Welding Pathway

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NAMC’s welding training programs, averaging 300 hours in length, prioritize comprehensive instruction in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), commonly known as tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) or (MIG) welding alongside Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW).

The heightened demand for individuals skilled in (TIG) and (MIG) welding, as underscored by Massachusetts employers and industry partners in the manufacturing sector, is the driving force behind these programs. In response to this demand, graduates of NAMC’s welding programs are well-prepared for entry-level welding positions spanning across various disciplines. Students completing these programs develop proficiency in welding standards set by the American Welding Society (AWS). This comprehensive preparation instills graduates with the confidence to successfully obtain the AWS industry-recognized certification upon employment, thereby bolstering their professional credentials within the welding industry and ensuring their readiness for the workforce.

  • man welding
  • man welding

Overview of a Welding Career Path

A welder uses intense heat and gas to join metal parts together or repair various faults in metal constructions. The day-to-day responsibilities of a welder include putting together metal parts while also studying project specifications to select the best practices for every project situation.

These individuals will use torches and arcs to weld various pieces of metal together, operate a wide range of welding equipment, analyze said equipment, and monitor various welding processes making sure the heat doesn’t change the materials’ size and shape.

a person wearing an auto darkening welding helmet

Skills and Competencies of a Welder

Welders have to possess the following qualifications and skills:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Work-related experience 
  • Ability to read labels, safety warnings, and guidelines
  • Knowledge of basic computer skills to communicate via email and document daily work
  • Attentive to detail
  • Ability to receive and follow instructions 
  • Physical strength and steady hands
  • Good mobility and flexibility
  • Ability to meet deadlines 
  • Precision skills 

Northeast Advanced Manufacturing Consortium offers free welding training. Sign up for more information.

Welding Wage Data*

LocationHourly Low (10%)Hourly QL (25%)Hourly Median (50%)Hourly QU (75%)Hourly High (90%)
Massachusetts$22.48$25.19$29.67$35.62$41.19
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH$22.79$25.57$29.92$36.16$40.49
Pittsfield, MA$22.12$23.50$29.04$34.60$39.90
Providence-Warwick, RI-MA$16.58$23.85$28.08$38.18$43.58
Springfield, MA$21.91$25.07$28.90$33.33$37.79
Worcester, MA$18.99$23.74$28.16$32.83$37.97

ONET Online Wage Data* www.onetonline.org and www.bls.gov/oes

Free Training Programs

Welding

Danvers

Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School

16 Weeks | Ongoing Training Programs

Three evenings per week, plus half-day Saturdays

Learn More

Welding

Billerica

Shawsheen Valley Technical High School

8 Weeks | Spring 2026

Mon - Fri

Learn More

Contact us for more information about this Career Pathway.

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