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A Day in the Life of a Welding School Student

Welding programs are a top choice for those thinking about going to trade school. In welding classes, students learn how to use welding tools, follow safety regulations and best practices, and gain fundamental skills for an entry-level position. So, what is the average day like for a student in welding school? Individuals may be interested in welding school but unsure what to expect once they enroll and begin classes. Some may wonder, “Will welding be a good fit for me?”, “What do welding students learn in class?” or “Can I make welding classes work in my busy schedule?” If you’re asking these questions, keep reading to learn more about starting a welding program.

Safety First

Students at Apex choose day or evening classes. Many students need to balance school with a job, family and other responsibilities—and having options when it comes to class times helps students stay on track to meet their goals. Whether they choose day or evening classes at Apex, students learn that safety comes first, especially in the welding shop.

Putting on protective gear is one of the first things students do when they start shop for the day. Individuals in the welding trade must protect themselves from open flames, loud noises and heavy materials. This may include:

  • A welding helmet
  • Safety goggles
  • Long sleeves and pants
  • Flame-resistant welding jacket
  • Welding gloves
  • Work boots
  • Earplugs

Welding Basics

Learning the ‘why’ behind the welding trade is just as important as learning how to weld in the shop. At Apex Technical School, students walk into the classroom and learn about gas and electric welding processes, manual and automatic cutting techniques, blueprint reading for metal layout and fabrication, including welding thin through thick metals, exotic metals, pipe welding and tube welding. Welding classes at Apex include:

  • Blueprint Reading and Fabrication
  • Oxyacetylene Welding, Cutting and Brazing
  • Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
  • Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
  • Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
  • Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)

Welding students at Apex spend more than 50 percent of their time in the shop with instructors who share their knowledge of welding best practices.

Tools of the Welding Trade

Students pursuing the welding trade may encounter a variety of tools and equipment when they attend a technical school. Some days, students use tools they may be familiar with, such as tape measures, hammers and wrenches, while other days they must learn how to properly use stick welders, gas cylinders, welding wire and spool guns. Instructors help students hone their skills by using tools of the welding trade in the shop.

Still wondering if welding is the path for you? Contact us today to schedule a tour to visit the school and get more information about our programs.

*Apex Technical School and its instructors are licensed by the State of New York, New York State Education Department.

Disclaimer: Apex Technical School provides training for entry-level jobs. Not everything you may read about the industry is covered in our training programs.