Welding and Joining Equipment Education and Training

Take classes on welding equipment to determine where to spend your time and money
By Tara McClendon, Freelance Writer/Editor Tara McClendon Welding and joining equipment education and training is an important factor for anyone who wants to learn to use a welder safely. Training for welding equipment can cover a wide variety of equipment, including laser welding equipment, gas welding equipment and plastic welding equipment. If you have a particular interest in the type of welding equipment you want to use, make sure the educational program you use specializes in it.

When you begin to compare the different educational opportunities, you also want to find out whether the class is a lecture or hands-on. Depending on your learning style, you may prefer one over the other.

1. Look for manufacturers of joining and welding machinery that offer education and training.

2. Take part in a hands-on training course to learn manipulative skills.

3. Find specialized welding classes that feature equipment like laser welding machines.

Get welding and joining equipment education and training from manufacturers

While some manufactures provide educational information for free, others conduct seminars and classes for a fee. Usually the manufacturer will teach the classes using its own equipment, which may be an important factor if you prefer one brand over another.
Try:  The Lincoln Electric Company hosts The Lincoln Electric Welding School. It provides links to a course description and schedule on its website. Miller Electric Mfg provides resources to help you improve your skill. Its online resources include videos, articles, demos and books.

Find classes that let you learn by using welding machines

For many people, the best way to learn is to take a hands-on training class. There aren't any regulations on how much training must be hands-on in order to use the description, so make sure you find out what portion of the class the instructor will spend on the hands-on training. In some cases, a hands-on class may only provide actual experience for 10% of the class.
Try:  The University of Colorado offers a hands-on Beginning Welding Course. It covers how to choose the best metal, how to make joints and how to select which of the different types of welding machines to use. The Hobart Institute of Welding Technology provides hands-on training. It teaches welding techniques and manipulative skills.

Learn to use laser welding equipment or other specialized welding machines

Because there are many different types of welding machines, it can be useful to obtain certifications, which show your mastery at welding. In some cases, employers may require specific degrees or certifications prior to hiring.
Try:  The Department of Engineering Professional Development at the University of Wisconsin-Madison provides a Laser Welding Certificate upon completion of its specialized programs. Along with providing descriptions of its course, the Plastic Welding School also offers an article on why a person should get certification.

• When you work with joining machines, you will find that some types of welding machines are easier to operate than others depending on the type of material you plan to use. Training classes that provide hands-on experience can help you determine which type of welding equipment to buy.