With college tuition climbing into six figures and student-loan debt at an all-time high, many prospective students are asking: “Is trade school better than college?” and “What’s the real difference between trade school and college?” For those drawn to hands-on work and looking for strong earning potential without years of debt, a career in the welding industry is an appealing alternative!

When comparing the cost of trade school vs. college, the numbers speak for themselves. Today, we're comparing one of our welding packages to a four-year bachelor's degree to demonstrate how our classes can equip you with the necessary skills at a fraction of the cost, all within just a few months!

At Earlbeck, we make welding training affordable, flexible, and tailored to your goals. Choose the classes, processes, or certifications you want, with daytime or evening options for busy schedules. Finish in as little as three to eight months, and save more with our value-packed class packages.

College can be a great choice for some, but it isn’t the only path to success. Welding offers a faster, more affordable, and equally rewarding alternative for those who enjoy hands-on work, seek financial stability, and want a career that is always in demand.

If you're interested in pursuing a career in welding, the Earlbeck Technical Center is ready to help you get started. Your future could be just a few months away! 

If you need to take a welding certification test, you might be wondering which test do I take? This is the big question. There is not a single welding certification test that will certify you to weld everything. Most welding certification tests are done under the codes written by AWS (the American Welding Society) or ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers.) There is a specific code written for virtually every application of welding- AWS has published 240 codes alone. Knowing which code to be certified to is essential, as welders are only certified to weld within the code parameters of the test they have taken.
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There are two common scenarios in which someone will seek certification- you would like to add to your credentials, or it is required for a specific job so let's discuss!

In March 2004, the Maryland State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) underwent a pivotal change in its approach to welder certification. They discontinued their in-house testing and partnered with the Federal Highway Administration's Mid-Atlantic Structural Committee for Economic Fabrication (SCEF) to establish a regional certification program. Certifying at an AWS Accredited Test Facility (ATF) is now a mandatory requirement for welders working on bridge construction projects in the Mid-Atlantic region, including Maryland.

​For those interested in pursuing a career in welding, there are several options to receive formal training:

1. Technical schools offer programs that can be completed in 3-18 months. Make sure to choose a program where you will earn a welding certification.
2. Community colleges  can offer Associate degree programs that take about 2 years to complete.
3. Apprenticeships take 3-4 years to complete and results in a Journeyman's card.
4. Universities offer Bachelor's degree programs which can take 4 years to complete.

Attending a technical school to become a welder is an investment that pays off much quicker than the university path. With the high demand for welding professionals and the potential to earn a competitive salary, pursuing welding as a career can lead to a fulfilling and financially rewarding future.

 The field of welding offers a diverse range of jobs that combine trade skills with technology. Welding is both an art and a science, from basic fabrication to advanced robotics. It's a great option for those who enjoy working with their hands and value a sense of community. The skills you'll acquire as a welder are also portable and can lead to rewarding careers in various industries.

With a huge variety of career options, it's easy to find the perfect fit for you! ​Ranging from Shipfitter, Welding Research Scientist, or Pipeliner to Technical Sales, Welder Fabricator, Boilermaker, or Welding Engineer. Or perhaps you’d rather be a Welding Supervisor, Ironworker, or Welding Technician? Still not doing it for you? How about being an Underwater Welder, Pipefitter, Welding Inspector, Robotic Welding Technician, or Welding Educator? There are so many career paths for skilled welders or welding operators. 

​The welding industry is experiencing a shortage of workers due to more than 155,000 welders approaching retirement age. Approximately 360,000 NEW welding professionals are projected to be needed by 2027 and you could be one of them!

As the welding industry continues to grow, the demand for skilled and well-trained welders is also on the rise. One way to demonstrate your competency and gain a competitive edge in the job market is through The American Welding Society's (AWS) Certified Welder Program. In this article, we will take a closer look at the benefits of becoming a certified welder, the certification process, and the qualifications needed to obtain the certification.

What is The American Welding Society's Certified Welder Program?
The AWS Certified Welder Program is a valuable credential that demonstrates a welder's competency in the welding field, and it is recognized throughout the industry as an indicator of welding expertise. The program tests welders on a specific welding process and application to ensure their skills meet industry standards.

What are the benefits of becoming an AWS Certified Welder?
First, becoming an AWS Certified Welder signifies that you possess the technical skills and knowledge required to excel in the welding industry. With the certification, you can demonstrate advanced knowledge of various welding processes, including shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), and gas metal arc welding (GMAW). This can help differentiate you from other welders and opens up opportunities for higher-paying jobs or positions with more responsibilities.

What are the requirements for obtaining AWS certification?
There are no prerequisite courses or experience needed to earn an AWS certification, you simply must pass a welding test that assesses your proficiency in the applicable welding process. To ensure consistency and quality, the testing must be done according to AWS standards at an AWS Accredited Test Facility, and welds are inspected by AWS-certified professionals. Once you have successfully passed your test, successful candidates receive a certificate and become AWS Certified Welders. 
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What certifications can I earn under the AWS Certified Welder Program?

​How do I keep my AWS Welder Certification active?
Certifications for D9.1 for the Sheet Metal Welding Code require maintenance every 12 months. Certifications in accordance with D1.1 and most other codes require maintenance every 6 months. The Maintenance of Welder Certification Form must be submitted online through https://cw.aws.org/. 

In conclusion, becoming an AWS Certified Welder is an excellent way to demonstrate your welding expertise and advance your career.  By investing in the certification process, you can gain a competitive edge in the industry, prove to potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field, and open up new job opportunities. If you are interested in becoming an AWS Certified Welder, we recommend that you begin by reviewing the certification requirements and preparing for the certification exam. With dedication, preparation, and commitment to your craft, you can achieve AWS certification and take your welding career to new heights.

Ready to schedule your test?

​Schedule an appointment by calling us at (410) 687-8400.  Certification testing is done on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting at 8:00 am at our Baltimore, MD and York, PA locations. On the day of the test, please bring a picture ID, and your safety equipment. 

Not local to MD or PA? Find your ATF Testing Facility here.