American Welding Society SENSE Level 1
The Merrill Institute has offered its students comprehensive, state-of-the-art, hands-on welding training since it was founded in 2011. Located within the fabrication facilities of MERRILL, our students have the unique opportunity to see a live, working manufacturing plant in action as they learn from AWS-certified Instructors and Educators. In just 12 weeks, graduates will develop the skills and knowledge required to embark on a successful career in welding. Every student who completes the Merrill Institute program will leave with the confidence and tools they need to excel in today’s challenging workplaces.
Why choose us...Small class sizesPrograms that meet individual and business needsHelp setting goals…and meeting themOpportunities and established connectionsWidely recognized certificationsJob placement assistanceWe’re dedicated to your success — from day one throughout your entire career. Our “failure is not an option” philosophy means that we not only provide you with tools, resources and knowledge, but that our instructors will work with you if you need additional hands-on coaching. And that philosophy doesn’t end after you leave the classroom. It will follow you through graduation and into your future.We are committed to ensuring that every student successfully completes and graduates our program — and we want to see you established in a career:We assist students with resume and cover letter writing for a professional, polished end resultStudents participate in mock job interviews to help them put their best foot forwardMerrill Institute holds a Reverse Career Fair where students have the opportunity to showcase their best work to potential employers, who visit each student, share information about their companies and even hold initial interviews on-the-spotOur instructors offer job placement guidance
Open to all MOS / ratings / AFSCs.
There’s no previous experience neededWe require a 70% or better on our written assessment test and we will also measure your hand-eye coordination and your hand-tool dexterityThe certification course meets for 12 weeks, Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pmYou’ll spend 85% of the time doing hands-on training in our welding labs, and just 15% in a classroom
All personal protective equipment, welding consumables, welding material, tools, and welding book are included in the tuition cost. Tuition cost will need to covered by the service member's G.I Bill. The application fee will be waived for service members and veterans.
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Interview prep for this program▸
- ▸ "How many of your past SkillBridge interns received full-time offers?" — a serious program knows the number.
- ▸ "Who will my day-to-day mentor be, and what does week one look like?"
- ▸ "The listing says 61 - 90 days — can that flex to my approved window if my command shortens it?"
- ▸ "Is relocation expected for a full-time offer, or can I convert where I am?"
- ▸ Confirm the eligibility notes above — ask exactly what they need from you and when.
- ✓ Your projected start window and separation date (from your profile)
- ✓ Your command's approval status — even "packet drafted" signals you're serious
- ✓ Your civilian-translated resume bullets (generate them here)
- ✓ A written training-plan ask — you'll need it for your packet anyway