Looking for the best welder schools in Lincoln, NE?
This guide lists top programs with hands-on training to jumpstart your career.
Explore options from Southeast Community College to Lincoln Tech, and find the right fit to enhance your welding skills and job prospects.
Southeast Community College – Welding Technology Program
The Welding Technology program at Southeast Community College (SCC) in Lincoln, NE offers flexible training for those aiming to excel in welding.
The curriculum includes classroom learning and hands-on practice in:
- Basic welding techniques: Learning the fundamentals of welding processes.
- Metallurgy: Understanding the properties of metals.
- Testing and inspection: Ensuring welds meet quality standards.
Aligned with industry standards of the American Welding Society, American Petroleum Institute, and American Society of Mechanical Engineers, this program equips you for diverse careers, including:
- Fabricators
- Pipe Welders
- Production Welders
- Welding Technicians
SCC offers an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree, diploma, and certificate options. Choose a pathway that fits your career goals:
- A.A.S degree: $8,982
- Diploma: $4,783
- Certificate: $2,147.50
Students benefit from:
- Flexible scheduling: Full-time or part-time options.
- Multiple campuses: Lincoln, Beatrice, and Milford locations.
- Career guidance: Support in job placements.
Learn more about the Southeast Community College Welding Technology Program to jumpstart your career in welding.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln – Agricultural Education Welding Program
The Agricultural Education Welding program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) provides you with the skills and knowledge necessary for both agricultural and industrial welding applications. The program includes:
- Power Structure and Technical Systems
- Metals and Fabrication
- Basic Welding
- Advanced Welding
- Agriculture Mechanics
Through this well-rounded program, you can participate in events like the Welding Career Development Event (CDE) for career development and recognition.
Collaborating with Southeast Community College’s welding program and UNL’s departments, superintendents Mark Hawkins and Danny McCullock lead the Welding CDE for comprehensive student support.
For details on costs and schedules, contact University of Nebraska-Lincoln directly.
Welding Career Now – Welding Certificate Training Classes
Welding Career Now in Lincoln, NE, offers welding certificate training classes and associate degree programs. They focus on key skills and offer financial aid for qualifying students. Training includes:
- Equipment use and maintenance
- Blueprint reading
- Project scope determination
The hands-on instruction covers various welding careers such as:
- Welding Technicians
- Pipe Welders
- Underwater Welders
For detailed cost and enrollment information, fill out a program search application at Welding Career Now.
Southeast Community College – Basic Welding
Southeast Community College in Lincoln, NE, offers a Basic Welding course as part of their Welding Series. This course is suitable for both novice and experienced welders and includes:
- Safe operation training: Stick, MIG, TIG, and Oxy-acetylene welders.
- Specialization: Courses on Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) – Steel and Aluminum, focusing on theory and practical applications.
These courses are offered with flexible scheduling options, ensuring practical training to enhance your welding skills.
For pricing details and schedule, contact Southeast Community College directly.
Lincoln Tech – Welding Program
Lincoln Tech’s welding programs offer a thorough training experience at nine locations across the country, including Lincoln, NE. The curriculum covers essential welding processes, ensuring you are well-prepared for a successful welding career. The instruction focuses on:
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW): Learn the fundamental welding process used in construction and repair.
- MIG (Metal Inert Gas) Welding / GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding): Gain skills in a fast and versatile welding method used in various industries.
- TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) Welding: Master the precision welding process ideal for critical welds.
- Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW): Specialize in welding for thick materials with high efficiency.
Instructors are NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) certified, ensuring you receive quality training. The program also includes a 10-hour OSHA-approved safety orientation, emphasizing the importance of safety standards.
Lincoln Tech offers specialized training in:
- Pipefitting: Tailored for industries requiring specialized pipe welding skills.
- Metal Fabrication: Focuses on creating complex metal structures and parts.
With Lincoln Tech’s detailed curriculum and expert guidance, you will be ready to meet industry demands.Learn more about Lincoln Tech’s welding program and enrollment options.
Metropolitan Community College – Welding Technology Program
Metropolitan Community College (MCC) in Lincoln, NE, offers a versatile Welding Technology Program with various pathways including associate degrees and career certificates. The program covers:
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (WGMSD): Learn the basics of GMAW, focusing on steel welding.
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (WGTSD): Advanced GTAW skills, essential for precise and high-quality welds.
- Pipe Welding (WPWSD): Tailored for industries like oil and gas.
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (WSMSD): Comprehensive training in SMAW for various applications.
The Certificate of Achievement options available are:
- Welding Technology – Manufacturing (WELMO)
- Welding Technology – Pipe (WELPO)
- Welding Technology – Structural (WELSO)
MCC provides state-of-the-art equipment and comprehensive supplies, ensuring you start your training fully equipped. The program emphasizes safety, with mandatory dress codes and safety gear.
Supporting services include:
- Learning & Tutoring Center: Offering academic support.
- Writing Center: Assisting with technical documentation skills.
- Career Resources: Helping with job placements and career guidance.
With experienced faculty and thorough training paths, MCC’s Welding Technology Program prepares you for diverse and successful welding careers.Explore MCC’s welding program details and start your journey.
NCTA – Agricultural Welding Certificate
Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) offers an Agricultural Welding Certificate program aimed to upskill individuals in less than a year. The program sequence includes:
- Industrial Safety: Establishing a foundation in safety procedures.
- Welding Fundamentals: Covering basic principles and techniques.
- Intermediate Welding Techniques: Building on foundational skills with more complex techniques.
- Advanced Welding Skills: Perfecting welding abilities suitable for high-demand jobs.
The program consists of three welding courses throughout three semesters. Upon completion, students earn an American Welding Society (AWS) Certification.
Career paths available for graduates include:
- Agricultural Welder
- Metal Fabricator
- Pipeline Welder
- Fitter Welder
- Welder Assistant
With hands-on instruction, technical training, and opportunities for internships, NCTA offers smaller class sizes, providing individualized attention and capturing comprehensive learning.
For pricing and schedule details, contact NCTA directly.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Welding School
When selecting welder schools in Lincoln, NE, consider these essential factors to ensure you find the ideal program for your goals:
- Accreditation: Verify that the program is accredited by recognized bodies such as the American Welding Society (AWS).
- Curriculum Quality: Look for a curriculum that balances theory with practical training. It should cover different welding techniques like SMAW, MIG, TIG, and FCAW.
- Hands-on Training: Ensure the program offers plenty of lab or workshop time with modern equipment to hone your skills in real-world scenarios.
- Tuition Fees: Compare tuition costs across different schools. Don’t forget to account for additional expenses like welding gear, materials, and books.
- Post-Graduation Employment Rates: Research each school’s job placement rates. Programs with high placement rates often have strong industry connections and dedicated career services.
- Welding Certifications: Different certifications lead to various career opportunities. Understand what certifications the program offers and how they align with your career goals.
- Industry Connections: Schools with strong ties to local industries may provide networking opportunities, internships, and job placements.
Take the time to evaluate these factors to make an informed decision that aligns with your career aspirations and goals.
Conclusion: Take the Next Step in Your Welding Career
Choosing the right welding school is a crucial step towards a successful and fulfilling career. Welder schools in Lincoln, NE such as SCC, UNL, Lincoln Tech, MCC, and NCTA provide diverse programs designed to meet industry standards and career goals. By considering accreditation, curriculum quality, hands-on training, and other key factors, you can confidently select a program that best fits your needs.
Begin exploring your options and take actionable steps to enroll in a program that will set you on the path to professional growth and success in the welding industry.