How Do I Become an Welder in NYC in 2024? A Comprehensive Guide

Kickstart Your Welding Career in NYC: A Guide for Aspiring Apprentices

Welding is a highly skilled trade that plays a crucial role in the construction, manufacturing, and repair industries. Whether you're looking to build skyscrapers, create intricate metalwork, or work in shipbuilding, welding offers a rewarding career path with plenty of opportunities for growth. If you're based in New York City and considering a career in welding, this guide will walk you through the steps to get started.

Understanding the Role of a Welder

Before diving into the training process, it's important to understand what a welder does. Welders use heat to join metal parts together, creating everything from small metal components to massive structures. The work requires precision, a strong understanding of materials, and the ability to read blueprints. Welders often work in various environments, including construction sites, factories, and repair shops.

Do You Need a License to Work in Welding in New York City?

Yes! To be eligible for a NYC Welders license you must be:

1. At least 18 years old

2. Be able to read and write English

3. Pass a background Investigation (more information on this can be found here)

4. Successfully complete one of the below set of exams:

• The American Welding Society (AWS) Manual-Shielded Metal Arc Welding Process (SMAW) certifications for:

  1. Certified Welder – Groove and fillet welds in flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead positions with unlimited thicknesses and 3G and 4G certifications

  2. If the applicant welds special steels or metals, the applicant must also obtain the appropriate AWS certificate in addition to the above certification

  3. Base metal must be A36

  4. Thicknesses must state 1”- 1/8” U; 1”U; or Unlimited

• The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Field Welder Certification Manual-Shielded Metal Arc Welding Process (SMAW) for:

  • 3G and 4G – Groove and fillet welds in flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead positions and unlimited thicknesses

  • If the applicant welds special steels or metals, the applicant must also obtain the appropriate NYS certificate (if available) in addition to the above certification

  • Base metal must be: A36

  • Thicknesses must state 1”- 1/8” U; 1”U; or Unlimited

All new welder license applications are to be submitted in DOB NOW: Licensing.

Welding Apprenticeship Requirements and How to Find One

Although apprenticeships are not required for obtaining a Welding License in NYC, it is still one of the best ways to build your skill set and make you a strong applicant.

According to the NY Department of labor, a registered apprenticeship under a licensed master welder is four years (48 months), unless specialized and only focused on TIG (GTAW) welding in which the apprenticeship term is one year (12 months).

To find an welding apprenticeship you can:

• Use Gild to find apprenticeships in NYC: Gild brings thousands of plumbing apprenticeship role openings all together in one place. Search open welding apprenticeships in NYC here.

• Join a Union: Many welders in NYC are members of unions, such as Iron workers Locals 40 and 361 in NYC. They suggest checking out their website in March 2025 for the exact dates for more information about when the apprenticeship program opens.

Steps to Becoming a Welder in NYC

1. Choose the Right Training Program: Welding is a hands-on skill, and formal training is crucial to building a strong foundation. In NYC, you have several options for welding training:

   1. Apprenticeships: Provide a valuable opportunity to learn the welding trade while also getting paid. Through earn to learn programs you are able to build a skill set while also making money.

   2. Trade & Vocational Schools: Institutions like Apex Technical School and the New York City College of Technology offer welding programs that provide a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on practice. These programs typically cover different welding techniques, safety protocols, and blueprint reading.

   3. Community Colleges: Some community colleges in NYC, such as LaGuardia Community College, offer welding courses as part of their technical education programs. These courses can be a good option if you're looking to gain skills without committing to a full-time program.

2. Get Certified: Certification is often required by employers and can significantly improve your job prospects. The American Welding Society (AWS) offers a variety of certifications, including:

   1. Certified Welder (CW): This certification is based on your ability to perform a welding task according to industry standards. You'll be tested on specific welding techniques, and passing this test will earn you the CW designation.

   2. Certified Welding Inspector (CWI): If you're interested in advancing your career, becoming a Certified Welding Inspector allows you to oversee welding projects and ensure they meet quality standards.

   Certifications from the AWS are recognized nationwide and can open doors to more specialized welding jobs.

3. Gain Experience: Once you've completed your training and obtained certification, gaining experience is key to advancing your welding career. Many early career welders begin complete trade school and then find an apprenticeship to start their career. These entry level positions allow you to work under experienced welders and continue honing your skills. Jobs in construction, manufacturing, and repair are good starting points.

   Networking within the industry can also help you find job opportunities. Consider using Gild, joining local welding associations or attending industry events in NYC to connect with other professionals.

4. Consider Specialization: As you gain experience, you may want to explore different welding specializations. Some areas of expertise include:

   1. Structural Welding:

      Focuses on welding large structures like buildings and bridges.

   2. Pipe Welding:

      Involves joining pipes used in plumbing, gas lines, and other systems.

   3. Aerospace Welding:

      Requires precision welding for aircraft and spacecraft components.

   4. Underwater Welding:

      A highly specialized field that involves welding in underwater environments, often for ship repair and oil rigs.

   Specializing in a particular area can lead to higher-paying jobs and more challenging projects.

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Your Next Steps

Starting a career as an Welder apprentice in New York City is an exciting opportunity to enter a field that is critical, well paid, and well insulated from automation. Whether you’re just finishing high school or considering a career change, following these steps will set you on the path to success in this essential industry. Good luck on your journey and be sure to check out Gild.