There is always a need for highly skilled welders in the construction, manufacturing, and industrial sectors in Chicago. Automobiles, airplanes, and machines are just some of the daily conveniences that would not be possible without welders. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that 14,500 new welding jobs will be added through 2028, and you can learn the essential skills to enter this field by enrolling in an accredited welder program.
While there is no state certification for welders in Illinois, welding programs offered by community colleges and vocational schools will prepare you for certification through the American Welding Society. The prestigious certificate will be awarded after you apply for testing. A Certified Welding Inspector will inspect your weld and determine your eligibility for certification. The credential of Certified Welder issued by AWS is accepted everywhere and demonstrates your ability to practice according to established standards.
Lincoln Tech
The welding program offered by Lincoln Tech comprises of 960 hours of in-depth training to prepare students for work as a welder. Students activities will include welding plate metal, carbon steel plates, aluminum, and stainless steel, welding in horizontal, vertical and overhead settings, and developing skills in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG), Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW), and Gas Tungsten Arc Gas Welding (GTAW/TIG). They will also learn the properties of metals and metal transitions between liquid and solid states and how to make precision cuts in steel plates and pipes with superheated gasses. The 10-hour OSHA approved safety orientation will be included as part of the training. Day and evening schedules are available.
Program overview:
Welding Technology
Duration: 44 weeks
Contact hours: 960
Prerequisites:
- Must be beyond the age of compulsory school attendance
- Must be a high school graduate or possess a state-approved high school equivalency assessment
- Complete and sign an Enrollment Agreement
- Pay the required registration fee
- Take and pass an entrance exam
- Attend a New Student Orientation after completing the enrollment procedures
Program cost:
The cost of completing the program is $24,035. It includes tuition, books, uniforms, tools, student fee, registration fee, and technology fee.
Website: https://www.lincolntech.edu/campus/melrose-park-il
Address: 8317 W. North Avenue, Melrose Park, IL 60160
Phone: (708) 344-4700
A Safe Haven
A Safe Haven Training Academy facilitates an Introductory and Welding Bridge Program for homeless and disadvantaged job seeks, including veterans and ex-offenders, to prepare for gainful employment. The Introductory Welding program covers basic welding and leads to an American Welding Society certificate. Students will learn basic welding skills, welding mathematics, layout and fabrication, blueprint reading, and job safety and ethics. The OSHA 10-hour general industry safety course and test for OSHA 10 certification are also included in the program.
Program overview:
Introduction to Welding
Duration: 14 weeks
Contact hours: 210
Prerequisites:
- Attend a Program Orientation
- Fill out an information form to apply to the program
Program cost:
The welding program is free for job seekers.
Website: https://www.asafehaven.org/training-academy/
Address: 2750 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, IL 60608
Phone: (773) 435-8300
Richard J. Daley
The Industrial Welding program at Richard J. Daley includes an Introduction to Welding and an Intermediate Welding program. The beginning course covers basic welding skills that will prepare students for Gas Metal Arc Welding (GNAW or MIG) from the American Welding Society. The second course covers basic skills that lead to AWS qualification in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding and Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW). Course content includes welding processes, welding safety, steel designations, resistance welding, and torch work, and welding with a FANUC robot.
Program overview:
Welding Basic Certificate
Duration: one semester
Credit hours: 6
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Submit a completed application to the program
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- A valid driver’s license or state ID and social security card
Program cost:
Tuition costs $146 per credit. The expenses for materials and supplies are not included in the tuition.
Website: https://www.ccc.edu/colleges/daley/programs/Pages/Industrial-Welding-Basic-Certificate.aspx
Address: 7500 South Pulaski Rd Chicago, IL 60652
Phone: (773) 838-7500
Chicago Women in Trades
CWIT’s Welding Program is targeted to women who are seeking to build skills to work in manufacturing and metal working. Theory and practical instruction will cover the three welding practices (MIG, Stick, and TIG), shop math, shop safety, workplace readiness, blueprint reading, American Welding Society Certification in MIG, resume building, job search assistance, physical strengthening, and post-graduation case management. Graduates will qualify for OSHA certification and AWS certification in MIG. Classes meet Monday through Thursday from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm.
