Combination Welding Program in South Texas
- Hands-on welding training from week one
- Train close to home in South Texas
- Complete your training in as little as 10 months
- Learn multiple welding processes, not just one
- Career support
Create Your New Future in Welding
Train in a hands-on welder training program designed to help you pursue entry-level work
"*" indicates required fields
Welding Training Program Details
STVT’s Combination Welding program is built for students who want a direct, skill-based path into the welding field. The program emphasizes workplace safety, job-site awareness, and the core techniques employers expect from entry-level welders.
Whether you’re changing careers or looking for a faster path into the workforce, STVT offers welding training at campuses in San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and Weslaco—so you can train close to home in South Texas.
Program Length
• Diploma: 56.5 Credit Hours
• Can be completed in 10 months
*STVT does not guarantee third-party certification. Certification requirements for taking and passing certification examinations are not controlled by STVT but by outside agencies and are subject to change by the agencies without notice to STVT. Therefore, STVT cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take certification examinations, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.
Is the Combination Welding Program Right for You?
A quick fit-check for prospective students before they enroll.
This Program Is a Good Fit If You…
- Want hands-on training and a structured path into welding
- Prefer learning by doing (lab/shop training)
- Want to pursue entry-level welding roles in construction, maintenance, or fabrication
- Want to build safety habits and teamwork skills for job sites
- Want a program offered in South Texas (San Antonio/Corpus Christi/Weslaco)
This Program May Not Be the Best Fit If You…
- Want a job guarantee or a specific wage guarantee
- Only want theory/online-only instruction
- Need to be fully job-ready for advanced specialty welding immediately
- Aren’t prepared to follow strict safety standards daily
- Need a campus outside the listed locations
What You’ll Learn in STVT’s Combination Welding Training Program
Along with classroom education, students at STVT will get the opportunity to participate in hands-on training to strengthen their skills.
SMAW, or stick welding, is a manual arc welding process that uses a consumable electrode covered with a flux to lay the weld.
GMAW is a welding process in which an electric arc forms between a consumable MIG wire electrode and the workpiece metal, which heats the workpiece metal, causing them to fuse.
FCAW requires a continuously-fed consumable tubular electrode containing a flux and a constant-voltage.
GTAW is an arc welding process that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce the weld.
Plate welding allows students to use various welding techniques to weld multiple pieces of metal together.
Pipe welding allows students to use various welding techniques to weld pipes together.
V-groove welding allows students to use various welding techniques to fill in a groove between the 2 metal pieces. They’ll weld these pieces of metal together in overhead, flat, horizontal, and vertical positions.
Learning to read welding symbols allows students to familiarize themselves with the meaning of various symbols found on blueprints and understanding how to prepare the metal for welding, what process to use and the size of the weld.
What You’ll Train On — and How It’s Used in Entry-Level Welding Roles
- Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW / stick welding)
Common on construction and repair work; helps you learn consistent bead control and basic joint welding in practical settings - Gas metal arc welding (GMAW)
Often used in fabrication and shop environments; helps build speed and consistency for common weld types - Flux cored arc welding (FCAW)
Often used when stronger penetration is needed; helps you practice welding techniques that can be used in tougher conditions - Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW)
Helps develop precision and control; useful for cleaner welds where accuracy matters - Plate welding
Helps you practice foundational joints and positioning used in many entry-level tasks - Pipe welding
Introduces a different workflow and positioning; builds comfort with welds that require steady technique - V-groove welds
Helps you learn joint prep and multi-pass fundamentals that show up in job-site and shop work - How to read welding symbols
Helps you understand what a blueprint or work order is asking for so you can set up the right weld type and sequence
Career Options After STVT’s Combination Welding Program
After successfully completing our Combination Welding program, graduates may pursue entry-level careers in welding such as:
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Welders
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Tacker Welders
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Welder Helpers
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Fitter Welders
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Welder/Fabricator
*The jobs mentioned are examples of certain potential jobs, not a representation that these outcomes are more probable than others.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job growth for Welders is projected to remain steady from 2022 to 2032. They also report the average annual salary for Combination Welders across the nation in 2023 is $48,940. For more specifics on the average annual salary of Combination Welders by state, check out the BLS’ 2023 Occupational Employment and Wages report.
