Live in Virginia and looking for “welding training near me”? If so, you’re in the right place. In fact, there’s a total of 35 Best Welding Schools for Certification in Virginia. In the following article, we’ll cover the ins and outs of beginner welding, information for each welding school, and how much money you’ll make as a welder in Virginia.

The Best Welding Schools for Certification in Virginia: Overview

  • Why You Should Become a Welder in Virginia
  • How Much Do Welders Make in Virginia
  • Welding Courses Near Me: 35 Best Welding Schools for Certification in Virginia
  • The Best Welding Schools for Certification in Virginia and Beyond: Nearby States
  • Information Every Prospective Welding School Student Should Know
  • Careers Like Welding in Virginia: Soldering vs Brazing vs Welding
  • Important Welding Safety Tips

Why You Should Become a Welder in Virginia

There are multiple reasons why you should become a welder in Virginia. Actually, the primary reasons for pursuing welding are different for everyone. For some, the constant opportunity to learn more and earn higher certifications is enticing. Others relish in the artistic part of welding classes. Still, others are driven largely by the huge financial benefits.

Additionally the outlook for welders is promising, as the demand for welders is high. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects welding careers to grow by 6% in 2016 to 2026 (an increase of 22,500 jobs) with no expectations of stopping.

Below is a list of attributes necessary for successful welders. If they sound like you, we strongly suggest considering a career in welding.

6 Attributes of Successful Welders

  • Detail oriented
  • Manual dexterity
  • Physical stamina
  • Physical strength
  • Spatial-orientation skills
  • Technical skills

How Much Do Welders Make in Virginia?

In the United States, the median average salary of welders is $39,390, or $21.90 per hour. For US welders with the best welding jobs, the top 10% of median pay is $62,100.

In comparison, the median average salary of Virginian welders is $45,440, or $21.85 per hour. This means that welders in Virginia earn more than average. Welders in Virginia who are earning in the 90th percentile make about $62,550 per year.

Welding Courses Near Me: The 35 Best Welding Schools for Certification in Virginia

And now, for the part you’ve been waiting for: the 35 Best Welding Schools for Certification in Virginia. Currently, each one has approval from the American Welding Society’s SENSE Accreditation Program.

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As always, the information within the Best Welding Schools For Certification in Virginia is continually changing so we encourage you to contact them directly with the information supplied.

The Best Welding Schools for Certification in Virginia & Beyond: Bordering States

Notably, there are plenty of good welding training programs near you in states that border Virginia. Therefore, consider expanding your search to include Virginia’s neighbors.

Follow the links below for information about welding training classes in nearby states.

Information Every Prospective Welding Student Should Know

Before enrolling in one of the Best Welding Schools for Certification in Virginia, it’s a good idea to know the basics. This way you know what you’re getting into. Also, you’ll have background information to make all of the new information from class a little easier to digest.

Wikipedia defines welding as “a fabrication or sculptural process that joins materials, usually metal or thermoplastics, by causing fusion.” The finished project can be anything from a small art project to an enormous bridge.

Being a successful welder involves both mental and physical sharpness. Of course, welding requires physical strength, stamina, and dexterity. But it also involves the ability to interpret blueprints, self-motivation, and precise skill.

Depending on the blueprints, welders are responsible for measuring, cutting, and execution as well as maintaining safe welding machinery throughout the process.

Different Types of Welding Methods

Something you should be familiar with is the six most popular welding methods. (Although there are over 100 different welding methods from which to choose.)

They are:

  • Gas Metal Arc Welding
  • Flux-Cored Welding
  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding
  • Tungsten Inert Gas Welding
  • Gas or Oxy Acetylene Welding
  • Plasma Arc Welding

For more details on each welding method, check out the video below:

Careers Like Welding in Virginia: Soldering & Brazing

Another distinction you should be able to make is between soldering, brazing, and welding. The main difference between soldering/brazing and welding is that welding omits the use of a filler metal.

Like welding, soldering and brazing involve the connection of raw materials. However, lower temperatures are used. (Typically, this is below 850 degrees Fahrenheit/450 degrees Celsius.) Soldering implements a filler metal, or “solder.” In this process, the solder is heated and each piece of metal is attached to the solder.

Brazing is a similar process, only the filler metal heats even more. Frequently, a liquid flux material is utilized to blend the pieces together more easily. An advantage of brazing is that it produces a stronger structure than does soldering.

Important Welding Safety Tips

“The Best Welding Schools for Certification in Virginia” wouldn’t be complete without adding some key safety tips. After all, welding can be extremely dangerous if things go awry.

  1. First, make sure to read everything. Because equipment manuals have important warnings, reading them carefully is a great way to prevent accidents.
  2. Second, invest in the best welding gear. This includes the best auto-darkening welding helmet, gloves, glasses, jacket, and shoes. And of course, make sure your skin is covered up to protect yourself from the heat.
  3. The third most crucial welding safety tip is to be mindful of the environment. In other words, make sure the area is clean, tidy, and well-ventilated.

Enter your zip code below to find the Best Welding Schools for Certification in Virginia near you!

The Best Welding Schools for Certification in Virginia: Conclusion

Now that you’ve seen what Virginia has to offer in terms of welding training programs< near you, we hope you’re ready to take the next step. Use the information from the previous table to contact your school of choice directly. Or, if you’re interested in learning about more technical vocations, check out the rest of the articles on Trades for Careers.