Welder Schools in Newport News VA

Looking for the best welder schools in Newport News, VA?

This guide highlights top programs designed to kickstart your welding career. Get insights on courses, certifications, and what makes each school uniquely valuable.

Whether you’re a beginner or seeking advanced training, find the perfect fit for your goals right here.

Virginia Peninsula Community College – Welding Program

Discover the Welding Program at Virginia Peninsula Community College in Newport News, VA. This program offers an immersive experience for aspiring welders.

Throughout the training, you will master a wide array of skills:

• Oxyacetylene Welding: Learn to work with this versatile welding method used for cutting and welding.
• Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW): Focus on this common and efficient welding technique.
• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW): Dive into stick welding, ideal for various applications.
• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW): Refine your skills in TIG welding, suitable for precision work.

The program also covers:

• Blueprint Reading: Gain proficiency in interpreting welding blueprints and plans.
• Welding Codes and Standards: Understand industry standards to ensure your work meets necessary specifications.
• Safety Practices: Adopt essential safety protocols to protect yourself and your environment.

Virginia Peninsula Community College’s program positions you for industry certification from the American Welding Society (AWS), a key credential sought by employers. Some courses have prerequisites, so it’s important to check the specifics before enrolling.

Cost and Duration:

• Shield Metal Arc Welding (SMAW): This course spans 6 weeks, with a full tuition of $2,178 and a discounted rate of $726 through the FastForward program.

Financial assistance options like the Dr. Rex Evans Scholarship and the Baylands Achieve The Dream Scholarship are available to help manage the costs.

For more details, explore the Virginia Peninsula Community College’s Welding Program.

The Apprentice School – Welding Program

The Apprentice School in Newport News, VA, offers a robust Welding Program closely tied to the shipbuilding industry. This school is associated with Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of HII, recognized as the leading trade school in the United States.

Key highlights:

• Diverse Welding Processes: Training includes manual, semiautomatic, and automatic welding necessary for shipbuilding.
• Real-World Application: Apprentices actively participate in shipbuilding projects, gaining hands-on experience.
• Experienced Mentors: Industry veterans provide guidance, fostering both skill development and professional growth.

Wages and Benefits:
Apprentices benefit from competitive wages and comprehensive benefits provided by Newport News Shipbuilding, making it an attractive training option for ambitious welders.

For a well-rounded training experience, consider the Apprentice School’s Welding Program.

New Horizons Regional Education Centers – Welding Program

Enrolling in the New Horizons Regional Education Centers Welding Program offers a well-rounded education in welding. This program spans two years and connects students with local manufacturers like Newport News Shipbuilding, Liebherr, and Master Machines.

Program components:

• Techniques Covered: Study diverse welding techniques such as SMAW, GMAW, TIG, and more.
• Instructor Expertise: Benefit from instructors with extensive industry experience, such as Ed Dupree and Pierrette Seso.
• Certifications: Aim for the American Welding Society (AWS) Entry Level Welder Certification.

Key Opportunities:

• Morning and Afternoon Sessions: Available at Butler Farm and Woodside Lane campuses.
• Student Organizations: Join groups like Skills USA and AWS to further enhance your learning experience.
• Career Paths: Graduates can pursue various careers including Aluminum Welder, Fabricator, and Production Supervisor.

Explore more about the New Horizons Regional Education Centers Welding Program to begin your welding career.

Newport News Shipbuilding – Welder Trainee Program

The Welder Trainee Program at Newport News Shipbuilding offers an excellent entry point into the welding trade. This program provides hands-on training and leads to full-time employment upon successful completion.

Program specifics:

• Diverse Trade Training: Programs include Electrician, Shipfitter, Machinist, Pipe Fitter, and Welder.
• Duration and Requirements: Programs last 2-3 weeks, and applicants must be 18 or older and U.S. citizens.
• OSHA 10 Maritime Training: Mandatory for all trainees to ensure workplace safety.

Advantages:

• Immediate Employment: Graduates are scheduled for employment within 1-2 weeks after completing the program.
• Competitive Pay: Trainees start at pay grade 5 with automatic increases per the USW contract.

Learn more about the Newport News Shipbuilding Welder Trainee Program to kickstart your welding career.

Welding Career Now – Welding Certificate Training Classes

Welding Career Now partners with various schools to offer welding certificate training classes in Newport News, VA.

Program highlights:

• Hands-On Training: Learn to use and maintain modern welding equipment, and read blueprints.
• Flexible Options: Choose from certificate programs and associate degree programs.
• Financial Aid: Benefit from potential financial aid options tailored for eligible students.

Career Pathways:
Graduates can pursue careers as welding technicians, pipe welders, structural welders, underwater welders, welding engineers, and more.

To begin your welding journey, explore the Welding Career Now training options available near you.

Centura College – Combination Welding Program

Are you ready to gain hands-on welding experience? Centura College’s Combination Welding Program in Newport News, Virginia, is structured to enhance your skills significantly.