*South Texas Vocational Technical Institute cannot guarantee employment or salary.
Entry-Level Roles — What They Typically Mean
| Entry-Level Role | What You Might Do Early On |
|---|---|
| Welder Helper | Support setup, materials handling, prep work, and job-site/shop organization |
| Tacker Welder | Place tack welds to hold parts in position before final welding |
| Welder | Complete assigned welds under supervision; follow symbols/work instructions and safety rules |
| Fitter Welder | Assist with aligning, measuring, and fitting pieces before welding to support accurate assembly |
| Welder/Fabricator | Support basic fabrication tasks—cutting, fitting, and assembling components as directed |
Welding Training in South Texas
Train Close to Home. STVT offers Combination Welding training at:
San Antonio
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734 S.E. Military Drive
San Antonio, TX 78214 -
210-998-1802
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Industries:
Skilled Trades
Corpus Christi
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2000 S Padre Island Dr.
Corpus Christi, TX 78416 -
361-360-4168
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Industries:
Healthcare, Skilled Trades
Weslaco
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1600 N. Westgate Drive, Suite 400
Weslaco, TX 78599 -
956-363-6282
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Industries:
Healthcare, Skilled Trades
Frequently Asked Questions
Combination welding typically refers to training across multiple welding processes so you can build broader foundational skills for entry-level work environments.
Combination welders may use different welding processes depending on the job, materials, and environment—often in construction, maintenance, or fabrication settings.
It builds versatility by exposing you to multiple processes—helpful when applying for entry-level roles that want broad fundamentals.
Many students can complete this program in 10 months, but becoming confident takes practice. Hands-on shop time is a major factor.
STVT offers a structured, hands-on welder training program in South Texas with safety emphasis and training environments designed for skill-building.
Demand varies by region and industry. Welding is commonly used across construction, maintenance, and manufacturing, which can create ongoing opportunities.
A common path is welding training + hands-on practice + entry-level work experience. Some roles may require additional testing or certifications depending on the employer.
It can be. Many students choose trade training because it’s a faster path than a four-year degree. Admissions can help you understand schedule options and time commitment.
No. This program is designed to teach fundamentals and build skills through guided practice.
Training builds the foundation and practice. Job readiness grows with repetition, coaching, and early work experience. This program is designed to help you start that path.
STVT does not guarantee third-party certifications. Certification requirements depend on outside agencies and may vary.
Ask what processes you’ll practice, how shop time works, what safety training looks like, and what entry-level roles graduates typically pursue.
Ready to Start Welding Training in South Texas?
If you’re looking for a hands-on welder training program with a clear timeline, STVT can help you take the next step. Request info, talk with admissions about scheduling and financial aid options, or schedule a tour at San Antonio, Corpus Christi, or Weslaco.
What is NCCER?
The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), created in 1996, is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) education foundation. NCCER was developed with the support of more than 125 construction CEOs, and various association and academic leaders to create a standardized training and credentialing program for the construction industry.
Why is NCCER important to you?
Earning NCCER’s industry-recognized credentials means you, having undergone approved training, and have met the standards set by the NCCER. Your universally recognized credentials in your craft represent a national portability of your skills.
Additionally, NCCER manages credentialing and certification through its Registry System, which assists craft trainees and professionals by maintaining their records in a secure database.
NCCER also drives multiple initiatives to enhance career development and recruitment efforts for the industry, primarily through its Build Your Future initiative.
Why is NCCER important to employers?
Many organizations and companies track the qualifications of their craft professionals and possible new hires through NCCER’s Registry System. Those with NCCER credentials may be more desirable to potential employers.
What to Expect in Your First 30 Days
| In Your First Month, You’ll Typically… | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Learn shop safety and core welding fundamentals | Builds confidence before you start stacking skills |
| Practice basic weld types and technique consistency | Helps you improve faster through repetition |
| Start learning symbols and how instructions translate to welds | Reduces “I feel lost” anxiety for beginners |
| Get coached on setup, prep, and safe workflow habits | These habits are what employers notice early |
Take the Next Step Today
Let us help you on the path to build your dream career. Get in touch with our team to help you find the program that is right for you and take the steps to get started.
