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Is a trade course or apprenticeship better for welding?

#welding #welder

welding welder
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Brian’s Answer

Max, great question. This works out better because I have family in the area that you live in. In fact, some of that family is in Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 598 in Pasco.

Let’s gets down to your question. An apprenticeship in this career field is typically 5 years. But what you learn is all aspects of the trade. You have to remember, welding is a tool of the trade and a skill that is highly sought after. I use Local 598 as the example because they have some of the best welders in Washington State. But the trade they are in is pipe fitting.

Brian recommends the following next steps:

Look into going into a trade that has welding
Give Local 598 a call and ask when they’ll be taking applicants
Once in the apprenticeship, learn as much as you can and don’t ever stop
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Steven’s Answer

Both, apprenticeship programs and trade schools are valuable and, if possible, do both. The advantage of the apprenticeship is that you will be getting the value of hands-on working experience. This alone, is priceless. Although you won't be receiving a journeyman's rate during your apprenticeship period..., you will be getting the real-world insights, i.e., tips and tricks. These are not necessarily available in a trade school environment. In my experience, welding trade schools are a great value but, their focus is often to prepare the student with a foundational level of instruction with a certification being the end goal. Companies that that have apprenticeship programs tend to have a vested interest in a long-term development of the students. Additionally, they often provide a substantial level of theory along with the applicable experience.
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