Looking for classes in a specific city? Check out our lists of Welder Schools in Green Bay, Kenosha, Madison, and Milwaukee.
Dreaming of a career in welding?
Finding the right school can set the foundation for your success. This article highlights the top welder schools in Wisconsin, detailing programs that offer essential hands-on training, experienced instructors, and strong job placement rates.
AWI – Comprehensive Welding Education Program
AWI’s Eagle River Campus, located in the scenic Northwoods of Wisconsin, offers a robust welding education program. This program is designed to prepare you for a successful career in the welding industry with real-world experiences and extensive training.
Key Features of AWI’s Program:
- Hands-on Training: You’ll gain valuable practical experience just minutes away from the campus.
- Financial Aid: Financial aid options are available to help manage tuition and other expenses.
- High Employment Rates: AWI boasts impressive graduation and employment rates, reflecting its dedication to student success.
- Flexible Courses: The program includes full-time courses and professional development opportunities to suit your schedule and career goals.
- Certification Opportunities: Enhance your skills and employability with various certifications offered by AWI.
- Experienced Instructors: AWI’s staff brings a wealth of expertise and uses the latest advancements in welding technology.
- Safe Learning Environment: Campus security ensures a safe and conducive learning environment.
This program is comprehensive and practical, all geared towards equipping you with the skills necessary to thrive in the welding industry. Visit AWI’s website for more details.
Wisconsin Technical College System – Welding Programs
The Wisconsin Technical College System comprises several technical colleges across Wisconsin, offering specialized welding programs. Each college provides concentrated instruction tailored to meet the high-demand skills in the welding industry.
Programs Offered Include:
- Different Welding Techniques: Courses cover oxyacetylene welding, braze welding, gas metal arc welding (GMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), and robotic welding.
- Multiple Campuses: Schools include Blackhawk, CVTC, Gateway, Lakeshore, Madison College, Mid-State, Milwaukee Area, Moraine Park, Nicolet College, Northcentral, Northeast, Northwood Tech, Southwest, and Western.
- Flexible Education Paths: Programs range from associate degrees and technical diplomas to skill certificates.
- Hands-on Learning: Practical experience is a key component, ensuring you’re job-ready upon graduation.
With a median wage of $42,088 for welders in Wisconsin, these programs can significantly boost your employability. For more information on welding courses and specific campuses, visit Wisconsin Technical College System.
Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) – Welding Program
Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) offers an inclusive welding program available at multiple campuses: Mequon, Oak Creek, and West Allis. The program encompasses various welding techniques, ensuring a comprehensive education.
Program Highlights:
- Diverse Techniques: Focus on shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), and gas metal arc welding (GMAW).
- Supportive Curriculum: Emphasis on blueprint reading, trade-specific math, and workplace communication.
- Skill Recognition: Graduates receive digital badges for specific skills, making them attractive to employers.
- Career Opportunities: Positions like Quality Assurance Inspector, Robotic Welding Technician, and apprenticeships in trades like Boilermaking and Ironworking.
- Pathway to an Associate Degree: The Welding Fundamentals certificate can fast-track you into MATC’s Welding Technology associate degree program.
MATC’s welding program prepares you for various career paths through targeted and hands-on training. For additional details, check out the MATC welding program.
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College – Welding Program
At Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC), the welding program is structured to cover essential welding techniques extensively, combining theoretical and practical training.
Key Components:
- Wide-Ranging Techniques: Training in SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, and SAW.
- Blueprints and Metallurgy: Inclusion of blueprint reading, metallurgy, and welding layout in the curriculum.
- Certification Testing: On-campus AWS and ASME code welding testing available.
- Campus Features: Two semesters, totaling 32 credits, with required PPE purchases.
- Career Paths: Graduates often secure jobs as maintenance welders, qualified welders, structural welders, welder/fabricators, and pipe welders, with a median starting salary of $45,760.
For a well-rounded welding education that prepares you for diverse job opportunities, explore the NWTC welding program.
Dreambound – Welding Training Courses in Wisconsin
Dreambound is an innovative platform that connects prospective welders with training courses across Wisconsin. The platform covers a wide range of welding fundamentals and techniques.
Course Features:
- User-Friendly Platform: Easy navigation to find programs in cities like Madison and Milwaukee.
- Comprehensive Training: Courses cover welding fundamentals, techniques, and safety procedures.
- Practical Experience: Emphasis on internships and apprenticeships to gain hands-on skills.
- Certification Preparation: Strong focus on preparing for AWS certification exams and career application tips.
Dreambound provides a supportive and resourceful environment, ensuring that you emerge as a well-prepared professional. Discover more about Dreambound’s courses.
Madison College – Welding Program
The Welding Program at Madison College focuses on equipping you with essential welding skills and industry-specific knowledge. Operating out of their Fort Atkinson campus, this program stands out with its modern facilities.
Key Features:
- Diverse Welding Techniques: Emphasis on arc welding processes and practical training.
- Dual Degree Option: Unique Metal Fabrication with Welding Bolt-on program offers the chance to earn dual degrees within a year.
