If you are interested in obtaining skills and building a career as a welder, West Virginia is a great place for you to start. With multiple training programs throughout the state and job opportunities that span a number of industries, the possibilities for your career are vast in the Mountain State.
What Does a Welder Do?
A welder is a tradesperson who uses a variety of intense heat-wielding tools to fuse such metals as aluminum, brass, stainless steel, or titanium. West Virginia’s economic focus in energy, aerospace, automotive, and metal and steel industries provide ample opportunities for welders.
Welding Schools Near Me in West Virginia
To obtain a job as a welder, you are expected to hold a high school diploma or a GED. Vocational training or an apprenticeship are useful for acquiring the skills you need for welding. Welders can receive certification from the American Welding Society to show that they have the appropriate skills and knowledge to safely complete their job requirements. There are training programs throughout the state of West Virginia to provide the necessary training for a successful career as a welder.
The Academy of Careers and Technology
This institute provides welding certification to high school students and also offers an evening welding program for adults.
- Location: Beckley, WV
- Phone number: (304) 256-4615
- Programs available: Blueprint reading and accredited welding classes
- Program duration: 12 months
- Average cost: $6,415
Ben Franklin Career Center
This midsize public institution offers welding certification in 1-2 years.
- Location: Dunbar, WV
- Phone number: (304) 766-0369
- Programs available: Accredited, blueprint reading, pipe welding, and welder certifications
- Program duration: 11 months
- Average cost: $6,008
Mercer County Technical Education Center
Description
- Location: Princeton, WV
- Phone number: (304) 425-9551
- Programs available: Accredited, blueprint reading, welder certifications
- Program duration: 8 months
- Average cost: $510
Putnam Career and Technical Center
The welding program at PCTC prepares students for work on metal projects in a variety of areas for international career opportunities.
- Location: Eleanor, WV
- Phone number: (304) 586-3494 x4421
- Programs available: Accredited, blueprint reading, welding
- Program duration: 2 years
- Average cost: $6,480
United Technical Center
UTC is recognized as a quality career/technical education center dedicated to assisting adult and high school students achieve their potential in the competitive 21st-century workplace.
- Location: Clarksburg, WV
- Phone number: (304) 326-7580
- Programs available: Accredited, blueprint reading, pipe welding, and welder certifications
- Program duration: less than 2 years
- Average cost: $4,400 tuition and fees
Welding Career Opportunities in West Virginia
61% of welding jobs in the United States are in the manufacturing industry. The mountainous region of West Virginia is home to a variety of manufacturing companies, with specialization in automotive components, biotechnology, chemicals, fabricated products, pharmaceuticals, primary metals, wood products, and more. The numerous and diverse manufacturing industries in the state lead to a large and growing need for welders.
How Much Do Welders Make in West Virginia?
Welders in West Virginia earn an average salary of $43,332 annually, with beginning welders earning $39,539 and those with ten years of experience averaging $49,512. However, highly skilled and experienced welders can find opportunities making close to six figures.
Major Employers of Welders in West Virginia
Top welding employment options for West Virginians include the following:
- Bechtel ($93,316): One of the most respected construction, project management, and global engineering companies in the world, Bechtel operates in mining, metals, energy, infrastructure, nuclear energy, security, and environmental services.
- Toyota ($86,509): Toyota has been in business since 1937 providing world-class automotive products, with a variety of opportunities for welders.
- McDermott ($83,460): Operating in more than 54 countries, McDermott employs more than 40,000 on global product line teams that include downstream, industrial storage, LNG, power, pipe fabrication, and offshore and subsea.
- Zachry Construction Corporation ($80,813): Zachry works in building construction, transportation infrastructure, and more.
- Fluor Corp. ($69,136): This leader in engineering construction provides maintenance and project management in addition to engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC).
How To Become a Certified Welder in West Virginia
The American Welding Society reports an aging workforce in the welding society. With a majority of skilled welders past the age of 50, there is a projected shortfall of almost a half-million welders within the next decade. West Virginia welding schools are working with industry partners to reignite an interest in welding amongst younger generations through financial aid, apprenticeships, incentives, and various learning opportunities. Those interesting in learning welding skills must hold a high school diploma or GED and pursue sufficient levels of training under-qualified instructors.
Do You Need a License to be a Welder in West Virginia?
Welders in West Virginia are not required to hold licensure, but most employers prefer certification when they are hiring for welding jobs.
West Virginia Welding FAQs
Here are some common questions related to new careers in welding:
1. How Long Does It Take to Become a Welder?
Those interested in a career in welding can pursue one of several tracks. The process you select determines how long it will take you to finish. The first step is to complete a high school education or GED. In some cases, high schools provide a co-curricular welding program that can result in acquiring skills or even certification.
- Welding certificate (6-18 months): American Welding Society certification is an evaluation based on performance, with no pre-requisite certifications or courses required. Exams are intended to assess prospective welders on procedures utilized in the chemical refinery, petroleum pipeline, sheet metal, and structural steel industries. Other categories that offer certification in welding include the following:
- Certified Associate Welding Inspector
- Certified Radiographic Interpreter
- Certified Robotic Arc Welding
- Certified Welder
- Certified Welding Educator
- Certified Welding Engineer
- Certified Welding Inspector
- Certified Welding Sales Representative
- Certified Welding Supervisor
- Senior Certified Welding Inspector
- Specialized welding certifications are available through different facilities, such as underwater welding or metallurgy. If you are interested in one of those specialized certifications, you should pursue specific training or industry certifications to match your goals.
- Welding Associate Degree (2 years): After receiving training in welding, some people decide to pursue an associate’s degree in welding technology. This program provides students with a well-rounded understanding of welding for future success in multiple roles, including welding and inspection, through focus on the following skills:
- Fabrication processes
- Leak testing
- Magnetic particle testing
- Metallurgy
- Nondestructive testing
- Quality control
- Radiographic film interpretation
- Ultrasonic testing
- Welding Bachelor’s Degree (4 years): Those interested in the manufacturing processes and mechanical design aspects of welding may desire a bachelor’s degree. Graduates with a major in welding engineering learn estimation strategies and testing techniques along with a strong overview of manufacturing planning and welding construction. Common courses include:
- Alloy fabrication
- Automated machine welding
- Engineers’ computer-aided design
- Materials science
- Metallurgy for welding engineers
- Welding codes
2. Does a Welder Need Insurance in West Virginia?
West Virginia does not require welders in the state to hold specific insurance. However, welding shop owners and independent welders may want to consider purchasing insurance policies due to the inherent risks and nature of the responsibilities involved in welding.
You can easily request a free commercial insurance quote from our partners using the tool below.
3. Who Can I Contact If I Have Questions?
The American Welding Society is a useful resource for welding-related questions. Contact their toll-free line at 800-443-9353 between 8-7 EST Monday through Friday.
Welding is a useful and lucrative skill that provides opportunities across a number of industries. The demand for skilled welders will continue to increase over the coming years, and the career options in West Virginia will grow with the continued growth of the manufacturing industry. If you choose to learn this valuable skill, you may find a career that is rewarding on both a financial and personal level.
For More License and Career Guides
To find out how to become a Welder in another state, start here.
For information on other trades in West Virginia, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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