Welder Schools in Hampton VA

Struggling to find top-notch welder schools in Hampton, VA?

This article highlights the leading welding programs available, offering hands-on training and essential certifications to kickstart your welding career.

Discover what each school offers and find the best fit for your professional goals.

VPCC – Welding Training Workforce Credential

The VPCC Welding Training Workforce Credential in Hampton, VA equips you with the technical skills needed to excel in the welding industry. This program covers a broad spectrum of welding techniques, which include:

• Oxyacetylene Welding
• Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
• Shield Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
• Brazing and Cutting

You’ll also learn essential skills in blueprint reading, welding codes, and standards, as well as safe practices. The course is designed to offer flexibility, lasting from five to six weeks, with courses ranging between 75 to 120 hours.

One unique feature of VPCC’s program is its focus on pipe welding. This involves learning to perform welds on open-root pipe in various positions. Pre-requisites for the Certified Welder – Stick or TIG Pipe course include completing an SMAW (Stick) or GTAW (TIG) course or having six months of relevant experience.

Key highlights:

• Specialized pipe welding focus
• Comprehensive curriculum in welding techniques
• Flexible scheduling

Enrollment costs range from $1,755 to $2,271. Financial assistance and scholarships may be available for eligible students. This program is well-designed to provide the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the welding field.

Hampton Roads Workforce Council – Marine Welding Program

The Hampton Roads Workforce Council Marine Welding Program is an ideal choice for those aiming to pursue a career in marine welding. Offered by Paul D. Camp Community College, the program includes three levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3, each offering its own AWS certifications.

Course Structure:

1. Level 1: Introduction to stick welding and AWS Certified Welder-Marine Welder Level 1 certification.
2. Level 2: Advanced skills building on Level 1, a prerequisite for Level 3.
3. Level 3: Advanced training culminating in AWS Certified Welder-Marine Welder Level 3 certification.

The course spans three weeks, totaling 120 hours, and costs $3,900. With Workforce Credential Grant eligibility, the cost may be reduced to $1,300.

Pros of this program:

• Focus on the maritime industry
• AWS certifications that enhance job prospects
• Flexible pricing with grants and financial aid

Enrollment requirements include being 18 years or older, having a high school diploma or GED, and wearing steel-toe shoes.

New Horizons Regional Education Centers – Welding Program

The NHREC Welding Program is perfect for those looking to get extensive hands-on experience and enter the workforce quickly. With over 21 years of teaching experience, NHREC offers a broad curriculum in various welding techniques:

• SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding)
• GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding)
• GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding)
• FCAW (Flux Cored Arc Welding)
• Thermal Cutting Operations

The training covers welding different materials, such as carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, as well as oxy-acetylene burning.

Key highlights:

• Hands-on practice with real-world applications
• Experienced instructors who bring their extensive knowledge to the classroom
• AWS Entry Level Welder Certification upon successful completion

Classes are available in both morning and evening sessions and emphasize good attendance, attitude, and work ethic. Major local employers like Newport News Shipbuilding often seek graduates from this program.

The average salary range for welders in Virginia spans $36,000 to $60,000, making NHREC a solid investment in your future career.

Tidewater Community College – Welding Program

Tidewater Community College’s Welding Program aims to impart essential welding skills quickly and effectively. The curriculum encompasses practical training and fundamental theoretical knowledge in areas such as:

• Oxyfuel Welding and Cutting
• Pipe and Tube Welding

TCC offers performance-based learning without requiring prerequisite courses or certifications. The program tests to procedures used across various industries, ensuring the skills you acquire are both versatile and applicable.

Why choose TCC:

• AWS-Accredited Testing Facility: Earn nationally recognized certifications.
• Multiple Certification Options: Such as Steel SMAW 6G Pipe Certification and Steel GTAW 6G Pipe Certification.
• Flexible Scheduling: Semesters range from 2-3, totaling 18-33 credits.

Although specific pricing details are not provided online, prospective students can contact TCC for detailed information. TCC’s welding program is a promising option for those looking to enter the welding industry proficiently and swiftly.

