How to Find Underwater Welding Schools
Underwater welding schools can provide ample opportunities to enter this lucrative field. With proper training, underwater welders can anticipate earning about $30,000 per year in their first few years and climbing up to as much as $200,000 per year for highly experienced divers. Navy underwater welding training is equally useful as a substitute for training in schools. Many underwater welding schools offer federal financial aid. The major underwater welding schools include The Ocean Corporation, Divers Academy International and the Commercial Diving Academy but there are many more. Certification as an underwater welder is your first step towards a rewarding career.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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1
Contact underwater welding schools such as The Ocean Corporation. Other schools can be found at the Commercial Diving Academy website. Have each school send you information about their school and request enrollment application materials. Part of The Ocean Corporation’s materials include a DVD about their school.
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2
Have your transcripts sent directly to your prospective underwater welding school. Most colleges will charge a small fee for providing transcripts.
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3
Tour the school. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and express concerns now. You don’t want to start your training and then realize that it wasn’t what you expected.
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4
Complete a FAFSA for financial aid, if necessary, and have a copy sent to your prospective school(s).
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5
Enroll in an underwater welding school. This involves completing an admissions application and may require payment of a deposit or application fee. Your school will likely offer to defer your tuition until your financial aid kicks in.
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Obtain your course materials and any tools that are required by your school. If you are receiving financial aid, ask whether the school can defer your book and other fees until you receive your aid funding.
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7
Start training. Don’t get discouraged if it seems too difficult. The more that you are exposed to underwater welding the easier it will get.
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1
Tips & Warnings
While you could presumably be hired as an underwater welding diver without attending a school or receiving training in the military, the reality is that most prospective employers will want some evidence of proficiency at underwater welding techniques. Attending a school or military experience is very important.
You should definitely tour the school in person before enrolling. This will give you a good view of what attending underwater welding school will be like. Be sure to ask questions such as what the school does to assist you in gaining employment after training ends at your school. Avoid any surprises.
