Career Paths - Tidewater Tech Trades

Careers in Skilled Trades

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About Us

Train in Months, Not Years!

What Do We Do?

Train “hands-on” in our labs and classrooms being led by experienced industry experts. If you need career training but don’t want to wait four years before you can begin to earn, Tidewater Tech is the place for you!

Discover More About Us

The tradition of excellence in career education and training for Tidewater Tech began in 1969 in Norfolk, Virginia with Employment Services Inc., the parent corporation. The company experienced continuing growth at a rapid pace through the 1980s with the opening of new facilities throughout the country stretching from Connecticut to California and Washington state to Florida, always relating to the training and career services of technical and professional personnel. In 1982, the school began independent operations on Euclid Road in Virginia Beach under its former name, Electronic Institute of Technology. During this time, it was providing only high tech training in the field of electronics. In the mid 1980s, the corporation was selected by INC. magazine as 178th of the 500 fastest growing, privately held companies in America.

Why Choose Us?

Knowledge for Success

Our dedication to your education goes past enrollment. We offer career placement assistance to help you with your resume, job search, and interview prep.

Industry Focused Instruction

We meet with employers to assess industry needs. Our small class sizes and simulated work environments are a chance for you to learn and practice your new skills. You will train closely with our dedicated and experienced instructors.

Automotive Technician Training

In the Automotive Technician program, students will be provided the skills in automotive repair to work as an entry level Auto Technician.

Get instruction in electrical and electronic systems; heating and air conditioning systems; brake systems; suspension and steering systems; engine diagnosis and repair; automatic and manual transmissions; and Vehicle Safety Inspection test preparation.

HVAC Technician Training

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) training will prepare you for entry level positions within the HVAC industry.

If you’re looking for a career with more hands-on time, this could be for you. Get practical hands-on instruction in installation, repair and maintenance of air conditioning and heating systems, residential and commercial refrigeration, heat pumps, hydronics and many other areas and prepare to take the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification exam. As a graduate, career opportunities may exist with HVAC companies, builders and contractors, or other specialty companies.

Building & Construction Trades Training

Building & Construction Trades training provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level employment in a maintenance technician career in a variety of settings, such as new construction, the hospitality industry, apartment complexes, and commercial and residential buildings.

These maintenance facility positions are in high demand with skills related to structural, mechanical and electrical applications. Individuals will develop hands-on skills in air-conditioning, heating systems, and electrical theory along with troubleshooting skills. Studies also include tiling, flooring, general building repairs, plumbing applications including state and international plumbing, electrical and building codes to include commercial equipment and repair.

Students will have the opportunity to study and receive the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Section 608 Refrigerant Transition Certification prior to graduation from the program, as well as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10-Hour Safety Certification.

Combination Maritime Welding Training

The Combination Maritime Welding diploma program teaches the fundamentals of welding, which includes the preparation and joining of pieces of metal into machine parts and other equipment.

This program provides the student with the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level employment in a career that utilizes metal fabrication and repair. The program focuses on specialized processes primarily utilized in the shipbuilding and repair industry such as one-inch thick carbon steel, GTAW training on aluminum which is commonly used in the maritime industry and GTAW on carbon steel pipe which focuses on the necessary skills needed to successfully perform pipe welding applications commonly found in maritime applications.

Combination Welding Training

The Combination Welding program offers many opportunities for individuals who enjoy working with their hands, machines, and metals.

Industry uses welding to make automobiles, ships, home appliances, bridges, buildings, and other structures. New welding processes and methods are opening new career areas in electron beams, lasers, and ultrasonic wave applications, which require highly technical equipment and skills.

As an approved AWS Accredited Testing Facility, one of only four approved facilities in the state of Virginia, Tidewater Tech students have the opportunity to graduate certified in the following welding positions:
    • Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW) in 3G and 4G positions
    • Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW ) in 2G, 3G and 4G positions
    • Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) in 3G and 4G positions

In addition, existing welders are able to maintain their AWS certification in Pipe Welding in 6G positions or receive their AWS certification at Tidewater Tech.

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

Average Annual Wages, May 2020

Use hand-welding, flame-cutting, hand soldering, or brazing equipment to weld or join metal components or to fill holes, indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products.

In May 2020, the average annual wages for welders in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

All data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors

$49,520

Machinery Manufacturing

$44,610

Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing (3323 and 3324 only)

$43,780

Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing (3321, 3322, 3325, 3326, and 3329 only)

$43,370

Motor Vehicle Body and Trailer Manufacturing

$41,180

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Average Annual Wages, May 2020

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles. Excludes “Automotive Body and Related Repairers,” “Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists,” and “Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles.”

In May 2020, the average annual wages for automotive service technicians and mechanics in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

All data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation)

$55,420

Automobile Dealers

$49,740

Automotive Repair and Maintenance

$43,710

Gasoline Stations

$43,140

Automotive Parts, Accessories, and Tire Stores

$41,680

Are These Salaries Bigger Than What You're Earning Now?

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HVAC & Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

Average Annual Wages, May 2020

Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.

In May 2020, the average annual wages for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

All data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools

$56,490

Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment (except Automotive and Electronic) Repair and Maintenance

$56,080

Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods

$55,330

Direct Selling Establishments

$52,980

Building Equipment Contractors

$52,320

Maintenance & Repair Workers

Average Annual Wages, May 2020

Perform work involving the skills of two or more maintenance or craft occupations to keep machines, mechanical equipment, or the structure of an establishment in repair. Duties may involve pipe fitting; boiler making; insulating; welding; machining; carpentry; repairing electrical or mechanical equipment; installing, aligning, and balancing new equipment; and repairing buildings, floors, or stairs.

In May 2020, the average annual wages for carpenters in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

All data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools

$45,970

Elementary and Secondary Schools

$45,870

Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals

$45,130

Real Estate

$41,210

Traveler Accommodation

$37,680

School Philosophy

Tidewater Tech is a distinguished co-educational institution committed to the education and personal enrichment of each student. Students can succeed in our collegiate environment when properly motivated, taught to set goals, and encouraged to take responsibility for their own success in furthering their education. All aspects of the school are enriched with creating an atmosphere conducive to learning, while instilling a high degree of business ethics and professionalism. This facilitates the easy transition from a student to a professional in a career. Each program is offered to take all students where they are upon entering the program and help them achieve the specific job competencies needed to meet their short-and long-range employment goals.

Our Mission Statement

We help adult students gain the skills and attitudes necessary for meaningful entry-level career positions.

We strive to be responsive to the needs of our students, area businesses, industries, and government.

We are committed to high academic standards in all of our curricular offerings.

We are dedicated to providing the services that support our students’ efforts to succeed.

Support Services for You.

Here at Tidewater Tech, we think about the student first. So whether you are changing careers, transitioning from the military, or are a recent high school graduate, we offer a wide variety of tools and support to help you reach your goal.

Programs

With a variety of programs in the HVAC, building and construction trades, combination welding, and automotive technician fields, we help you find what is best suited for you to reach your goals.