Advanced Technology Institute – Maritime Welding School Program

The Advanced Technology Institute (ATI) in Hampton, VA offers a Maritime Welding School program that nurtures future welders through rigorous training and industry exposure. This program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in maritime welding within a condensed timeline.

Key Program Features:

• Expert Instructors: Courses are taught by experienced instructors who bring extensive industry knowledge to the classroom.
• Condensed Timeline: Complete the program in just 15 months.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Topics covered include welding principles, blueprint reading, safety procedures, and welding inspection techniques.
• Career Services: ATI’s dedicated Career Services team assists students with job placements.

Upon completion, students have the option to earn their Associate’s Degree in Maritime Welding Technology with Service Management, providing additional career flexibility and advancement opportunities. ATI’s focus on maritime welding ensures you gain valuable, industry-specific skills.

Advanced Technology Institute – Maritime Welding Technology

The Advanced Technology Institute (ATI) in Virginia Beach offers a Maritime Welding Technology program that is vital for a successful welding career. Welding is essential across various industries, and ATI’s program gears you for positions in construction, shipbuilding, and more.

Core Aspects:

• Diverse Applications: Training includes the latest welding technologies applicable in construction, aerospace, and automotive sectors.
• State-of-the-Art Equipment: Classrooms and laboratories are equipped with modern welding gear.
• Welding Techniques: Learn DC arc welding, essential for maritime settings.
• Position Welding: Training includes welding in various positions to handle different structures and objects efficiently.

Students are encouraged to earn American Welding Society (AWS) certifications to enhance employability. With the program’s robust training, high school diploma holders or those with GEDs can enroll and secure future employment opportunities effectively.

Tidewater Tech – Combination Maritime Welding

Tidewater Tech in Hampton, VA focuses on preparing students for the competitive welding industry. Their programs are designed to meet the demands of the local maritime sector.

Why Tidewater Tech Stands Out:

• Industry Connections: Close ties with major local employers like Huntington Ingalls Industry Inc., Newport News Shipbuilding, and BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair.
• Comprehensive Training: Programs cover welding processes like electron beams, lasers, and ultrasonic waves.
• Flexible Scheduling: Both full-time and part-time schedules available.
• Hands-On Practice: Advanced welding labs for practical skill development.
• Financial Aid: Various financial assistance options for qualifying students.

With Tidewater Tech, you get the opportunity to network with industry leaders and gain on-the-job experience through internships and placement assistance, positioning you for a promising career in welding. Specific pricing details can be obtained by directly contacting the school.

How to Choose the Best Welding Program in Hampton VA

Choosing the best welding program can significantly impact your future career. To make an informed decision, consider the following factors:

1. Accreditation: Verify that the program is accredited by the American Welding Society (AWS) to ensure it meets industry standards.
2. Curriculum: Look for programs covering a variety of techniques such as SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, safety practices, blueprint reading, and welding standards.
3. Hands-on Training: Opt for programs with extensive lab work in state-of-the-art facilities to gain practical experience.
4. Instructors: Experienced and qualified instructors with industry backgrounds can enhance your learning experience.
5. Job Placement Assistance: Programs with robust support for job placements can help you secure employment after graduation.
6. Certification Opportunities: AWS or other industry-recognized certifications can greatly boost your employability.
7. Flexibility: Consider scheduling options that fit with your other commitments, including full-time, part-time, or evening classes.
8. Financial Aid: Explore available scholarships, grants, and loans to ease the financial burden of your education.
9. Reputation: Research online reviews and testimonials to gauge the program’s reputation and success rates of its graduates.

By evaluating these factors, you can select a welder school in Hampton, VA that aligns with your career aspirations and ensures quality training.

Conclusion: Start Your Welding Career Today

Entering the field of welding presents numerous opportunities for a rewarding and stable career. From the comprehensive programs at the Advanced Technology Institute and Tidewater Tech to the specialized offerings of VPCC and New Horizons Regional Education Centers, Hampton, VA is home to some excellent welder schools.

If you’re considering a career in welding, now is the time to act. Research, compare, and choose the best welding program that meets your needs. Remember, the right education and training can set the foundation for a successful and satisfying career in the welding industry. Start your journey today and join the ranks of skilled welders making a difference in various sectors.