Welders earn a great living and are always in demand. According to Statista, Texas has hired more welders, solderers, brazers, and cutters than any other state in the U.S. in 2021. Becoming a welder requires formal and on-the-job training. A welding apprenticeship can lead you to greater career success when training to become a welder. Here are three reasons why you should consider a welding apprenticeship.

1. Trade School Benefits

You can attend a trade school to learn to be a welder. However, you can expect to spend up to two years in the classroom learning how to be a welder and, in most cases, still have to do some type of apprenticeship or on-the-job training. While in-classroom learning is beneficial to understanding the job's responsibilities, hands-on experience is vital to gain the confidence to perform the job. Trade schools provide in-depth classroom training and some “lab” time, but handling real jobs can have a greater impact on learning. Be sure to ask the instructors about the benefits of an apprenticeship and if there's a program they recommend that students sign up for.

2. Experience

With a welding apprenticeship, you get plenty of hands-on training opportunities. While the duration of the internship varies between different institutions, any experience in the field prior to being hired full-time can be beneficial. You are taught by welders that have years of experience which can allow you to understand how to handle problems that may arise.

3. Increased Hiring Potential

When employers are hiring, one of the things that they look for is experience. An apprenticeship gives you the real-world experience that employers are looking for. Taking part in an apprenticeship program can help you stand apart from the competition. Most employers prefer to hire people that have a history of working hands-on and some organizations that offer apprenticeships may choose to hire their apprentices full-time after their internship has been completed.

There are a lot of benefits that you can gain from an apprenticeship program that impact your life beyond the classroom. Learning how to weld and network with other people in the industry translates into greater success as a welder. To learn more about apprenticeship programs, call Boilermakers Local 107 today!