Program Highlights:

• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW): Master this fundamental welding technique.
• Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW): Learn efficient welding that’s ideal for many applications.
• Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW): Gain proficiency in flux-core methods.
• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW): Explore TIG welding for high-precision work.
• Blueprint Interpretation: Develop your ability to read and understand welding blueprints.
• Equipment Maintenance: Learn how to correctly set up and maintain welding tools.

This 8-month program offers both day and night classes, giving you flexibility in your schedule. Financial aid and job placement support are also available to eligible students, ensuring you receive the help you need to succeed.

Discover more about Centura College’s Combination Welding Program to take the next step in your welding career.

Newport News Shipbuilding – Entry-Level Welder Program

The Newport News Shipbuilding Entry-Level Welder Program offers a fantastic opportunity to start your welding career with a company dedicated to your growth and success.

Program Perks:

• $1,000 Sign-On Bonus: Attractively incentivizing new hires.
• $1,000 Relocation Bonus: Assisting those who live 50 miles or more from Newport News.
• Comprehensive Training: Focus on tack, fillet, and full penetration welding on steel foundations used in shipbuilding.

Skills Taught:

• SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, and GTAW: Diverse processes ensuring versatility.
• Visual Inspection Certification: Learn to check weld quality.
• Equipment Troubleshooting: Minor problem-solving with welding equipment.

Beyond training, the program includes a comprehensive benefits package:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans: Comprehensive health benefits.
• Wellness Resources: Access to health centers and wellness programs.
• Savings Plan Options: Effective financial planning resources.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Opportunities for further education.

This program gives you the chance to start your career on the right foot. For more information, check out the Newport News Shipbuilding Entry-Level Welder Program.

Newport News Public Schools – Early Career Program in Welding

The Early Career Program from Newport News Public Schools (NNPS), in collaboration with Thomas Nelson Community College (TNCC), offers an excellent bridge for high school seniors to transition into the welding industry.

Program Structure:

• Five Progressive Welding Courses: Each course must be completed before moving to the next.
• Techniques Covered: SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, GTAW, and Pipe Welding.
• College Credits: Earn college credits while still in high school.

Eligibility:

• High School Seniors: Must meet specific diploma requirements.
• Grade Requirements: English 12 and US Government with a “C” or better.
• Online Curriculum: Convenient learning during regular school hours.

Costs and Support:

• Tuition Waived: Only $200 payable to NNPS for the spring coursework at TNCC.
• Materials Provided: All textbooks and supplies covered by NNPS.

Take your first step towards a welding career by exploring the Early Career Program from Newport News Public Schools.

Newport News Public Schools Early College Program – Welding Certification

The Early College Program is another initiative by Newport News Public Schools in partnership with Virginia Peninsula Community College, designed for high school seniors to earn early certification in welding.

Program Benefits:

• Jumpstart Training: Begin your training before graduation.
• Industry Certification: Valuable credentials that boost marketability.
• Transfer Credits: Part of the Commonwealth College Course Collaborative for credit transfer.

Career Prospects:

• With the surge in welding demand, this program positions you well to fill the looming job deficit—expected to reach 290,000 openings by 2020.

Program Costs:

• Significant Cost Savings: Typically costing $8,200, available to students for $200.

If you’re eager to step into the welding industry, embrace this opportunity through the Early College Program.

Tidewater Community College – Certified Welder Program

Tidewater Community College’s Certified Welder Program aims to develop highly skilled welders through rigorous, hands-on training.

Key Features:

• Varied Techniques: Learn oxyfuel, pipe, and tube welding among others.
• Performance-Based: Designed with practical application in mind, lacking prerequisites.
• Industry-Specific: Certification processes aligned with structural steel, sheet metal, and refinery industries.

Certifications Available:

• Steel SMAW 6G Pipe Certification
• Steel FCAW All Position Plate Certification Limited
• Steel GTAW 6G Pipe Certification

Courses meet AWS standards, ensuring high-quality, industry-recognized training.

To elevate your welding skills and credentials, explore the Certified Welder Program at Tidewater Community College.

Newport News Shipbuilding – Welder Training Program

Newport News Shipbuilding, in partnership with the Department of Defense, offers a 16-week Welder Training Program. Although unpaid, the program covers all housing costs in Danville, VA, allowing you to focus fully on your training.

Key Details:

• 16-Week Duration: Intensive training period.
• Housing Covered: Located in downtown Danville’s River district.
• Training Focus: Includes various welding techniques pertinent to shipbuilding.

Upon successful completion, you’ll have the skills necessary to pursue a welding career in the shipbuilding sector.

To take advantage of this incredible opportunity, learn more about the Welder Training Program at Newport News Shipbuilding.

Embark on your welding journey in Newport News, VA by choosing the right school that aligns with your career goals and aspirations. Each of these programs is designed to provide you with comprehensive training, practical skills, and invaluable certifications to excel in the welding industry.