Are you interested in becoming a welder but not sure you have the time to train for a welding certificate? If you live in Michigan and want to attend a Welding Specialist certificate program, MIAT College of Technology is here to help.* So, what does a welder do?
What Does a Welder Do?
Welders join and cut metal joints, parts and materials. They also fill holes, indentations and seams in metal parts and components. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, welders typically:
- Review and interpret blueprints, diagrams, sketches and spec sheets.
- Measure the dimensions of parts for cutting and welding.
- Inspect structures, joints and materials.
- Monitor the welding process
- Use the correct temperature heat when welding.
- Maintain welding equipment, tools and machinery.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Welding Certificate in Michigan?
Did you know that you can complete a Welding Specialist certificate program in as little as nine months? MIAT College of Technology offers a Welding Specialist certificate to program graduates at our Canton, Michigan, campus. How can you learn this quickly? Because we only offer the classes and hands-on training you need to pursue employment as an apprentice after graduation.
Our welding instructors guide students through classroom theory and help them put the theory to the test with hands-on training that lays a strong foundation to pursue entry-level positions. Students use the same equipment and tools found in the field, and instructors show how to maintain them for safety and efficiency.
How to Become a Welder
A great way to prepare to become a welder is to complete the Welding Specialist certificate program at MIAT College of Technology. Classrooms simulate industry environments using the same equipment that trained welders use. Instructors will guide you through the major skills of a welder, which include:
- Using various tools, machinery and equipment
- Metal arc welding
- Reading welding drawings, symbols and metal characteristics
- Pipe welding
- Soldering
- Fitting and fabrication
Once you have completed our Welding Specialist certificate program, you will be ready to apply for positions as an apprentice who works under the strict supervision of a licensed welder. After graduates have a few years of work experience, they are eligible to apply for a license to become a journeyman welder who works independently and is able to manage apprentices.
What Welding Techniques Do You Learn in a Welding Certificate Program?
The most common types of welding that you will learn in a Welding Specialist certificate program is arc welding. Courses in arc welding are broken down into the techniques of SMAW, GMAW, GTAW and FCAW.
Arc welding uses electrical currents to create heat to bond metals together. The type of weld chosen is based on the types of metals and the welding conditions.
- SMAW (shield metal arc welding): Electrode and electric current are used to join metals.
- GMAW (gas metal arc welding): A continuous solid wire electrode is fed through a welding gun into the weld pool, joining the two base materials together.
- GTAW (gas tungsten arc welding): Long welding rods are slowly fed into a welding pool.
- FCAW (flux-cored arc welding): Used in the process are a continuous wire-fed electrode, a constant-voltage welding power supply and welding equipment.
Where Do Welders Work?
Apprentices and licensed welders can work in commercial building construction, oil pipelines and shipyards, to name a few settings. Welders can work for large companies that conduct large welding projects at a single work site or small welding infrastructure projects that take welders across the state of Michigan. MIAT College of Technology is here to help graduates prepare to pursue opportunities in the industry.
Final Thoughts
If you have nine months to complete a welding certificate program, MIAT College of Technology can help. Not only are we going to teach you the ins and outs of welding, but our Career Services team can help your identify apprenticeship opportunities after graduation. Let MIAT College of Technology help open doors to the welding industry through our Welding Specialist certificate program at the Canton, Michigan, campus.
Want to Learn More?
Ready to learn more about our Welding Specialist program? The program at MIAT College of Technology provides the hands-on training, practical skills and support it takes to prepare for a technical career in Michigan.
Welding Certificate Program
Getting welding training can be a great investment in your future. Graduates of MIAT College of Technology’s Welding Specialist certificate program are trained to pursue careers in different settings, including manufacturing, construction and services.
To learn more about the Welding Specialist program and explore whether MIAT is right for you, fill out the form on this page.
*MIAT is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.miat.edu/disclosures.