Welding
Potential earnings range:
$40,518-$71,240*
Per year after graduation
Are you interested in hands-on, fast-paced environments? Have strong attention to detail and work well with others?
Then you may be a good fit for Job Corps’ Welding program.
On the job you will …
- Join metals using a variety of techniques and processes
- Read blueprints, work orders or production schedules to determine product or job instructions or specifications
- Inspect, measure or test completed metalwork pieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using measuring and testing devices
Some of the career options you will have ...
Most Welding Job Corps graduates go on to work for manufacturing companies, construction, wholesale trade or repair shops.
Students should also consider pursuing the Advanced Welding training area and other Advanced Training programs at Job Corps as part of their career pathway.
The credentials you will earn ...
In the Welding program, you can earn industry-recognized credentials from such organizations as:
- American Welding Society (AWS)
- National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS)
Students should also earn a state-issued learner’s permit and driver’s license upon completion of the program.
What you’ll need to start training ...
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Completion of all introductory and career preparation courses
- Passing scores on all written and performance tests
- Meet academic (math and reading) requirements
* Salary information comes from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Program and is provided for planning purposes only. Actual salary will depend on student skill level, credentials earned, experience level and location.
Meet your instructors
Brad Cummings
Brad Cummings has worked as a Welding instructor at Earle C. Clements Job Corps for nine years. He has experience with the welding and fabrication of accessibility devices for persons with disabilities, sheet metal fabrication and repair, and various other welding and fabrication techniques.
Leif Johnson
Leif Johnson has worked at Earle C. Clements Job Corps for nearly 20 years. He taught Basic Welding for five years before becoming an Advanced Welding instructor. Leif’s background includes sheet metal fabrication, pipe fabrication, ornamental iron fabrication and design. He holds an associate degree in welding technology and is an AWS-certified welding inspector. Leif enjoys working at Earle C. Clements Job Corps because welding has always been his passion of his, and he enjoys sparking that passion in today’s young people.
Wayne King
Wayne King recently began teaching Basic Welding at Earle C. Clements Job Corps. He is retired from the Navy, and has previous experience in shipyard repair and welding education, and is now an AWS-certified welding instructor. Wayne enjoys teaching as a way to give back to young people.
Doug Boggs
Doug Boggs is a Welding instructor for Earle C. Clements Job Corps. He holds an associate degree in welding technology and has several years of experience in production management for fabrication, stainless steel fabrication and equipment repair.
Tony Bell
Tony Bell has taught at Earle C. Clements for nearly 30 years and currently works as the Basic Welding instructor. His background includes fabrication, repair, and maintenance. Tony enjoys working with youth to help keep him young and to help train the next generation.