Welding is the technology of joining metallic materials, with or without a filler, through heat, with or without pressure application. Earlier forms of welding technology were discovered around 1000 CE, but most modern-day techniques available today were put in use beginning in the 1900s, especially during the two world wars.
Welding, either as a technical or engineering course, is a discipline that focuses more on skills training for its students. Schools usually emphasize the practical aspect of welding technology while, in some cases, providing venues for theories training. Unlike academic-centered institutions, welding schools are evaluated through exclusive memberships to international welding certification entities. Many institutions went beyond maintaining international welding training standards and further developed the industry. Here are the top seven international welding schools!
Top Welding Schools in the World
1. Northern College
Northern College is a top school for welding in the world that formally established itself in 1967 in Ontario, following the passage of Bill 153 in 1965, creating publicly funded colleges of applied arts and technology in Canada. The college currently has four locations within Ontario, with one in the Kirkland Lake Campus specializing in welding education and training.
The Northern College School of Welding Engineering Technology provides diploma programs recognized by national and international welding authorities. Certifications from the School of Welding Engineering Technology already prepare the graduates for assured careers in Canada and international partner organizations. Graduates can also take their education further since the department’s certificates are accepted in some institutions as stepping stones to a university degree.
Aside from training trade skills in its students, Northern College’s School of Welding Engineering Technology also has an applied research center to take the discipline further. Their Materials Joining Innovation Center familiarizes the students with sophisticated state-of-the-art equipment and real-world derived projects. This makes Northern College one of the best welding schools worldwide.
2. Institut de Soudure
The Institut de Soudure dates its history from the establishment of the Central Acetylene Office in France in 1905. Decades later, the ESSA – Higher School of Autogenous Welding started in 1930, and the EPS – Professional Welding School started in 1946. In 2003, the two institutions for research and training were combined, inaugurating the Institut de Soudure in Yutz, France.
The unique setup of the Institut de Soudure today is characterized by a group comprised of two schools specialized in welding technology: the ESSA Higher School of Welding and Welding Applications, and the EAPS School of Professional Welding Training. Prospective students can choose between the two schools depending on their career goals.
The Institut de Soudure is among the best welding schools across the globe that strives to be a pioneer in the field of welding through full support to its research center and focus on the technologies of metal joining and testing. Although the school does not issue academic degrees, it provides a wide range of diplomas and certifications that are accepted and recognized internationally for the quality of its holders.
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3. Nederlands Institut voor Lastechniek
The Netherlands Institute for Welding Technology is a private foundation that started in 1935 in Zoetermeer, the Netherlands, specializing in education and technical innovations regarding the welding field. The NIL delivers a world-class welding program and has an active role in improving welding education in the Netherlands through the constant update of training curricula and international welding standards.
Aside from training competent welding technology graduates, the Netherlands Institute for Welding Technology also provides certifications for various international companies as proof of the institute’s credibility. Consultations are also available for such companies, in the same way, tailor-made training is available for its students.
The Netherlands Institute for Welding Technology’s commitment to its students does not stop upon graduation. The graduates’ professional knowledge is constantly updated through regular meetings and workshops, as part of the privileges of the certificates awarded to them. This assures constant growth for the students beyond graduation, making NIL one of the best institutions teaching welding worldwide.
4. The Welding Institute
The Welding Institute is another excellent welding school in the world that started in 1923, named the Institution of Welding Engineers, and evolved its scope and organization through the years. The British Welding Research Association separated from the Institute of Welding in 1946 to distance the research and development part from the professional activities part of the institute. After a few decades and several innovations on both sides, the BWRA and the Institute of Welding merged, establishing The Welding Institute in 1968.
Like most welding education institutions, The Welding Institute does not offer a degree for its graduates who have completed its courses. Memberships with varying levels of access to education and certifications are available instead, depending on the preferences and qualifications of the applicant.
Aside from providing welding training to its students, The Welding Institute also partners its students with the corresponding engineering councils for those inclined to further improve their skills on top of the basic professional training. Key industry sectors are provided with experts and used by the institute to influence their courses and examinations, ensuring constant demand for its graduates.
5. Hobart Institute of Welding Technology
The Hobart Institute of Welding Technology started in 1930, initially as one of the departments of the Hobart Brothers Company. The school became the Hobart Trade School when it received a charter from the State of Ohio in 1940. Several decades and expansions later, the school changed its name to the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology in 1991.
Renovations began in the Hobart Institute in 2005 and, since then, continued to update the learnings in the institute with advanced technology and state-of-the-art facilities. The institute maintains its lead in the industry through its world-class curriculum and expert instructors with years of experience in welding and teaching welding.
Entry into the Hobart Institute means complete control of the courses to be taken as individual courses are available in the catalog aside from the preset programs. The institute also provides a resource center for its students to ensure complete access to learning materials that will ready the trainees for the certifications they aspire for. The institute extends its assistance to its students beyond graduation as it liaises with various national and international companies to ensure career placements for its graduates.
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6. Weld Australia
Weld Australia dates its history from the start of the Australian Welding Institute in 1929 and the Australian Welding Research Association in 1964. Decades later, the two institutions were merged, creating the Welding Technology Institute of Australia, later renamed Weld Australia. Weld Australia provides a progressive welding curriculum across the globe and greatly contributed to the country since it provided, and continues to provide, positive effects to the Australian industries and economy.
Same as other welding schools, Weld Australia utilizes membership registrations from Australians and international applicants to provide them access to world-class welding training. Weld Australia promotes advanced training technologies while also focusing on inclusivity, student safety, and mental fitness.
Ideal teaching methods and learning environments make Weld Australia one of the best schools for acquiring welding training certifications. Certificates obtained from Weld Australia are recognized worldwide, and its set standards serve as the benchmark for companies in Australia and other international partner organizations.
7. Middle East Technical University
The Middle East Technological University started in 1956 under the name Middle East High Technology Institute to contribute to the development of Turkey and Middle Eastern countries. METU is a recognized welding school in the world that aims to train and create a skilled workforce knowledgeable in the natural and social sciences.
METU does not offer degrees in welding technology but provides internationally recognized certifications for training in the university under the METU Welding Technology & Non-destructive Testing Research/Application Center. The WTNDT certificates are comparable to certifications from leading welding training authorities worldwide.
The Welding Technology Center is well established and equipped enough to provide laboratory support for the undergraduate and graduate courses of the Metallurgical and Materials Engineering and Mechanical Engineering departments. The center currently archives a growing number of MSc and Ph.D. theses and dissertations focusing on the welding technology.
We hope that this article on the Best Welding Schools in the World was helpful. To know more information about studying abroad, feel free to check out the Available Programs for International Students.
