also, knowing how long it takes to complete a welding school prepares you not just in the short but also in the long run.

Furthermore, it’s crucial to remember that welders use power tools to join metal and construct and fix metal structures. Welders will be required if there is metal to be worked on, making this a career in high demand.

How Much Does Welder Make Annually?

In North Carolina, the typical welder makes $44,415 annually or about $3,700 monthly. These sums account for base pay as well as overtime. 

But your salary rises as you gain expertise or become a senior welder. For instance, North Carolina’s top 10% welders make roughly $56,470 yearly.

How Do I Become a Welder in North Carolina?

Do you want to know how to become a welder in North Carolina? Or are you keen on learning how you can get into welding? Here are a few things you need to note.

There are no state-level regulations for welders in North Carolina. However, the criteria for most entry-level welding positions in North Carolina are comparable. 

You need a high school graduation or GED to work as a welder. 

This implies that you can enroll in school and begin your welding instruction simultaneously. 

It offers you the chance to launch your career as soon as you graduate.

Additionally, you’ll need to enroll in training that involves AWS certification from the American Welding Society. 

This is because these organizations establish industry-wide standards for metal workers, and most businesses favor hiring people who have graduated from North Carolina welding programs authorized by the AWS. 

To carry out job duties, physical agility is also necessary.

Additionally, you need to enroll in programs or courses to get certified in welding without attending school. 

You will learn the theories, techniques, and safety precautions needed to pass the coursework tests and meet the requirements of the state of North Carolina and organizations that offer welding certifications.

So after attending these courses or programs, what’s left to get certified in welding without attending a school? Yes, arrange a test time with a nearby welding certification testing center authorized by a body like the American Welding Society.

Beyond this, you can get certified in welding without a school in North Carolina. You will find out how below.

ALSO SEE:15 Best Welding Schools In Wyoming

10 Best Welding Schools in North Carolina

Now that you know what welding school is all about and how to become a welder in North Carolina. We have also stated how much welding costs in North Carolina and how long welding schools are in North Carolina. We present to you the best welding schools in this state.

#1. Central Carolina Community College

Situated in Sanford, North Carolina, this college is one of the best welding schools. If you want to know how to become a highly-paid welder and get grounded on how to get into welding, this school is the best place for you.

The 2-4 year program costs $2,554 for in-state tuition. The National Center for Construction Education and Research offers certifications to students (NCCER).

Courses include

  • Blueprint Reading
  • Welding Fabrication
  • Weld Inspection
  • GTAW (Tig Pipe)
  • SMAW (Stick Pipe)
  • Automated Cutting/Welding.

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#2. Forsyth Technical College

This welding school is located in Winston-Salem, and it has what it takes to get you into welding and become a welder in North Carolina. They provide welding technology diplomas, certificates, and AAS degree programs. 

These programs range in length from three months to two years. Their tuition ranges from $1000 to $5000. 

The diploma can be earned in one year of daytime study or two years of nighttime study. The certificate can be finished during the fall and spring when taking daytime classes. Taking evening classes can be completed in the fall, spring, and summer terms.

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#3. Lenoir Community College

To assist you in locating entry-level welding jobs in North Carolina, this institution provides three workforce development programs. Each takes around two months to finish and doesn’t cost more than $250.

This welding school is situated in Kinston and provides basic welding skills and welding technology credentials in addition to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS )in welding technology. 

They run their program for anywhere between two months and two years. $200 to $5,000 on average is spent on tuition

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#4. Catawba Valley Community College. 

Both adults and high school students who want to become welders have several possibilities at this welding school. 

They have a Fabrication Certificate in Welding Technology, which takes a year to complete and concentrates on cutting and fabrication methods. 

They provide a pathway to this program that prepares high school students to get this certificate. A one-year certificate in welding technology is another option with a high school pathway.

Furthermore, students can complete a Welding Technology diploma in three semesters or one year. 

The diploma is accessible with a high school route program. An Associate of Applied Science ( AAS) in Welding Technology with a two-year program is also available to students.

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#5. Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. 

Students at this Asheville welding school can earn a welding technology certificate, diploma, or Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. 

Also, the students learn through in-person lectures and practical labs. Students’ comprehension of the science and technology of the field is aided by the welding and cutting techniques studied in the AAS degree. 

It can be completed in two years or five semesters. The diploma program is less in-depth than the degree program and can be completed in three semesters or one year. 

Students in the certificate program learn both SMAW and GMAW welding and essential welding skills.

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#6. Randolph Community College

This institution, located in Asheboro, North Carolina, provides day and evening classes that let students pursue welding careers while keeping up with their regular schedules. 

Students can pursue welding jobs while maintaining their regular schedules at this Asheboro, North Carolina-based university, which offers day and evening sessions. 

The instruction is given in the Archdale Welding Center of RCC, a partner in AWS’ Schools Excelling via the National Skills Education Initiative.

Their programs last one and two years, with a $1,200–$6000 average tuition fee.

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#7. Blue Ridge Community College Welding Programs

This welding school provides an Associate of Applied Sciences degree in Welding Technology, a one-year diploma program, and seven specialized certificates. 

Additionally, they participate in the high school students’ Career and College Promise program. 

Approximately three months to two years are spent on their program. They charge between $1,000 and $5,000 for tuition.

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#8. Guilford Technical Community College

The state-of-the-art Center for Advanced Manufacturing at GTCC houses all of its welding programs, allowing students to gain experience with tools used in the industry. 

They have programs for certifications and an AAS in welding technology at its Jamestown location. 

From two months to two years, their program is in place. They pay between $1,000 and $5,000 per year in tuition.

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#9. Alamance Community College Welder Training

The welding technology program at Alamance Community College offers practical instruction in an accredited setting. 

This welding school is situated in Graham and offers courses like essential, inert gas, and oxy-fuel certificates, as well as a welding diploma. Additionally, AAS in welding technology is available. 

The length of their program ranges from three months to two years. And lastly, the tuition ranges from $1,000 to $4,000.

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#10. Nash Community College

The Welding Technology program gives students a solid understanding of the science, technology, and applications necessary for successful employment in the welding and metalworking industries. 

Furthermore, the students who graduate from the welding technology program may find employment as entry-level technicians in the metalworking and welding fields. They provide diploma and AAS programs. 

The program lasts three to two years and costs $300 to $6000.

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ALSO READ: 15 Best Welding Schools in Arkansas

Frequently Asked Questions on Welding Schools in North Carolina

Do I Need a Welding License?

To hunt for employment, you are not required to hold a welder’s certification or license in North Carolina. 

However, a growing number of firms are starting to favor hiring licensed welders, and they undoubtedly prefer to employ someone who is knowledgeable and has had training. 

The most well-known qualification for welders is the Certified Welder certification offered by AWS, and numerous educational programs will prepare you to take it. 

To earn this certification, you must complete a written exam and welding skills test.

Is Welding a Good Career?

Welders frequently highlight the various advantages of welding as a vocation and commend it as a great line of work. 

In summary, a job in welding can be rewarding if you can work in challenging circumstances, put in long hours, and regularly deal with smoke and fire. Many welders enjoy their jobs and all they offer, and you may join them.

References

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