FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

When are class times?

Charleston, Columbia and Piedmont
Day Classes: Monday – Thursday 7:00am – 4:00pm & Friday from 7:00am to 1:00pm
Evening Classes: Monday – Friday 6:00pm to 11:00pm

Houston
Day Classes: Monday – Thursday 7:00am – 4:00pm; & Friday 7:00am – 1:00pm
Part Time Night Classes: Monday – Friday 5:30pm – 11:30pm
Full Time Night Classes: Monday – Thursday 3:45pm – 11:30pm & Friday 2:00pm – 11:30pm

How much of the time is spent in the classroom versus in the shop?

Over 95% of the total time of the 900 hour program is spent in the shop honing your welding skills.

Will Arclabs help me find a job after graduation?

Hands-on training at Arclabs Welding School is a great way to get started in a welding career. The Career Services team is here to help with the next steps, including:

Preparing resumes
Employment searches
Interview preparation
20 free hours of booth time to prepare for employer welding tests
On-campus employer presentations of the company and jobs available
On-campus employer interviews with students
On-campus employer weld testing for graduates

Our team works with both local and national employers to help graduates find positions.

Although we strive to find jobs for all our graduates, we can’t guarantee job placement. Enrollment in Arclabs or completion of the program does not guarantee employment.

Is attendance required?

Yes, attendance is vital. This is a fast-paced program that requires commitment and focus to succeed in the program. Daily attendance is important for our students to gain the knowledge needed for a career in welding. Students must achieve 100% cumulative attendance for graduation.

What kind of job can I get after graduation?

Professional welders work almost everywhere from the automotive, aerospace and aviation industries, to shipyards, shops and skyscrapers. Wherever metal needs to be joined, a welder is needed. Our training program teaches you skills that can be used worldwide, so almost anywhere you want to go, your welding training can take you there.

Will I be certified upon completion?

After the completion of each process, the students are tested to American Welding Society (AWS) standards. Our Certified Welding Inspectors (CWI) have developed Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) to qualify our students to each process. Once a student passes a visual and bend test, they will receive an Arclabs Welding Performance Qualification Record (WPQR) as evidence of their accomplishment.

We also offer training opportunities for businesses that already employ welders, but need to improve their workers’ skills. Arclabs can offer these companies various services including testing, qualification, assessment and training.

How can I pay for Arclabs?

We offer a variety of financial aid programs for those who qualify to help you pay for your training. Federal Aid includes federal grants and loans, veterans’ benefits and payment plan options. For more information, visit our Financial Aid page.