Tulsa Welding School (TWS) in Houston offers a Welding Specialist with Pipefitting program designed for students looking to build a career in welding through hands-on, practical training. Located in one of the largest cities in the U.S., TWS provides access to a variety of industries where welding skills are in high demand. The program focuses on equipping students with essential skills in areas such as structural welding, pipefitting, thin alloy welding, and steamfitting. One of the standout features of this program is its flexible scheduling options and the ability to complete the program in as little as 9.5 months.
The Professional Welder Program at TWS covers the essential welding techniques and prepares students for job opportunities in diverse sectors such as aerospace, automotive, construction, and manufacturing. With a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, students spend the majority of their time in welding booths and workshops to develop real-world skills.
Flexible Class Scheduling
TWS is committed to providing flexible class schedules to accommodate students from all walks of life. Whether you have a full-time job, family obligations, or are transitioning from military service, TWS offers a variety of scheduling options to fit your needs. Students can choose from weekday, evening, and weekend classes, making it easier to balance education with other commitments. Here are the available class schedule options:
Weekday Schedules (Mon – Fri):
- Morning: 7:00 AM – 12:15 PM
- Afternoon: 12:45 PM – 6:00 PM
- Evening: 6:30 PM – 11:45 PM
Weekend Schedule:
- Tuesday/Thursday (Classroom): 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday/Sunday (Lab Days): 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
This flexibility makes the program suitable for a wide range of students, whether they are just graduating from high school, changing careers, or managing other responsibilities.
Welding Classes Offered
The Welding Specialist with Pipefitting program offers an array of courses that provide both foundational and advanced skills. Below is a breakdown of the key courses offered:
Welding Fundamentals:
This foundational course introduces students to critical welding techniques like plasma cutting, carbon arc gouging, and shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). Students learn how to read and interpret construction drawings and welding symbols, and how to set up and operate basic welding equipment. Emphasis is also placed on understanding the various types of electrodes used in arc welding.
- 4 Semester Credit Hours
- 25 Lecture Hours
- 100 Lab Hours
GMAW/FCAW Processes:
In this course, students learn Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG) and Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW). Both processes use different shielding methods and filler materials, with MIG utilizing an external shielding gas and FCAW employing a flux-coated wire. This course also covers isometric drawings and their significance in visualizing three-dimensional objects in welding.
- 4 Semester Credit Hours
- 25 Lecture Hours
- 100 Lab Hours
Prerequisite: Welding Fundamentals, Structural Welding, Basic Pipe Welding
Structural Welding:
This course focuses on ensuring the structural integrity of welded joints. Students learn destructive weld testing, which helps evaluate the strength of their welds. Basic principles of metallurgy are introduced to help students understand the properties of metals and their behavior under stress. Additionally, students begin working with pipes, learning how to weld them in a way that maintains their structural integrity.
- 4.5 Semester Credit Hours
- 25 Lecture Hours
- 100 Lab Hours
Prerequisite: Welding Fundamentals
Basic Pipe Welding:
Students are introduced to welding pipes using both Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) techniques. In this course, students learn to perform welds in multiple positions to complete the joint all the way around the pipe. This course is essential for students who want to pursue careers in industries like construction and manufacturing, where pipe welding is a common requirement.
- 4 Semester Credit Hours
- 25 Lecture Hours
- 100 Lab Hours
Prerequisite: Welding Fundamentals, Structural Welding
Advanced Pipe Welding:
This course builds on the skills learned in Basic Pipe Welding, with an emphasis on more advanced techniques for completing welds on pipes. Students continue practicing GTAW and SMAW processes, and they are introduced to setting up portable welding units and rigging pipes. Safety procedures, such as using proper hand signals and lifting techniques, are also taught.
- 4 Semester Credit Hours
- 25 Lecture Hours
- 100 Lab Hours
Prerequisite: Welding Fundamentals, Structural Welding, Basic Pipe Welding
Welding Capstone:
In this final course, students put all the skills they have learned to the test. The Welding Capstone is designed to prepare students for real-world employment by challenging them with a series of practical welding tests. In addition to technical skills, this course also covers resume writing, interview preparation, and job application processes, ensuring students are ready for the workforce upon graduation.
- 4.5 Semester Credit Hours
- 25 Lecture Hours
- 100 Lab Hours
Prerequisite: All previous welding courses
Prerequisites
To advance through the program, students must complete certain prerequisite courses that lay the foundation for more advanced techniques. The prerequisites ensure that students are fully prepared before moving on to the next level of their training. The prerequisites are as follows:
- GMAW/FCAW Processes: Welding Fundamentals, Structural Welding, Basic Pipe Welding
- Structural Welding: Welding Fundamentals
- Basic Pipe Welding: Welding Fundamentals, Structural Welding
- Advanced Pipe Welding: Welding Fundamentals, Structural Welding, Basic Pipe Welding
- Welding Capstone: All previous courses
Career Opportunities in Welding
Graduates of the Welding Specialist with Pipefitting program at TWS are well-equipped to pursue careers in various industries. With employment in the welding field expected to grow by over 42,600 jobs by 2032, there is a significant demand for skilled welders. TWS graduates can find opportunities in sectors such as:
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Construction
- Shipbuilding
- Pipeline welding
- Manufacturing
The program prepares students for certifications from the American Welding Society (AWS), which is a recognized credential in the welding industry and further enhances their employability. By the time they graduate, students will have gained hands-on experience in the field and the knowledge necessary to succeed in various welding positions.
Why Choose This School?
Tulsa Welding School in Houston offers a comprehensive program with a flexible schedule, making it ideal for individuals with varying commitments. The ability to complete the program in just 9.5 months allows students to enter the workforce relatively quickly. With a focus on hands-on training, students gain real-world experience that prepares them for the demands of a welding career. However, the fast pace of the program may be challenging for some, particularly those who prefer more time to absorb technical skills. Nevertheless, for motivated individuals, TWS offers a clear path to a welding career with strong job prospects.
Category | Description |
---|---|
Tuition | Tuition information not specified |
Program Duration | 9.5 months |
Class Schedules | Morning, Afternoon, Evening, Weekend |
Welding Classes Offered | Welding Fundamentals, GMAW/FCAW Processes, Structural Welding, Pipe Welding |
Certifications | Prepares for American Welding Society (AWS) certification |
Program Focus | Hands-on training in welding and pipefitting |
Online Classes? | No |
Scholarships? | Yes, over $7 million in scholarships available |
Location | 243A Greens Rd, Houston, TX 77060 |
Phone | (855) 237-7711 |
Website | tws.edu/campus/houston |
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