Program overview:
Welding Basic Certificate
Duration: Based on the schedule
Contact hours: 250
Prerequisites:
- Register and attend an information session online
- Provide a copy of birth certificate and driver’s license or state ID
- Provide at least 6 months of past paystubs/income
- Must have a valid social security card
- Provide proof of residency/eligibility to work in the United States
- Take and pass the program admission assessment
- Pass a drug test
Program cost:
Training is free for eligible students.
Website: https://cwit.org/trade-programs/women-welding-program
Address: 2444 W. 16th Street, Suite 3E Chicago, IL 60608
Phone: 312-942-1444
Fax: 312-942-1599
ETI School of Skilled Trades
ETI School of Skilled Trades trains students to become skilled and capable welders. Experienced instructors will support the development of welding skills through participation in job-site simulations. A substantial portion of the allocated hours will be spent in the welding lab using modern equipment under the direction of expert instructors. Course modules include Introduction to Welding, Shielded Metal Arc Welding Plate, Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Flux Core Arc (FCAW), and (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) Plate. Day and evening classes are designed to meet the needs of students with busy schedules. Day classes Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. Evening classes meet Monday through Thursday from 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm. Job placement assistance is available for all graduates.
Program overview:
Skilled Welder Program
Duration: 7 months
Contact hours: 906
Prerequisites:
- Schedule an interview and campus tour with an admissions representative
- Provide official transcripts or original diploma as proof of graduation from high school or high school equivalent
- Submit completed admissions paperwork including a signed enrollment agreement
Program cost:
The cost of the program is $15,999.77. It includes tuition, registration fee, books, AWS welding certification, and sales tax.
Website: https://eticampus.edu/welding-program/
Address: 500 Joliet Rd Suite #100, Willowbrook IL 60527
Phone: (888) 830-7678
College of Lake County
The Welding Certificate program at College of Lake County prepares students for a career in welding. The program is offered through the Department of Engineering, Math, and Physical Sciences and covers 41-42 credit hours. Theory and practical instruction will cover General Welding, Welding Blue Print Reading, Applied Mathematics, Basic Metallurgy, Gas Welding Cutting and Brazing, Basic Metallurgy or Manufacturing Processes, Gas Metal Arc Welding, Shielded Arc Welding, Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Welding Electives. Final semester courses include Applied Fabricating and Processing, Welding Certification, and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding I and II.
Program overview:
Welding Certificate
Duration: 4 semesters
Credit hours: 41-42
Prerequisites:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Submit proof of completing high school or equivalent
- Submit a completed application for admission to CLC
Program cost:
Tuition costs $125 per credit for in-district students and $322 per credit hour for out-of-district students. Additional costs for fees, books, and supplies are not reflected in the cost.
Website: https://www.clcillinois.edu/programs/wld
Address: 19351 West Washington Street, Grayslake, IL 60030-1198
Phone: (847) 543-2000
Moraine Valley Community College
Students enrolled in the welding program at Moraine Valley Community College will learn from experienced instructors the essential skills required for a successful career in welding. Training will be according to the current industry, structural steel, pipe, and pressure codes. Hands-on activities in SMAW, gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, braze welding, brazing, oxy-fuel, and plasma cutting will program from basic to the advanced level. Graduates will receive a Certificate of Completion.
Program overview:
Welding Advanced Certificate
Duration: 3 semesters
Credit hours: 33
Prerequisites:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Submit proof of completing high school or equivalent
- Take the placement test or submit ACT or SAT scores
- Submit official high school transcripts and any college transcripts
- Submit a completed application for admission
Program cost:
The program will cost $7,180 for students who complete it in the normal time. There will be additional costs for fees, textbooks, supplies, and living expenses.
Website: https://www.morainevalley.edu/academics/academic-programs/mechanical-technologies/welding/
Address: 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills, IL 60465-2478
Phone: (708) 974-4300