Training To Be A Welder In Lakeside Florida
If you're looking for a career with excellent job security and endless opportunities, becoming a welder is an excellent choice. People have been welding metal together for thousands of years, and today it is still an essential process in many industries, including construction, manufacturing, and aerospace.
In Lakeside, Florida, there are several options for someone interested in becoming a welder. The best way to learn how to weld is to attend a trade school or vocational program that offers welding classes.
One option in Lakeside is the Florida State College at Jacksonville. They offer a Welding Technology program that is designed to teach students the skills needed to become successful welders. Students in the program will learn the basics of welding, including safe welding practices, blueprint reading, welding symbols, welding processes, and welding metallurgy.
The program also covers more advanced welding techniques, such as plasma cutting, oxy-fuel cutting, and advanced welding inspection. Graduates of this program will be ready to take the American Welding Society's certification test, which can open up even more job opportunities.
Another option in the area is the Northeast Florida Industrial Education Center (NEFTEC). This vocational school offers a Welding Technology program that covers the basics of welding, including safety, welding symbols, and blueprint reading. Students will also learn the more advanced techniques required to become successful welders. Once students complete the program, they will be prepared to take the American Welding Society certification test.
Like many vocational schools, NEFTEC offers a variety of class schedules to accommodate different schedules. Students can choose to attend the program part-time or full-time, and there are both day and evening classes available.
One advantage of attending NEFTEC is that they offer job placement services to their graduates. They work with local businesses and welding companies to help their graduates find work in the industry.
For those who cannot attend a vocational school, working as an apprentice welder is another option. Apprenticeships are paid positions where someone learns the skills of a trade while working alongside experienced welders.
Apprenticeships can be found through unions, trade associations, or directly with companies. Many welding companies in the Lakeside area offer apprenticeships to those interested in starting a career in welding.
One company that offers apprenticeships in the area is Jax Welding Supply. They are a local welding supply company that also offers welding services. They are always looking for motivated individuals who are interested in starting a career in welding.
Apprenticeships typically last around four years, and during that time, apprentices will work full-time while also attending classroom instruction. They will learn the essential skills needed to become successful welders, including welding fundamentals, blueprint reading, and advanced welding techniques.
After completing an apprenticeship, apprentices will have learned the skills needed to start a successful career in welding. They will be in high demand, as welders are essential in many industries.
One advantage of becoming a welder is the potential for job security. Welders are always in demand, and many welding jobs provide excellent pay and benefits.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in the United States was $42,490 in May 2020. The top 10 percent earned more than $64,240.
Locally, the average annual salary for a welder in the Jacksonville area is $39,410, with the top 10 percent earning more than $63,490.
Besides the potential for good pay, becoming a welder can lead to a rewarding career. Welders come from all walks of life and backgrounds, and the job offers a great deal of creativity and autonomy.
Welders often work on projects that are unique and challenging, such as building bridges, constructing buildings, and working on underwater pipelines. Welders must be able to work well in different environments, from working outside in the elements to working in confined spaces.
In addition to job security and job satisfaction, becoming a welder also offers opportunities for advancement. Welders who are certified by the American Welding Society can sometimes earn even higher salaries and work on more prestigious projects.
Advanced welding certifications, such as the Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification, can also open up even more job opportunities, as companies often require CWIs for specific welding projects.
In summary, if you're interested in becoming a welder in the Lakeside, Florida area, there are several options available to you. Trade schools, vocational programs, and apprenticeships can all teach the essential skills of welding.
Once you've learned the basics, you'll be prepared to take the American Welding Society certification test, which can lead to even more job opportunities and higher salaries.
Becoming a welder can offer job security, job satisfaction, and opportunities for advancement. The job is challenging and creative, and it requires a certain level of autonomy and adaptability. If you're looking for a rewarding career that can provide financial stability and opportunities for growth, welding is an excellent choice.