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Welding Training: Unlock a Future in Skilled Trades with Goodwill

At Goodwill Industries of Middle of Tennessee, our Welding Training Program offers the tools and guidance you need to forge a new career in the high-demand field of metalwork. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to add new skills to your resume, our hands-on program is designed to help you succeed in the ever-growing world of welding.

The two-week Introduction to Welding & Metal Fabrication class can be utilized as an extension course for our Skilled Trades Program graduates or as a stand-alone course for those with prior construction experience and an OSHA 10 certification. Currently, we have four individual welding booths as well as a teacher station for demonstrations.

Why Choose Goodwill’s Welding Training?

Our program stands out because it’s more than just learning welding skills — it’s about opening doors to sustainable careers. With a comprehensive curriculum that covers key techniques like MIG, TIG, and Stick welding, you’ll gain practical experience in a real-world environment, preparing you for immediate job opportunities.

Our state-of-the-art welding booths ensure that you’ll be learning on the same equipment used in professional settings. Each session is led by experienced instructors who are committed to your success, providing personalized coaching to make sure you’re ready to tackle any welding challenge.

But it doesn’t stop at skills training. As a Goodwill graduate, you’ll benefit from our job placement services, giving you direct access to employers in need of qualified welders. From small workshops to large construction companies, there are countless businesses eager to hire welders with the right training — and that’s exactly what we provide.

Welding Training: Forge a Career in High Demand Industries

Imagine the possibilities after completing our welding training programs. You’ll have the opportunity to step into industries like manufacturing, construction, and automotive repair, where welders are in constant demand. In fact, skilled welders are needed across multiple sectors, meaning your career can grow and evolve over time. For more details on job prospects and industry growth, check out these Welding Career Statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

And the best part? You don’t need to spend years in school to get started. Our two-week course is designed to equip you with the essential skills quickly, so you can start earning sooner. With certifications like OSHA 10 under your belt, and support from our dedicated Career Solutions team, you’ll be well on your way to securing a job that offers stability and growth.

Comprehensive, Hands-On Welding Training

Goodwill’s welding training isn’t just about theory — it’s about practice. You’ll work on real projects and gain the experience needed to handle professional-grade tools with confidence. Our program covers:

  • MIG welding for fast and efficient metal joining.
  • TIG welding for precision work on thin metals.
  • Stick welding for heavy-duty, structural applications.
  • Essential welding techniques for inspection, repair, and fabrication.

Through hands-on exercises, you’ll learn how to troubleshoot, perfect your welding joints, and apply these skills across different industries. Whether you’re aiming for a career in construction, fabrication, or even artistry, welding skills are a gateway to versatile job options.

How to Get Into Welding: Steps to Start Your Career

You might wonder, how to get into welding? The path is more straightforward than you think. Start by enrolling in our two-week Introduction to Welding course, designed for both beginners and those with prior construction experience.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

  1. Sign up for our course (OSHA 10 certification is recommended).
  2. Learn the essential welding skills.
  3. Get hands-on experience with our state-of-the-art equipment.
  4. Upon completion, explore our job placement services to help you land a welding job right away.

Welding skills are in demand, with employers constantly seeking qualified welders for various roles. Start your journey today! Find welding training near you

Welding Training Programs and Certification Pathways

Our welding training program doesn’t just teach you the techniques — it sets you up for success with certifications that are recognized nationwide. With Goodwill, you will:

  • Receive your OSHA 10 certification.
  • Get job-ready with resume writing and financial literacy workshops.
  • Access welding job placement services upon completion.

For those looking to work in specific states, like California, you may ask: How to become a certified welder in California? This course provides a stepping stone, after which you can pursue state-specific certifications through recognized bodies like the AWS.

Support and Guidance Every Step of the Way

At Goodwill, we don’t just train you — we help you build your future. Along with our expert instructors, you’ll receive personalized career coaching and job placement assistance. Whether you’re looking to step into your first welding job or switch to a more specialized role, we’re here to support you in achieving your goals.

Our program also connects you with a network of potential employers who regularly hire graduates of our training programs. From local businesses to large-scale corporations, we maintain strong relationships to help you take the next step in your career.

Goodwill’s training programs don’t just teach you the basics; they empower you with the skills to thrive in the workforce.

What You’ll Learn

  • MIG welding
  • TIG welding
  • Stick welding
  • Welding techniques
  • Hands-on projects
  • Welding repairs
  • Welding inspection and testing

What You’ll Receive

  • Prior construction experience
  • OSHA 10 certification
  • Job placement services upon completion
  • Participants must register as a Goodwill Client and be on a free service plan with a Career Coach.

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Welding Program Sparks New Career Path for Shelbyville Woman

A smiling woman named Jessica wearing safety glasses and a white hard hat labeled "JESSICA" in blue letters. She is in a workshop setting, likely involved in a skilled trade or training program.

Jessica Lentz was released from prison in January after serving a four-year sentence. It wasn’t the 40-year-old Shelbyville native’s first time behind bars, but she was determined to make it her last.

Tennessee Prison Outreach Ministry referred her to Goodwill Career Solutions, where she enrolled in the nonprofit’s Construction and Weatherization Training program.

“I was just hoping I’d get the skills to do a job that paid better than minimum wage — something where I could be comfortable and not fall back into my old habits,” Jessica says.

At Goodwill, Jessica learned financial literacy, resume writing and communication skills. And skills she acquired in the Construction class — such as the use of pneumatic tools, table saws and routing machines — were exactly what she needed to land a job with a Nashville cabinet-making company.

But Jessica also discovered a hidden talent and a potential career path. After completing the construction course, she signed up for Goodwill’s new Introduction to Welding course.