When people think of typical high-paying jobs, welding—and manufacturing in general—may not be the first thought that comes to mind. But the latest numbers tell us it’s time for people to rethink the earning potential of welding. Today, an entry-level welding position requires less than a year of training and pays up to $45,000. For aspiring welders in Hillsborough County, a great first step is Hillsborough Community College’s welding program.

With no experience or prior education needed, HCC’s 11-month (1050 hours) Welding Technology Post-Secondary Adult (PSAV) Program is accessible to everyone, and helps students build a solid foundation in a variety of welding applications to prepare for a career in the field.

“We’ve added a lot of coursework to adapt to the changes in our local workforce—fabrication, aluminum welding, and more advanced skills. We listen to advisors from the local industry and see what they’re looking for,” said Welding Program Manager Logan Harry.

The curriculum covers a wide variety of welding methods, including shielded metal arc, gas metal arc, and the newest addition, submerged arc welding (SAW), a cutting-edge technique that is instrumental for more advanced fabrication.

Despite the program’s short duration, students will be ready to kickstart a successful welding career right after graduation. From job fairs and resume building to one-on-one meetings with employers and scheduling job interviews, HCC offers all the resources a student needs to land their first position. They also regularly connect students with small, local manufacturers as well as national—and even worldwide—companies such as Air Products and Pierce Manufacturing.

For students who wish to continue their education, HCC’s welding program has a built-in path . Program graduates can transfer into HCC’s A.S. Industrial Management program, which requires an additional 30 credit hours. After completing this degree, they have the option to transfer to USF for a four-year degree. No matter the path that’s taken, welding leaves plenty of opportunity for growth and advancement as you pursue your career.

Categorized in: Careers, Education