Looking for classes in a specific city? Check out our lists of Welder Schools in Manchester and Nashua
Looking for the best welder schools in New Hampshire?
Whether you’re starting your welding career or seeking advanced skills, this guide highlights top programs in the state.
We’ll explore their strengths, offerings, and unique features to help you make an informed decision.
Manchester Community College – Welding Technology Program
The Manchester Community College (MCC) Welding Technology program offers you a structured path to gain the skills needed for a successful welding career. This program is tailored to suit various needs with its Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) degree and two distinct certificate options.
- A.A.S Degree: This 63-credit program provides you with a deeper dive into the field of welding.
- Welding Technology Certificate: Focus on acquiring key non-code combination welding skills.
- Welding Technology Professional Certificate: Gain additional coursework in manufacturing repair and computer-aided drafting (CAD).
At MCC, you’ll master essential welding techniques:
- Gas and Arc Welding: Get hands-on experience with these fundamental methods.
- MIG and TIG Welding: Develop proficiency in these advanced techniques.
- Pipe Code Welding and Structural Code Welding: Learn to meet industry standards for specialized welding jobs.
Safety and theoretical knowledge are integral parts of the curriculum, ensuring you’re well-prepared for industry-standard welder qualification testing. The program prides itself on high employability, with graduates often landing roles such as welders, cutters, and machine operators.
The MCC welding laboratory is well-equipped, emphasizing practical training. This hands-on approach ensures you’re ready for real-world welding challenges. Given the national and regional demand for skilled welders, MCC graduates often enjoy sustainable careers with attractive salaries.
Great Bay Community College – Certificate in Welding
For a focused pathway into the welding industry, consider the Great Bay Community College (GBCC) Certificate in Welding. Offered at their Rochester campus, this program equips you with the necessary skills for job readiness. It encompasses training in five primary welding processes, positioning you well for certification and employment.
- MIG, TIG, Stick, Oxy-fuel, and Plasma Welding: Gain proficiency in these critical processes.
- Auxiliary Welding Processes like FCAW and Aluminum-TIG: Expand your skill set further.
The program covers a range of essential topics:
- Welding Theory and Blueprint Reading: Learn the fundamental principles of welding and how to interpret plans.
- Electricity and Fabrication Techniques: Develop an understanding of the electrical aspects and fabrication methods necessary for welding.
Completion prepares you for AWS Certification Testing, making you a competitive candidate in the job market. Structured across three 12-week semesters, evening classes offer flexibility, especially if you’re a working student. Dual enrollment options allow you to pursue an Associate Degree in Technical Studies alongside your welding certificate.
Physical requirements include normal vision and manual dexterity, crucial for safe and effective welding. The program emphasizes safety procedures, ensuring that you understand and adhere to industry standards.
Notably, the certificate program is Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) approved, potentially easing your financial burden. Scholarships through organizations like Granite Edvance and the American Welding Society further support accessibility.
Prepare for a strong career in welding with the GBCC Certificate in Welding.
White Mountains Community College – Advanced Welding Technology
The Advanced Welding Technology program at White Mountains Community College (WMCC) is ideal if you’re aiming for multiple American Welding Society (AWS) certifications. With an 86% completion rate, this one-year program is both rigorous and rewarding.
Learn across a variety of processes:
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
- Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW)
- Submerged Arc Welding (SAW)
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
The curriculum emphasizes safety, blueprint reading, and practical applications, preparing you extensively for the job market. A highlight of the program is the preparation for AWS D1.5 and D1.1 Structural Steel Unlimited Certifications in all positions for FCAW and SMAW processes.
You also have the option to transfer credits into the Associate in Science degree in Trades Management or pursue prerequisites for the Pipe Welding Certificate. The program’s success is further endorsed by over 30 industry partners actively looking to hire graduates, ensuring strong employment prospects.
Health and safety are paramount at WMCC. You’re required to demonstrate emotional stability and sound judgment, given the potential hazards involved in welding. Career goals and employment eligibility are personalized through consultations with the program coordinator.
For a comprehensive welding education, consider the WMCC Advanced Welding Technology program.
University of New Hampshire – Welder Technician Course
The University of New Hampshire Welder Technician Course offers a flexible, self-paced option for future welders. This one-year program provides foundational knowledge across five virtual labs and numerous online coursework modules, making it an adaptable choice for busy individuals.
- Safety Awareness in Manufacturing: Learn essential safety protocols and guidelines to protect yourself and your work environment.
- Fire Safety: Understand the risks and management of fire hazards specific to welding occupations.
- 5S and Hand Tool Identification: Get familiar with organizational techniques and the tools you’ll use daily.
- Gas Metal Arc Welding: Acquire practical skills in one of the most common welding processes.
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding: Gain hands-on experience in another widely used welding method.
Flexibility is a hallmark of this course, allowing you to complete it on your schedule within a 12-month period. You can also register year-round and gain immediate access to course materials within 24-48 business hours.
Though it’s a non-credit course, completion earns you a Certificate of Completion, which can enhance your employability. The support system includes email, online forms, and phone assistance, which emphasizes independent learning.
The course’s adaptability, combined with its comprehensive curriculum, makes it a great fit for aspiring welders looking to balance education with other responsibilities. Explore the University of New Hampshire Welder Technician Course to find out more.
Advanced Trade School – Welding Courses
The Advanced Trade School offers a variety of welding courses tailored to different skill levels and career needs. Their offerings stand out because they cater to a broad spectrum of students and professionals, including introductory courses, welding camps for kids, and advanced MIG and TIG welding courses.
- MIG and TIG Welding Courses: Acquire specialized skills in these high-demand welding techniques.
- Introductory Welding Courses: Start with the basics and build your foundation.
- Welding Camps for Kids: Unique programs introducing younger students to welding safely.
A key strength of Advanced Trade School is its approval for continuing education credits in New Hampshire and Vermont. This makes it perfect for professionals needing to maintain their gas or plumbing licenses. The veteran-owned and operated status of the school also adds to its credibility and appeal.
Other relevant courses include plumbing, oil burner training, and NORA silver-level review courses and testing. This diversity allows you to broaden your expertise beyond welding.
Although specific course details like pros, cons, hours, and fees vary, you’re encouraged to contact the Advanced Trade School directly for detailed information.
Choosing the Right Welder School in New Hampshire
When selecting the right welder school in New Hampshire, several factors stand out to help you make the best decision:
- Program Curriculum: Look for schools with a balanced curriculum covering various welding techniques, including MIG, TIG, arc welding, and blueprint reading. The quality and scope of the curriculum are crucial.
- Accreditation: Ensure the school is accredited by relevant industry organizations. Accreditation signifies that the program meets standard industry requirements and prepares you for recognized certifications.
- Hands-on Training: Welding is a hands-on skill, so practical training is paramount. Select programs offering significant lab time and modern equipment.
- Faculty Experience: Experienced instructors with real-world backgrounds can provide invaluable insights. Research faculty profiles for qualifications and industry experience.
- Job Placement Rates: Schools with strong job placement rates often have excellent industry connections. They also demonstrate the employability of their graduates.
- Facilities: Visit the campus to assess the welding labs and classrooms. Well-maintained, state-of-the-art facilities contribute significantly to your learning experience.
- Cost and Financial Aid: Compare tuition costs and available financial aid. Check if the school provides necessary equipment or helps cover gear costs.
- Student Support Services: Ensure the school offers services like academic advising, tutoring, and mental health resources. These can significantly impact your educational experience.
Considering these factors can lead you to the best welder school in New Hampshire, setting a solid foundation for your future in welding.
Welder Schools By State
Finding Your Welding Career Path
In conclusion, New Hampshire provides multiple quality options to pursue your welding career. Whether you choose Manchester Community College, Great Bay Community College, White Mountains Community College, the University of New Hampshire, or Advanced Trade School, each program has unique strengths.
Each school offers specific programs, providing opportunities to develop the skills you need to thrive in the welding industry. Evaluate the programs based on curriculum, accreditation, hands-on training, faculty experience, job placement rates, facilities, cost, and support services.
Start your path with the right welder school in New Hampshire and take the first step towards a successful welding career.