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
Ira McKillip
Ira McKillip is a Welding instructor at Pine Ridge Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center. He served honorably in the United States Marine Corps for four years before attending several different institutions, such as Missouri Welding Institute in Nevada and Eastern Wyoming College, where he learned pipe welding and structural welding. He also is an OSHA 30 trainer and a sergeant in the Nebraska National Guard.
Kyle Ruiz
Kyle Ruiz is a Welding instructor at Pine Ridge Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center. He attended Eastern Wyoming College and graduated with an associate degree in welding and joining technology. Kyle is a Certified Associate Welding Inspector through the American Welding Society. When he isn’t working, Kyle is an avid metal works artist and has donated his art to support the local Veterans of Foreign Wars post and the Dawes County Ag Society Banquet.