Though welding is an art and a science, enrolling in a welding school will help you to develop the skills and technical knowledge to secure entry-level employment in the field. Like other construction trades, welding has survived downturns in the economic cycle over and over again, as residential, commercial, and industrial consumers depend on these services to keep their homes and businesses in top form. According to the United States Bureau of Lab Statistics, welding is also categorized as part of more than 50 other occupational titles that are related to welding or welding activity. So, whether you plan to pursue welding as a profession or develop the skill as part of another profession, you will be ready to respond when employers call for professionals with this much-needed skill. Most welding programs include preparation for certification from the American Welding Society.
San Jose City College
San Jose City College offers an Ironworker Apprenticeship to prepare students for a role as a welder in the construction sector. Students will study Ironworker’s rules and regulations, record keeping, evaluations and advancement, safety, green construction practices, and maintaining a healthful work environment. Courses will include a lecture component as well as lab components to apply the theoretical principles under the guidance of faculty before venturing into the workplace. The three welding modules in the program will cover the structure of ferrous metals and their reactions to heat, shielded metal-arc, gas shielded arc, oxyacetylene welding, and vertical and overhead positions on all types of joints. Other modules include AWS Code Welding, Foreman Training, Ironworkers Union History, OSHA 30/COMET Training, Lead Hazard/Scaffold/First Aid and much more. The preapprenticeship will take place at the conclusion of the program. Students must be a registered Ironworker Apprentice with a participating employer.
Program overview:
Ironworker Apprenticeship
Duration: 24 months
Units: 31.5
Prerequisites:
- Submit an application via SJCC online
- Complete and submit a FAFSA to the Financial Aid office if needed
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Submit high school cumulative GPA to obtain waivers for English and Math placement
- Complete the online orientation
- Schedule and attend a meeting with a counselor to develop an educational goal and plan
- Register for classes online
- Obtain a free student ID card from the student center
- Take a placement test at SJCC through the Assessment Center
- Must be a registered Ironworker Apprentice with a participating employer.
Program cost:
The enrollment fee is $46 per unit for students who meet California residency status.
- Website: https://www.sjcc.edu/home
- Address: 2100 Moorpark Avenue, San Jose, CA 95128
- Phone: (408) 298-2181
Chabot College
The welding technology program at Chabot College is designed for students preparing for entry-level welding positions. They will obtain knowledge and practical skills to qualify for interim welding positions required by the manufacturing, fabrication, maintenance, and construction industries. Course modules are measurements and calculations, welding layout and fitting, beginning arc, flux-core welding and blueprint reading, beginning TIG, MIG and blueprint reading, welding skills laboratory, and introduction to welding. Courses must be completed in a suggested sequence as some may have prerequisites. Graduates will be prepared to pass the American Welding Society (AWS) tests in the appropriate areas of study. An associate degree option is available for those preparing for welder certification and study in an industrial-related degree program.
Program overview:
Welding Technology – Certificate of Proficiency
Duration: 1 semester
Units: 15
Prerequisites:
- Submit an application for admission to Chabot College
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Must have a valid ID and social security card
- Register for classes online
Program cost:
The enrollment fee is $46 per unit for students who meet California residency status.
- Website: https://www.chabotcollege.edu/?ref=logo
- Address: 25555 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, CA 94545
- Phone: (510) 723-6600
Cal-Trade Welding School of Modesto
Students enrolled in the Combination Welding program at Cal-Trade Welding School will learn to do basic arc welding and stick welding. The coursework will progress through the wire feed processes including gas shielded mig and self-shielded flux cored wire. The training will also include hand fed tig welding, cutting, grinding and metal fundamentals. Course modules include Stick Welding (200), Oxy-Acetyline Cutting (60), Heliarc Welding (120), Mig Welding (60), FCAW and FCAW-G Welding (80), and Introduction to Pipe Welding (20). Training will be conducted on the school premises. Welding certification is required for graduation. Graduates will receive a Certificate of Completion and be eligible for AWS D1.1 certification.
Program overview:
Combination Welding
Duration: 18 weeks
Clock hours: 540
Prerequisites:
- Submit an application for admission to Cal-Trade
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Must have 5 years’ experience in occupational code related structural application or equivalent
- Must have a valid ID and social security card
Program cost:
The total program cost of $12,525 includes the registration fee, tuition, textbooks, supplies, certification cost, and STRF.
