Welding Classes in Virginia (Top Schools)

Welding can be the right career path for you if manual dexterity is one of your skills.

In order to help you learn more, we have compiled a list of training schools in Virginia.

You can also read tips and information about what it means to be a welder.

Introduction to Welding

A welder connects metal elements using different tools. 

They also work with heat and fire.

The projects you will be working on can be small, but also large like building a structure.

To be able to complete your tasks, you need to have physical endurance and be overall healthy.

You will also be required to read blueprints and follow some specific guidelines.

Welders also determine what technique will be used on the project at hand, as well as the tools. 

Most Used Welding Methods

Only a few of the 100 welding techniques are commonly used.

These are:

• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (Stick)
• Plasma Arc Welding
• Flux-Cored Welding
• Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG)
• Tungsten Inert Gas Welding (TIG)
• Gas or Oxy-Acetylene Welding

Why Work as a Welder 

Some people enjoy outdoor work, while others like the idea of working with their hands. 

However, welding also has a promising future. 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics claims that welding jobs will increase by 6% in the next 6 years.

Some skills required in welding are:

• Physical force and endurance
• Meticulousness
• Adroitness in using the hands
• Positional awareness skills

Virginia Median Wage in Welding

In Virginia, you can expect to make about $38,984 per year. If you are in the top 10% welders you will earn around $44,786 .

In other regions, the average welder has a wage of $39,606 per year, and a top 10% welder makes $45,500 in a year.

Regional Salary

Other Technical Jobs in Virginia

Soldering, brazing and welding share many characteristics but also have some differences.

While the main process of fusing metal is the same for all, welding does not use additional fillers, while the other spheres do.

Welding also requires higher temperatures to melt the elements. 

In soldering and brazing, a technical will work with temperatures below 850 degrees Fahrenheit.

Brazing can create more durable structures as the temperatures needed are higher. 

Best Virginia Welding Training Schools 

All the schools in our list are accepted by the American Welding Society’s SENSE Accreditation Program.

The info in this list can change, so make sure to double check it.

Safety Tips for Welders

As you will be working with fire, pay attention to some safety tips:

• Make sure you understand the guidelines.
  • The equipment manuals contain many safety rules which prevent accidents. 
• Get high-quality equipment.
  • You will need welding glasses, jacket, shoes, gloves, and a helmet.
  • These should also have auto-darkening functions. Furthermore, remember to keep your skin protected too. 
• Make sure there is plenty of air coming in, and your work space is clean. 

Conclusion

After learning more about welding, you can decide if its the career you want to pursue.

If so, have a look at the training schools and pick the one suitable for you.

Welding Schools by City

• Richmond2 Schools
• Virginia Beach3 Schools

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