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Welders are among the highest-paid in the skilled trade industry.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, they will continue to be in demand in the next few years.
So, if you are currently having trouble deciding which career to pursue, you might want to consider becoming a welder.
In Tampa, FL, welders earn an average base salary of $21.81 per hour.
Those with 10+ years of experience get paid even more, starting at $25 per hour.
To get to this point, though, you have to gain fundamental and advanced welding education and training.
Take a look at our list of welding schools in Tampa, FL to see what your options are.
1 Erwin Technical College
About the School
Erwin Technical College is a Hillsborough County School that offers a wide range of learning programs that prepare students for the career of their dreams.
Whether you want to get your Adult GED, learn a new skill or trade, or get certified, they have part-time, full-time, day, and evening classes that suit your needs.
They hold accreditations and approvals from various organizations and bodies, including:
- Council on Occupation Education
- Congia (formerly known as the Council on Accreditation and School Improvement, Southern Associaton of College and Schools)
- Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
- Florida Department of Veteran Affairs, State Approving Agency
- National Center for Construction Education and Research
Their mission is to “produce quality, productive team members for the workforce and the community.”
Courses Offered
The Welding Technology Program aims to develop students’ knowledge and skills so that they can qualify for entry-level employment.
It includes instruction and hands-on practice in:
- Manual shielded arc welding
- Fluxed core arc welding
- Gas metal arc welding
- Gas tungsten arc welding
- Oxy-fuel cutting
- Carbon arc gouging
- Plasma cutting
- Math and blueprints for welders
It requires 1,050 clock hours and takes 12 months to complete.
There are day and evening classes, and the full course costs $4,300.
Address: 2010 E Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33610, United States
2 Florida Technical College – Tampa Campus
About the School
Florida Technical College is a post-secondary training school founded in 1982.
They offer many programs, including specialized business fields, hospitality, healthcare, information technology, and construction trades.
For over 30 years now, they have committed to providing a learning environment that inspires, motivates, and supports students.
With their experienced faculty, they continue to meet students’ needs and prepare them for the job marketplace.
Their campuses are located in Deland, Kissimmee, Lakeland, Orlando, Pembroke Pines, South Miami, and Tampa.
Courses Offered
The Welding Diploma Program teaches students the technical skills and practical experiences essential to the welding industry.
It covers Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW).
Upon completion, students can test and earn the following certifications/credentials:
- American Welding Society (AWS) Membership
- National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Welding Level 1, 2, and 3
- NCCER Core Curriculum
- OSHA Training Course
It requires 260 lecture hours and 700 lab hours for a total of 960 contact hours.
The full program can be completed in 12 months and opens opportunities to work as aluminum welders, MIG welders, or maintenance welders.
Address: 1111 N Westshore Blvd Suite 200, Tampa, FL 33607, United States
3 Tampa Bay Technical High School
About the School
Tampa Bay Technical High School is an educational institution that provides academic and technical programs to help students succeed in their chosen fields.
Established in 1969, they were formerly known as Tampa Bay Vocational Technical School.
Equipped with state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, seasoned instructors, and quality curriculums, they are dedicated to supporting their diverse student population from day one and beyond.
Courses Offered
The Welding Technology Program aims to educate students on the core principles of welding.
It covers shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), flux-core arc welding (FCAW), and oxy-fuel gas processes.
It teaches welding skills, metals identification, welding techniques, basic manufacturing processes, basic interpretation of welding symbols, workplace safety and organization, and many more.
Taught by teachers with welding certifications, classes are a combination of lecture and laboratory sessions.
Address: 6410 Orient Rd, Tampa, FL 33610, United States
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
|
#1 | Erwin Technical College |
|
#2 | Florida Technical College – Tampa Campus |
|
#3 | Tampa Bay Technical High School |
Read the full guide: How to Become a Certified Welder
Welding Schools by City
Welding Schools by State