- Website: https://www.caltradeweldingschoolofmodesto.com/
- Address: 424 Kansas Ave., Modesto, CA 95351
- Phone: (209) 523-0753
Las Positas College
The Certificate of Achievement in Welding Technology is designed to prepare students for entry level employment in a manufacturing environment. Students will learn how to operate safely while performing the welding skills needed to pass standard industry tests. They will also learn to use auxiliary equipment, processes and materials. Course modules include Print Reading for Industry, Welding Layout and Fitting, Welding Inspection and Testing, Welding Workplace Safety, SMAW and FCAW Theory and Skills Lab, Advanced SMAW and FCAW Skills Lab, Welding Skills Lab, Advanced Welding Skills Lab, Certification Preparation, Beginning Laser Welding, Intermediate Laser Welding, Advanced Laser Welding, and The Welding Business. Graduates will receive a certificate of completion and have a strong knowledge foundation to utilize and apply common welding processes. They will be eligible for positions as shielded arc, flux core or MIG and TIG welders in research laboratories, in structural fabrication shops or in general welding shops and to take the welding certification tests.
Program overview:
Welding Technology Certificate of Achievement
Duration: 4 semesters
Units: 26
Prerequisites:
- Submit an application for admission to Las Positas College – must create an online account on the CCC Chancellors Office (OpenCCC).
- Activate a Zonemail account
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must have a high school diploma or equivalent – provide cumulative high school GPA
- Complete the online orientation
- Take any required English/Math placement assessments
- Meet with a counselor and complete student education plan
- Must have a valid ID and social security card
- Register for classes and pay the required fees
Program cost:
Tuition costs $46 per unit for California residents. The costs of fees, supplies, and other expenses are not included.
- Website: http://www.laspositascollege.edu/index.php
- Address: 3000 Campus Hill Drive, Livermore, CA 94551
- Phone: (925) 424-1000
Cabrillo College
The welding program at Cabrillo College prepares students for entry-level employment in welding and fabrication related industries, including agriculture, construction, manufacturing, marine technology, and transportation. The school offers basic and advanced certificate options, continued education/retraining, and qualification testing for adults currently in welding related trades. The basic course includes TIG welding, introduction to sheet metal fabrication, Arc welding, and advanced welding. Students who complete the program will be able to perform and pass a standardized AWS qualification test on 3/8” steel plate in the flat and one or more welding positions other than the flat using an E7018 class electrode. They will demonstrate skills in joining sheet metal by means of soldering, riveting, spot welding, and forming metal locks and develop a variety of patterns to form sheet metal components and transitions.
Program overview:
Basic Welding Skills Certificate
Duration: 2 semesters
Units: 8
Prerequisites:
- Submit an application for admission to Cabrillo College –
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must have a high school diploma or equivalent – provide cumulative high school GPA
- Complete the online orientation
- Take any required English/Math placement assessments
- Meet with a counselor and complete student education plan
- Must have a valid ID and social security card
- Register for classes and pay the required fees
Program cost:
Tuition costs $46 per unit for California residents. The costs of fees, supplies, and other expenses are not included.
- Website: https://www.cabrillo.edu/
- Address: 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003
- Phone: (831) 479-6100
Center for Employment Training
The hands-on welding job training program at CET provides students with the skills and training needed to obtain employment as a welder. The curriculum includes extensive practical work in shop safety, shop math, shop English, and blueprint interpretation. It will also cover essential welding theories such as SMAW process, GTAW process, GMAW process, FCAW process, as well as the Oxy-Fuel process. Students will cover the theoretical base in the classroom followed by projects- just like in a real job. Course modules include shop and welding safety, basic computers, oxy-fuel process, blueprint reading and interpretation, GMAW and FCAW process, SMAW process, GTAW process, and job preparation. The class size is limited to 20 to 25 students with each cycle.
Program overview:
Welding Fabrication Certificate
Duration: 8 to 9 months
Clock hours: 900
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 17 years of age
- Provide documentation of high school graduation, GED, or equivalent – options are available for non-high school graduates
- Provide a valid government-issued photo ID or driver’s license or passport
- Submit an application for admission
- Take and pass the entrance exam
Program cost:
The program cost of $13,182 includes tuition, books, uniforms, and project supplies. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://cetweb.edu/
- Address: 1099 N Pepper Ave Colton, CA 92324
- Phone: (909) 478-3818