Welding Programs in Kansas City, Missouri

Becoming a Welder in Kansas City, Missouri

Are you considering a career as a welder in Kansas City, Missouri? This guide will help you understand the process of becoming a welder, including the various educational paths available. Welders are skilled tradespeople who join metal parts together using heat and pressure. There are several types of welding techniques, such as Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), and Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), each requiring specific skills and training. Whether you’re interested in a short-term certification program or a more comprehensive training course, Kansas City offers a range of options to suit your needs.

About Kansas City

Kansas City, Missouri, known for its rich jazz heritage and world-famous barbecue, is a bustling city with a diverse economy and a strong industrial base. Located at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers, the city is home to iconic landmarks such as the National World War I Museum and Memorial and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. For more information about Kansas City, visit the official city website.

Welding Training Programs in Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City offers several reputable welding programs that provide the necessary training and certification preparation for aspiring welders:

1. Crider’s Institute of Welding Technology
   Located in the heart of Kansas City, Crider’s Institute offers comprehensive welding programs that range from 16 weeks to 2 years. The curriculum covers welding procedures, safety protocols, and various welding techniques. For more details, visit Crider’s Institute of Welding Technology.

2. Johnson County Community College
   Situated in nearby Overland Park, this college offers a Metal Fabrication/Welding Program that prepares students for AWS certifications and includes hands-on training in different welding techniques. Learn more at Johnson County Community College Metal Fabrication/Welding Program.

3. Northland Career Center
   Located in Platte City, just a short drive from Kansas City, Northland Career Center provides an Industrial Welding Program that focuses on practical skills and safety training. Visit Northland Career Center Industrial Welding Program for more information.

Welding Employment Opportunities in Kansas City

Kansas City is home to several major companies and manufacturing facilities that offer employment opportunities for welders:

• Burns & McDonnell
  Located in the Ward Parkway neighborhood, Burns & McDonnell is a full-service engineering, architecture, construction, environmental, and consulting solutions firm. Explore career opportunities at Burns & McDonnell Careers.

• Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp., U.S.A.
  Situated in the Northland area, this facility is known for producing a wide range of products, including rail cars and all-terrain vehicles. Check out their employment page at Kawasaki Careers.

• Honeywell FM&T
  Located in the Bannister Federal Complex, Honeywell FM&T manages and operates the Kansas City National Security Campus, offering various roles for skilled welders. Visit Honeywell Careers for more information.

Prerequisites for Welding Programs

To enroll in a welding program in Kansas City, you typically need to meet the following prerequisites:

• Education Requirements: A high school diploma or GED is usually required.
• Minimum Age: Most programs require students to be at least 18 years old.
• Entrance Exams: Some programs may require entrance exams or assessments.
• Safety Training: Completion of basic safety training is often necessary.
• Physical Requirements: Good vision and physical stamina are important for welding tasks.

Welding Certification Options

Certification is a crucial step for welders to validate their skills and enhance employment prospects. In Kansas City, the following certifications are commonly pursued:

• AWS Certifications: The American Welding Society offers certifications such as AWS SENSE Level 1 and Level 2. More information can be found on the AWS website.
• Welder Performance Qualification: This test, established by the AWS, is often included in training programs.
• OSHA Certification: Many programs include the OSHA 30-hour General Industry Safety & Health course.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a welder in Kansas City, Missouri, can be a rewarding journey. With numerous training programs and employment opportunities available, now is the perfect time to pursue your passion for welding. Contact a local school today to learn more about their programs and take the first step towards your new career.

For more information on the job outlook for welders, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics.