How To Become a Welder in Arizona

Behind the creation of home, business, or mode of transportation is the efforts of a skilled welding professional. With the construction industry in Arizona being amongst the fastest growing sectors through 2026 in the state, according to the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, now is a great time to consider becoming a welder. Welding can be a rewarding career path if you love creating and building with their hands.

What Is a Combination Welder?

Combination welding happens when a welder uses multiple welding techniques to complete a job. In other words, it’s a versatile skill set where welders might use different methods — like MIG (Metal Inert Gas), TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas), or stick welding — on the same project, depending on their desired outcome. Different welding methods work better for different materials and situations. Being able to combine them all into one project makes a welder more versatile and valuable.

For example, while MIG welding is great for fast and efficient welds on thicker materials, TIG welding is better suited for precise, high-quality welds on thinner metals.

Whether you’re welding in tight spaces or working with complex materials, knowing how to switch between these techniques helps you get the job done efficiently and effectively.

Why Is Welding Important?

As part of the construction industry, welding is a practical field that shapes the world around us. It connects metal to build and fix things we use daily like cars, buildings, and bridges. It plays a role in creating safer roads, more durable structures, and reliable tools. By making products stronger and equipment last longer, welding helps reduce waste and saves money on repairs and replacements.

This trade also helps the world explore new ways to power itself through eco-friendly projects like creating pipelines, wind turbines, and solar panels. Whether you’re helping build something from scratch or extending the life of existing equipment, welding is about practical solutions that make things stronger, safer, and more efficient.

Are Welders in High Demand in Arizona?

According to the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, Arizona’s construction industry is projected to grow by 23.9% between 2023 and 2033. With a projected annual growth of 2.2%, the construction industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the state. Driven by steady residential and commercial property growth.

The state’s population has been increasing steadily over the years due to many people relocating to Arizona for its affordable living, job opportunities, and pleasant climate. The construction industry’s growth isn’t limited to just housing. There’s also a growing demand for commercial buildings and even sustainable projects, all of which use welding services. As Arizona continues to develop its infrastructure, there is likely to be an ongoing need for welders in sectors like manufacturing, energy, and transportation.

With welding skills in demand and a steady stream of projects underway, those training for this field can look forward to an exciting, impactful career path.

Do You Need Certification To Be a Welder?

While Arizona doesn’t require entry-level welders to earn certification, doing so can benefit your professional profile. Earning certification from the American Welding Society (AWS) speaks to an applicant’s skills and comfort welding in compliance with welding standards. Another industry-recognized credentialing body is the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), which offers a variety of optional welding certifications.

Earning AWS certification and/or NCCER credentials may also boost your earning potential, employment opportunities, and overall application.

Each AWS certification has its own requirements, so it’s important to review them before applying.

Another industry-recognized credentialing body is the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). NCCER offers a variety of welding certifications that can also enhance an applicant’s profile and job prospects.

While certification and NCCER credentials are optional to become a journeyman welder, it can help improve an applicant’s career prospects and earning potential. They speak to a welder’s understanding of industry standards and their skills.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Welder in Arizona?

There are many paths you can take to become a welder, and each path has different timeframes. The fastest way to prepare for a welding career is to complete either a Welding or Combination Welding program at a trade school. At AAI, you can complete our Combination Welding program and prepare to be a journeyman welder in as little as 10 months.

How Do You Become a Welder in Arizona?

While welding apprenticeships are a popular option, they aren’t the only way to become a journeyman welder.

After earning a high school diploma or GED, you can complete a Combination Welding program in less than a year. During this time, you can learn common welding techniques like shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), flux cored arc welding (FCAW), and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). In our shop classes, you are taught to perform welds in compliance with AWS standards.

NCCER competencies are worked into our curriculum to better prepare you for the workforce. Additionally, our experienced instructors provide hands-on training and practical application of welding principles.

After successfully completing our program, you should be prepared to take the AWS welding certification test. You should also be prepared for journeyman roles in different industries like shipbuilding, manufacturing, construction, and more.

Start Training for Welding Careers at AAI

At AAI, we understand that aspiring welders are eager to embark quickly on rewarding journey-level careers. That’s why our Combination Welding program is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge to hit the ground running. In less than a year, you can prepare for journeyman roles in industries like shipbuilding, manufacturing, construction, and more.

At AAI, we go beyond providing technical training. We understand that transitioning into the workforce can be challenging, which is why we offer comprehensive career services to help our graduates succeed. Our career services team will work closely with you to refine your job search strategies, assist with resume writing and interview preparation, and connect you with potential employers in the welding industry. Our goal is to help facilitate your smooth transition into a fulfilling career as a journeyman welder.

Curious how we can help you prepare for your next career? Give us a call at 888-419-9440 or submit this form for more information.