Welding Program Information from NLTCC in Louisiana

Video Transcript:

Chart a course to a successful future with the Welding program at Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College.

A student can come in without any welding experience and if they are willing to put in the work, by the time they finish this program they should have the skills needed to go out and make a living in this field. In this program you will demonstrate the skills necessary to successfully complete the entry level welder test offered by the American Welding Society.

Small classes are very important. The instructor is able to go from one student to the next, spend time with them, and help them through the things they need help with. As long as a student can be dependable and is willing to put in the work, they will fit in well here at NLTCC.

You can make whatever you want out of this career if you are willing to go after it. It is out there.

Start your journey today at nltcc.edu.

Video Transcript:

Hi, my name is Stephanie and I am in the welding program at NLTCC in Mansfield.

I listen to a lot of podcasts and I heard an interview with a woman welder on one, and it sparked a train of thought because my brother is a welder and my uncle is a welder. I get bored really easily with different things, and welding provides an opportunity for me to have a good solid skill and be able to do a lot of different things with it.

So far it really is not noticeably different. It is difficult sometimes to find proper fitting personal protective equipment like gloves and jackets, so I order a lot of stuff online. Overall it has been a challenging but enjoyable learning experience. It has also given me an opportunity to be challenged and to overcome that challenge.

I am thinking about trying to work the shutdowns at the paper mill periodically and doing projects here and there so I can have the freedom to do what I want when I want.

I guess I would say to watch a lot of welding videos on Tik Tok and YouTube. Watch as many different varieties as you can because every welder has their own way of doing things, but it does not always work the same for everyone. It takes a lot of trial and error to figure out what works for you.

Program Objectives

Upon completing the program, you will be able to demonstrate skills in processes and techniques of welding, including:

Oxy Fuel cutting
Carbon arc cutting
Shielded metal arc welding
Gas tungsten arc welding
Flux-cored arc welding
Gas metal arc welding
Pipe-welding
Plasma arc cutting
Blueprint reading
Weld symbols and joints

Three Credentials to Build Your Career

What are your career goals? At NLTCC, students earn valuable credentials while working towards their Technical Diploma:

Welder Helper – Level I, Certificate of Technical Studies
Welder Helper – Level II, Certificate of Technical Studies
Welding Technology, Technical Diploma

What to Expect From Our Welding Classes

Welding is an intricate process that takes months of training to master. Our welding classes are designed to take students from minimal experience to professionals. Each course covers a different element of the trade, and highlights include:

SMAW Pipe 2G, 5G, and 6G
GMAW Basic Fillet/Groove Welds
Capstone In Advanced Problem Solving
Industrial Workplace Safety
GTAW Aluminum Multi-Joint

How Long Are Welding Classes?

In general, you can expect courses to last at least one eight-week term. Be sure to speak to an admissions representative or check our academic calendar for details about the welder classes you expect to take.

Gear Up for the Entry Level Welder Test

A credential in welding from NLTCC is just one step toward an exciting diploma in welding. Once you’ve completed your last welding class, you’ll be well-positioned to successfully complete the Entry Level Welder test. This exam offered by the American Welding Society gets you off on the right foot as you look for work in the field.

Why Pursue a Career as a Welder?

It takes time and dedication to complete the Welding program at NLTCC. However, your perseverance will be worth it! Everyone has different motives for entering this field, but here are some top reasons to become a welder:

An In-Demand Career—The demand for skilled welders continues to grow, and some organizations predict a shortage of welders in the coming years. New welders graduating from our programs are likely to find their place within the field.
Diverse Career Opportunities—Welding offers diverse career paths, allowing you to specialize in areas that align with your interests and strengths. Structural welders work on projects like buildings and bridges, while pipe welders focus on pipelines for oil and gas industries. Other options include underwater welding and aerospace welding.
Financial Stability—Welders enjoy competitive salaries, with the potential to earn even more as they gain experience and specialized skills. This financial stability is a compelling reason to enter the trade. Coupled with opportunities for overtime and bonuses, welding can provide a very comfortable lifestyle.
Tangible Results—One of the most satisfying aspects of welding is seeing tangible results from your work. Welders have the unique opportunity to create and build structures that stand the test of time. Many industry professionals love the sense of accomplishment and pride that comes with finishing a big project.

Register for Your First Welding Classes

Your career in welding is only an application away! Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College welcomes new students to our Minden, Mansfield, and Shreveport campuses each year, and our esteemed faculty are excited to help you achieve your career goals. Our admissions team can answer your questions about class schedules, the cost of welding classes, and much more. Get in touch with admissions or apply today.

Welding

What Is the Welding Program?