Weld Your Future

Explore a Career in Welding

Collin was a passionate young man with a bright future in welding.  Inspired by Collin’s dreams, this page offers resources for students interested in exploring a career in this exciting field.

Why Welding?

Welding is a skilled trade that offers a secure and rewarding career path.  Welders are in high demand across various industries. As America’s bridges, highways, and buildings face increasing wear and tear, the need for skilled tradespeople is rising. Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers will be crucial for these repairs, along with being essential in manufacturing plants that produce metal products and machinery.

Collin Smith welding
Benefits of a Welding Career
  • Competitive Salaries: The median annual wage for welders was $48,940 in 2023 [1]. However, specialized welders can earn even more.
  • Job Security: The growing demand for skilled welders ensures job stability.
  • Variety of Industries: Welders can work in construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and more.
  • Hands-on Work: If you enjoy working with your hands and creating something tangible, welding might be a perfect fit.
How to Get Started
  • High School Welding Programs: Many high schools offer introductory welding courses. Check with your school counselor for opportunities.
  • Technical Schools and Community Colleges: These institutions offer certificate and associate degree programs in welding.
  • Welding Apprenticeships: Apprenticeships provide on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction.
Resources for Aspiring Welders
  • American Welding Society (AWS): https://www.aws.org/ – Premier association for the welding industry. Offers career resources, educational programs, and certification opportunities.
  • WELD: https://www.weld.com/ – Informative website with articles, tutorials, and industry news
  • SkillsUSA: https://www.skillsusa.org/ – Non-profit organization that promotes career and technical education, including welding.

Collin’s Welding Journey at Pearland ISD

The Pearland Independent School District offers a welding program at the high school level.  Prior to his passing, he was accepted to Pearland’s competition welding team and would have been the only sophomore to be given such an honor.  For more information, please visit the Pearland ISD Career & Technical Education (CTE) page: https://www.pearlandisd.org/departments/cte/cte

Collin’s dream was to be a top-tier welder, and by exploring these resources, you can take a step towards achieving your own welding goals.

#WeldYourFuture

Source:
[1] Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Welding, Cutters, Solderers, and Braziers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm

Help Us

Change Lives Today

Donate Now
Scroll to Top