Explore the 15 best welding schools in San Antonio with our 2023 ranking. Discover top-rated institutions offering comprehensive welding programs and hands-on training. Find the perfect school to kickstart your welding career at the best welding schools in San Antonio.
Welding is an excellent career option if you prefer technical skills over academics and don’t mind hard work.
Demand for workers in all construction industry sectors will rise as more than 30% of the current workforce retires by 2029, as interest in craft professions declines.
Although some schools offer welding degrees, you must have one to work in the industry.
Enrolling in a certificate program allows you to complete the requirements for entry-level employment in as little as six months to two years.
Apprenticeships are also worthwhile because they enable you to learn from the ground up in a hands-on environment while earning money.
Welding may be your right career if you enjoy building and repairing things.
Welding requires extensive training and experience, as it involves using complex tools and flames.
Welders can continue to improve their skill sets after gaining this knowledge and experience to advance in their professions and complete more significant assignments. Now, if you’re looking for the best welding class in San Antonio, Texas, we’ve got you covered!
This article will guide learning about the best welding schools in San Antonio that you can enroll in and other important information.
See Also:
Table of Contents
Is Welding a Good Career Path in San Antonio?
In San Antonio, Welding provides numerous opportunities for professional development, career advancement, and travel, depending on your job type. You’ll also be able to work in various industries, such as construction, automotive, and aerospace.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a welder’s average salary is slightly more than $34,000. That number will grow as you gain experience. As a welder, you can expect your workplace to change depending on the project you’re working on. That means you’ll need to be at ease working outside, inside, in open areas, and in confined spaces.
Are there Welding Schools in San Antonio
There are very few welding schools in San Antonio. These schools are:
- South Texas Vocational Technical Institute
- St. Philip’s College
- Career & Technical Education Center
- Mt. San Antonio College
- Southern Careers Institute
How to Become a Certified Welder in San Antonio?
Welders in San Antonio must be certified by the American Welding Society. AWS-accredited sites require applicants to complete an application, meet minimum physical strength requirements, and take a hands-on welding test. During your exam, you will be observed by a supervisor.
Suppose you fail the A.W.S. welder certification test. In that case, the supervisor can decide whether you can retake the test immediately or if you need more training before returning to the testing site. Once you pass the exam, A.W.S. will send you your certification card within four to six weeks.
How to Renew Your Welding Certification in San Antonio
Certified Welders in San Antonio must renew their certification every six months. The welder must provide documentation demonstrating that they are still working in the field and performing the same type of Welding.
If the welder does not work in the field or fails to submit documentation within six months, his certification will expire. Welders who change from one type of Welding to another or who allow their certification to lapse must begin the testing process again.
How Much Do Welders Make in San Antonio?
If you are looking for a well-paying job, you should consider becoming a welder in San Antonio. The current average hourly wage is $16.30, which equates to approximately $34,000 per year.
Welding jobs are expected to grow by 20% through 2024, implying that there will be plenty of opportunities.
How Long is Welding School in San Antonio?
Welder training programs at trade schools typically last six months to 2 years, with credit hours ranging from 18 to 40, depending on the program. A certificate of specialization will take three months and a year to complete.
An associate degree in welding technology usually takes two years to complete full-time, or 60 to 80 credit hours.
Best Welding Schools in San AntonioÂ
#1. St. Philip’s College
S.P.C.’s Welding Technologist program prepares students to work effectively in machine shops, maintenance shops, oil field operations, and other settings. Students will benefit from shop activities on industrial welding equipment as they develop the skills required for success.
Intro to Blueprint Reading for Welders, Oxy-Fuel Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding, Advanced Gas Tungsten Welding, Layout and Fabrication, Advanced Flux Cored Arc Welding, and Internship are among the course modules. The program’s goal is to provide students with marketable skills that will enable them to enter the labor force quickly. As needed, American Welding Society (A.W.S.) certification is available. The cost of certification is separate from the cost of the program.
#2. Career & Technical Education Center
The Career & Education Center’s Welding program prepares students for entry-level positions in the welding industry. The course is intended for students in grades 9 through 12. They will learn about safety, tool use, gas arc welding, stick arc welding, oxyfuel cutting and Welding, and other topics.
Although completion of the four-year program is not required, it is recommended for students who want to work in the welding industry. Those who participate for two years will be given a Welding Business and Industry Endorsement.
Read Also: 15 Best Welding Schools in Tennessee
#3. South Texas Vocational Technical Institute
The Combination Welding program at South Texas Vocational Technical Institute helps you prepare for a career in construction and maintenance. The Welding program teaches the skills needed to be a team player. The emphasis of our Combination Welding program is on hands-on learning and workplace safety.
Students at STVT will receive hands-on training in Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), Gas metal arc welding (GMAW), Flux core arc welding (FCAW), and Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) in addition to classroom education.
#4. Mt. San Antonio College
Mt. San Antonio College provides several pathways into the exciting world of Welding. To prepare for work in the industry’s fast-paced environment, students can choose between an associate’s degree in Welding and five certificates that focus on different specialties within Welding. A Certificate is less time-consuming than an Associate Degree and serves as a stepping stone for students to gain skills and knowledge for advancement quickly.
The courses offered are theory and practical training for entry-level welding positions, Introduction to welding history, terminology, basic welding techniques, measurement, and safety. This course covers oxyfuel, shielded metal arc, gas metal arc, and proper welding equipment. Prepare for the next certificate level.
#5. Southern Careers Institute
The welding program is aligned with industry credentials and provides students with a broad knowledge base to assist them in perfecting the hard and soft skills that employers seek.
Modern welding techniques taught by industry instructors include:
- Metal Arc Welding with a Shield (stick welding)
- Welding by Gas Metal Arc (GMAW/ MIG)
- Welding with Flux Cored Arcs (FCAW)
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG)
S.C.I. provides some of the best welding training in Texas, preparing students for various certification exams: Students who complete this program will be prepared for entry-level positions in various welding positions.
Read Also: 15 Best Welding Schools In Las Vegas
How Much Does Welding Schools Cost in San Antonio
The cost of attending welding schools varies by school. In comparison, college welding programs can cost up to $20,000. Depending on what you want, a college program may provide more benefits than welding training, which is less expensive and lasts less time.
When looking for a welding school, you should consider additional costs besides tuition. Other charges may be incurred, such as hidden costs and associate fees.
Welding Schools in San Antonio F.A.Q.s
How long do welding training programs last?
Trade school welder training programs last six months to 2 years, with credit hours ranging from 18 to 40 depending on the trade school program. A certificate of specialization will take between three months and a year to complete. A two-year associate degree in welding technology is typical.
What kinds of classes are offered in a welding associate’s degree program?
Physics, chemistry, blueprint reading, metallurgy, mechanical drawing, and shop math will all be covered in a welding technology program.
Is a welding class worthwhile?
Yes, welding school can be worthwhile because, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a postsecondary welding education is increasingly becoming a requirement among employers (B.L.S.).
Conclusion
Learning to weld in San Antonio, Texas, isn’t difficult if you know where to look. Many technical and vocational schools now offer welding degrees to help you advance your career.
This article is thought to be very helpful in deciding which welding schools in San Antonio to attend.
References
