Looking for classes in a specific city? Check out our lists of Welder Schools in Alexandria, Arlington, Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Richmond, Roanoke, and Virginia Beach.
Curious about starting a welding career in Virginia?
Discover the best welder schools in Virginia, each offering specialized programs to help you gain the skills needed for a successful welding career.
This article highlights top institutions, detailing unique program features and key benefits to streamline your decision-making process.
NOVA Community College – Welding Basic Techniques Career Studies Certificate
Are you looking for a fast-track into Virginia’s welding industry? NOVA Community College offers a Welding Basic Techniques Career Studies Certificate that might be just what you need.
This program is designed for students who want immediate employment. Whether you’re a novice or possess some welding knowledge, this part-time certificate program provides essential practical experience.
Key Features:
- Hands-on learning: Courses such as Welding I (Oxyacetylene) under certified instructors.
- State-of-the-art facilities: Access to industry-standard tools and machines for an immersive training environment.
- Cost-effective: Affordable tuition, scholarships, and a Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) policy to reduce costs.
- Accredited: Program accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
By the end of this program, you’ll be ready for roles like welding apprenticeships or lab assistants in key industries, including manufacturing and aviation.
VA School of Metal – Welding Career Courses
The VA School of Metal, led by Stephen Brownell, provides extensive training that ensures you’re career-ready upon graduation. Stephen’s 47 years of experience and his dedication to training over 6,000 students is evident in the school’s excellent reputation.
What you’ll gain here:
- Diverse courses: Choose from MIG, TIG, STICK welding, and advanced welding courses.
- Hands-on experience: State-of-the-art equipment is always at your disposal.
- Personalized guidance: Expert instructors offer one-on-one guidance tailored to your skill level.
- Portfolio development: Opportunity to showcase your work in the school’s gallery.
Graduates are prepared for fulfilling careers in structural welding, nuclear facilities, and architectural welding.
VWCC School of Career & Corporate Training – Welding and Metal Processing Career Studies Certificate
Gain the skills necessary for entry-level welding positions with the VWCC Welding and Metal Processing Career Studies Certificate.
This program features:
- Comprehensive techniques: Training in arc, gas, MIG, and TIG welding.
- Metal fabrication: Practical skills developed in a cutting-edge shop facility.
- Professional certification: Accredited by the American Welding Society, increasing your job readiness.
Enjoy options for both accelerated and flexible formats, lenders to draft credit or non-credit intensive training. Experienced faculty and hands-on workshops make it an accessible and robust training program.
Virginia Peninsula Community College – Welding Program
The Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC) offers an extensive Welding Program covering various welding techniques.
Key highlights include:
- Technique variety: Training in oxyacetylene, gas metal arc, shield metal arc, and gas tungsten arc welding.
- Blueprint reading: Understanding welding codes and safety standards.
- Specialized courses: The Certified Welder – Pipe course, focusing on advanced welding on open-root pipe positions.
- Industry relevance: Ideal for roles in manufacturing, construction, and more.
Affordable tuition, including the FastForward route, and funding part of the Federal USDOL-ETA project, enhance the program’s appeal.
Tidewater Community College – TCC Certified Welder Program
The TCC Certified Welder Program at Tidewater Community College offers a well-rounded welding education.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Diverse classes: Including oxyfuel welding, pipe, and tube welding.
- Certification opportunities: Structural steel, petroleum pipelines, and more.
- Flexible prerequisites: No prior requirements and transferable certifications nationwide.
- Top-notch facilities: AWS Accredited Testing Facilities ensure recognized standards.
The performance-based assessment model focuses on providing the skills and certifications needed for immediate employment opportunities, enhancing your job prospects significantly.
Continue your journey to become a welding expert by choosing the best fit from these programs to meet your training needs and career aspirations in welding.
Advanced Technology Institute – Welding Program
The Advanced Technology Institute (ATI) in Virginia Beach offers a welding program designed to equip students with practical skills required to meet the demands of the welding industry. This program emphasizes hands-on training combined with theoretical knowledge to ensure graduates are job-ready.
Key Features of ATI’s Welding Program:
- Real-world training: Blends practical application with theoretical instruction.
- Timeline flexibility: Earn a diploma in 15 months or an Associate’s Degree in 18 months.
- Employer-driven curriculum: Courses tailored to meet regional employer needs.
- Career services support: Assistance with job placement upon graduation.
- Certification preparation: Training for industry-standard certifications to bolster employability.
Graduates of ATI’s program are well-prepared for diverse roles within the welding industry, ranging from fabricators to welding inspectors.
Virginia Community College System – Certificate in Welding
The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) offers a Certificate in Welding across various locations, including Brightpoint and Central Virginia Community Colleges. These programs give students a robust foundation in numerous welding techniques.
Key Components of the VCCS Welding Certificate:
- Diverse techniques: Training includes MIG, TIG, Oxyacetylene, and shielded metal arc welding.
- Safety procedures and standards: Emphasis on workplace safety and industry standards.
- Flexibility: Day, evening, and weekend classes to accommodate different schedules.
- Quality instruction: Guidance from experienced instructors in well-equipped labs.
- Affordability: Financial aid options and scholarships available to reduce costs.
These certificate programs ensure that students gain the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to succeed in various welding careers.
Paul D. Camp Community College – PDC Marine Welding Program
The PDC Marine Welding Program at Paul D. Camp Community College is designed in collaboration with the Virginia Ship Repair Association. This program is perfect for those looking to enter the marine welding field.
Highlights of the PDC Marine Welding Program:
- Intensive training: A 3-week course focused on marine welding techniques.
- Certification levels: Three levels starting with basic stick welding.
- AWS certification: Opportunity to take the AWS certification test.
- State-of-the-art facilities: Classes held in a modern Mobile Welding Lab.
- Cost-effective: Tuition of $3,900, with the Workforce Credential Grant reducing the cost to $1,300 for eligible students.
With direct ties to employment opportunities through the VSRA, this program is an excellent option for immediate job placement in shipyards.
Southside Virginia Community College – FastForward Welding Course
The Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC) offers an 80-hour FastForward welding course that focuses on GMAW (MIG welding). This program is ideal for those looking to quickly acquire welding skills.
Key Aspects of the SVCC FastForward Welding Course:
- Focused training: Emphasis on GMAW and preparation for the welder qualification test.
- Comprehensive curriculum: Covers welding safety, equipment maintenance, and metal preparation.
- Flexible scheduling: Evening and weekend classes available.
- Affordable tuition: In-state tuition is $545, with financial aid options like the FastForward Credential Grant.
This program provides practical, hands-on experience to ensure graduates are fully prepared to meet industry standards and pass certification tests.
Choosing the Right Welding School in Virginia
When selecting a welding school in Virginia, consider the following factors to ensure you choose the right program for your career goals:
- Program Length:
- Certifications Offered:
- Hands-on Training:
- School Reputation:
- Financial Aid Options:
- Location and Scheduling:
Welder Schools By State
Conclusion: Finding the Best Welding School for Your Career
Selecting the right welding school is vital for your career success. By evaluating the features of various welder schools in Virginia, you can find the best option to meet your training needs and career aspirations. Consider the program length, certifications, hands-on training, reputation, financial aid, and scheduling to choose a school that aligns with your goals. Start your welding career with confidence by enrolling in a program that offers the skills and certifications you need for success.