- Career Readiness: Graduates are prepared for roles like maintenance welders, structural welders, and ironworker apprentices.
- Affordability: The one-year Technical Diploma costs approximately $6,286.46, with financial aid options available.
- High Employment Rate: Graduates enjoy strong prospects in the welding industry.
Madison College’s welding program offers a comprehensive pathway to a successful career. For more information, visit Madison College’s welding program page.
Mid-State Technical College – Welding Program
Mid-State Technical College provides a robust welding program designed to impart essential skills through practical experience. This program is tailored to meet the needs of the modern welding industry.
Features of the Mid-State Welding Program:
- Comprehensive Techniques: Training encompasses shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), along with oxyacetylene cutting, plasma arc cutting, and arc-air cutting.
- Hands-on Practice: The program places significant emphasis on hands-on practice, ensuring that students develop their skills through direct application.
- Experienced Instructors: Benefit from over 25 years of instructional experience, providing knowledgeable and engaged mentorship.
- Certification Options: State and national certifications, while not required for program completion, are available to enhance your competitive edge in the job market.
- Diverse Career Opportunities: Graduates can pursue careers as construction welders, fabricators, maintenance welders, and more.
To get more details and understand the program’s full potential, visit the Mid-State Technical College welding program page.
Madison College – Welding Fundamentals Certificate
The Welding Fundamentals Certificate at Madison College is designed to provide foundational welding skills necessary for entry-level positions.
Key Details:
- Core Techniques: Focus on Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW).
- Curriculum Highlights: Courses include safety protocols, engineering drawings, and occupational development essentials, totaling nine credits over one semester.
- Certification Prep: Successful completion prepares you for AWS and State of Wisconsin Structural Steel Welding Certification exams.
- Admissions and Financials: Admission is based on availability, and this certificate is not eligible for financial aid; review specific admission requirements beforehand.
This certificate offers a robust introduction to welding. For more details, visit Madison College’s Welding Fundamentals Certificate page.
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College – Welding Program
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College’s welding program offers training across various manual and semiautomatic welding processes, preparing you for a wide range of industrial sectors.
Program Highlights:
- Diverse Techniques: The curriculum ensures proficiency in SMAW, GMAW, Flux Core Welding, GTAW, and cutting operations.
- Comprehensive Training: Students learn blueprint reading, fabrication planning, applied mathematics, and over 19 welding processes.
- Accredited Program: Accreditation by the American Welding Society emphasizes high safety and educational standards.
- Financial Aid Available: Tuition and fees are accessible with financial aid options.
Graduates typically find employment in manufacturing, construction, automotive, and maintenance sectors. For further information, visit Southwest Wisconsin Technical College’s welding program page.
Gateway Technical College – Welding Program
Gateway Technical College offers a wide-ranging welding program, ensuring students receive training in all major welding techniques.
Key Aspects:
- Techniques Covered: Instruction includes GMAW, GTAW, SMAW, plasma arc, and thermal cutting methods.
- Hands-On Learning: Emphasizing practical skills through extensive hands-on learning experiences.
- Specialized Courses: Offers specialized instruction in pipe welding methods, crucial for working with various alloys.
- Industry-Standard Curriculum: Aligns with current industry standards, providing relevant and up-to-date training.
- Flexible Scheduling: Options for full-time and part-time enrollment, accommodating various student needs.
For more detailed information, you can visit Gateway Technical College’s welding program page.
What to Consider When Choosing a Welding Program
Choosing the right welder school involves several critical factors. Here’s what you need to evaluate to make an informed decision:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited, confirming it meets industry standards and provides quality education.
- Hands-On Training: Effective welding education requires ample hands-on practice. Check if the program includes extensive real-world training opportunities.
- Instructor Experience: Experienced instructors can significantly impact your learning experience, offering valuable insights and advanced techniques.
- Job Placement Rates: Look into the program’s job placement rates to gauge how well it prepares students for employment in the welding industry.
- Financial Aid: Investigate the availability of scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options to make education more affordable.
- Flexible Schedules: Some programs offer part-time or evening classes to accommodate students who may be working or have other commitments.
- Advanced Certification Opportunities: Programs that offer advanced certifications can improve your employability and career progression.
- Industry Affiliations: Schools with strong industry connections can provide networking opportunities and easier access to job placements.
- Overall Cost: Calculate the total cost, including tuition, equipment, and certification fees, to ensure it fits within your budget.
Welder Schools By State
Concluding Your Search for the Best Welder School in Wisconsin
Wisconsin offers some of the best welder schools, each with unique attributes tailored to meet diverse student needs. Whether you prioritize hands-on training, flexible schedules, accredited programs, or financial assistance, this list provides a comprehensive guide to help you find the perfect school.
To embark on your welding journey, explore the programs in-depth and reach out to the institutions for more information. Start by visiting their websites, scheduling campus visits, and discussing your career goals with admissions advisors.
Choosing the right welding school is a pivotal step in your career. With the right education and training, you can achieve your professional aspirations in the welding industry. Happy learning!