Welders in Charleston, West Virginia, must be physically fit and excellent problem solvers. Candidates need an in-depth understanding of the profession’s technical and fundamental principles and soft and transferable skills.
The purpose of a training program is to help students develop these skills and attain proficiency in using hand and power tools.
The best programs also teach safety principles while facilitating a pathway for candidates to become certified by top organizations like the American Welding Society. Readers of this page who happen to be residents of Charleston will be glad to know that they don’t have to look too far to secure admission into a top training program.
The list below will help them find the best programs and understand what to expect with each option.
How to Become a Welder in Charleston
Anyone on the path to becoming a welder in Charleston, West Virginia, has to choose their training destination. While it is very popular for candidates to go with apprenticeship programs (particularly those offered by trade unions and professional organizations), another popular choice is to attend an academic program.
Apart from the fact that they learn theoretical principles under highly qualified professionals, choosing this alternative also allows students to leave with a certificate or a degree. Many employers enjoy working with candidates who have the right credentials.
Speaking of credentials, even though it is not a state law for welders in Charleston, West Virginia, to receive a license to start their careers, it is a convention for candidates to become certified. Certification comes with various career opportunities, ranging from a smoother employment pathway and higher salary figures to advanced education and networking.
Top Welding Schools in Charleston, West Virginia
Charleston, West Virginia, residents may consider any of the programs below for their comprehensive introduction to welding.
New River Community and Technical College
Beaver, WV Campus Only
New River Community and Technical College, through its Advanced Technology Center and welding laboratories, allows candidates to receive hands-on training to launch their welding careers on a solid path. The school also serves as an American Welding Society testing site, providing an extra-convenient pathway for candidates to become certified.
Tuition
$285 - $475 per CreditContact
(304) 929-3301
bveneri@newriver.edu
Pierpont Community and Technical College
Fairmont, WV Campus Only
Pierpont Community and Technical College is another amazing location to receive advanced welding training as a resident of Charleston and across the entire state. The school's Advanced Welding Certificate program allows students to acquire theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills.
Tuition
$30 per CreditContact
(304) 367-4208
jack.lowe@pierpont.edu
East West Virginia Community and Technical College
Moorefield, WV Campus Only
East West Virginia Community and Technical College is notable for its 75-hour Welding Technology training program, which can be completed in 12 weeks. This option is perfect for candidates who want to start their careers on an excellent path as quickly as possible.
Tuition
$2,195 per ProgramContact
(304) 434-8000
askeastern@easternwv.edu
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College
Martinsburg, WV Campus + Online
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College offers a welding certificate program through which residents of Charleston can learn the fundamentals of stick, arc, MIG, and TIG welding. This one-year program is enough to teach students the theoretical and practical skills needed to secure entry-level employment.
Tuition
$189 - $367 per CreditContact
(304) 260-4380
admissions@blueridgectc.edu
Mountwest Community and Technical College
Huntington, WV Campus Only
Lastly, prospective welders may attend Mountwest Community and Technical College's Welding Technology program to launch their careers via an industry-driven curriculum.
Tuition
$205 - $512 per CreditContact
(304) 781-1678
goheen14@rcbi.org
Explore nearby states for education and training:
Explore detailed steps and the state’s licensing requirements: