Welding

While there are a few different paths to take to become a welder,  

Summit College San Bernardino’s Welding program has a few requirements for our applicants: 

• Be 18 years or older 
• Provide an acceptable high school diploma, GED, or equivalent 
• Complete an interview with an Admissions Advisor 
• Meet the required level of proficiency with speaking, reading, writing, and understanding English 

While you can potentially choose not to go to school and start on an apprenticeship, many employers will be looking for job candidates who have structured through a trade school that can help them learn foundational skills like how to read blueprints, mechanical drawing, and shop mathematics. 

If you’ve looked into welding training, you’ve likely seen programs talk about TIG versus MIG versus SMAW and been confused about just what exactly all of it means. Here’s a quick breakdown on some of the common terms: 

• Arc welding — A process that joins metal to metal by using electricity to create enough heat to melt the metals, which then join as they cool. 
• TIG welding — Also known as gas tungsten arc welding or GTAW. An arc welding process that uses tungsten electrode to produce the weld. It offers greater control, but can be more complex and difficult to master. 
• MIG welding — Also known as gas metal arc welding or GMAW. MIG stands for metal inert gas. An arc welding process that creates an electric arc between a MIG wire electrode and the metal. 
• SMAW welding — Also known as stick welding for shielded metal arc welding. An arc welding process that uses a consumable electrode covered with a flux to lay the weld. One of the world’s first and most popular welding processes. 

California itself does not have a state-issued license to work as a welder so long as your employer holds a C-60 Welding Contractor license:  

A welding contractor causes metals to become permanently attached, joined and fabricated by the use of gases and electrical energy, which creates temperatures of sufficient heat to perform this work. 

That being said, a lot of employers prefer to hire candidates who have earned professional certifications, like those offered through the American Welding Society. The AWS offers certification in areas like: 

• Certified Welder 
• Certified Robotic Arc Welding 
• Certified Welding Engineer 
• Certified Resistance Welding Technician 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration also requires that welders complete training on electrical safety. 

At a career training school like Summit College San Bernardino, we understand that many of our students cannot afford to spend a year or longer; they need to be able to get from enrollment to graduation as quickly as possible. Our Welding program was designed to train you in the skills you need for your new career in just 36 weeks. 

This can depend a lot on what kind of postsecondary education you choose. Traditional colleges and universities can cost tens of thousands of dollars per year. On the other hand, focused career training programs at trade schools like Summit College San Bernardino can cost a fraction of that, making the most out of both your time and your budge. We also have a number of different financial aid options to help support you in paying for your education.