Properly trained and licensed welders earn good money and almost always have job opportunities awaiting them. According to Zippia, the U.S. workforce has nearly 420,000 licensed welders. Most welders obtain their training in accredited welding schools or through apprenticeship programs. If you are considering enrolling in a welding training school, here are four qualities to consider before choosing which one to attend.

1. Location

The location of welding schools truly affects their quality. Welding schools that are located in more industrialized areas and in cities typically have greater access to various types of metals upon which the trade is practiced. The location also matters when you eventually want to obtain a job. A growing city with a vibrant industrial center is going to have more job opportunities than rural areas are likely able to provide.

2. Variety of Programs

There are a variety of welding training schools and welding programs that they offer. You might enroll in a one-year welding certificate program that teaches you the basics and makes it easier for you to obtain an apprenticeship or a job upon your successful completion. You also might choose between a two-year associate's or four-year bachelor's program that more thoroughly trains you in a variety of welding skills and techniques that make it easier to enter the field and earn more money as a welder.

3. Job-Placement Services

In addition to training you in proper welding techniques, the best welding schools should have job placement services that enable you to find work upon graduation or completion of a certificate program. Most likely do have job placement services, but you should see what kinds of partnerships they might have with large employers who are more likely in need of welders. The job placement services also should help you to know the potential income that those jobs could provide.

4. Tuition Assistance

You should look for welding training schools that have tuition assistance programs and otherwise enable students to obtain tuition funding. Grants, scholarships, and loans can help to secure tuition and enable you to obtain a fine education, so you can start your welding career upon graduation. Because welding is a technical trade, there likely will be fees and other associated costs in addition to tuition that might require you to obtain financial aid.

Prospective welding students can learn more by submitting our online form or calling to schedule an appointment and begin the enrollment process. Contact Crider's Institute of Welding Technology today for more information.