Welder Schools in Norfolk VA

Dreaming of a welding career but not sure where to start?

Discover the top Welder Schools in Norfolk VA that can ignite your future.

This article breaks down the best programs, giving you clear, actionable insights to choose the right fit for your professional goals.

Get the training you need to join this dynamic field today.

Tidewater Community College – Certified Welder Program

Tidewater Community College (TCC) offers a strong welding program designed to provide you with essential skills for a successful welding career. The Certified Welder Program at TCC incorporates practical classes in various welding techniques, including oxyfuel welding and cutting, arc welding, and inert gas-shielded techniques. The absence of prerequisites allows you to jump right into hands-on training.

Upon completing the program, you earn transferrable credentials recognized across several industries such as structural steel, petroleum pipelines, sheet metal, and chemical refineries. TCC partners with AWS Accredited Testing Facilities worldwide, ensuring that their training meets nationally recognized standards. Available certifications include:

• Steel SMAW 6G Pipe Certification
• Steel GTAW 6G Pipe Certification

TCC’s program offers flexible training schedules to fit your needs, featuring state-of-the-art facilities for hands-on practice. The use of AWS standards guarantees that you are industry-ready. You can find more details on cost and course duration by visiting the TCC website or contacting their admissions office.

Advanced Technology Institute – Maritime Welding Technology

The Advanced Technology Institute (ATI) in Norfolk, VA, features a Maritime Welding Technology program designed to meet the demands of the construction and manufacturing sectors. The program, offering an Associate in Occupational Science in Maritime Welding Technology with Service Management, heavily focuses on hands-on training.

By enrolling in ATI’s welding program, you gain a comprehensive understanding of various welding techniques and operational dynamics of welding machinery. Additionally, ATI’s blog provides valuable insights into the technologies shaping the future of welding and related fields.

Graduates from ATI’s program are well-prepared for roles in the Hampton Roads area’s thriving welding industry. The program includes standardized certification that is recognized by potential employers, enhancing your job market competitiveness. For more information on course hours, fees, and admission criteria, visit the ATI website.

Welding Career Now – Welding Certificate Training Classes

Welding Career Now in Norfolk, VA, offers diversified welding certificate training classes and associate degree programs. The curriculum encompasses hands-on training with modern welding equipment, blueprint reading, and project planning. Financial aid options are available for qualifying students, making the programs more accessible.

The training is designed to prepare you for multiple roles in the welding industry, covering positions such as welding technicians, pipe welders, and structural welders. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the school directly for detailed information on program features, admission requirements, and additional certifications.

With a practical approach, Welding Career Now ensures that you gain the skills needed to thrive in the welding industry. For comprehensive details, visit the Welding Career Now website.

Norfolk Technical Center – Welding Program

Norfolk Technical Center’s Welding Program targets adult students, offering both basic and advanced training in arc welding and flame cutting. Specific tips for high-quality welds and digital image optimization are included, enhancing your practical skills and portfolio.

The course is priced at $225.00 and runs on Wednesdays from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM in room A-10, from March 19, 2025, to May 21, 2025. The center’s evening and apprenticeship programs are perfect for working professionals looking to advance their skills.

The skilled faculty and hands-on training opportunities at Norfolk Technical Center ensure a comprehensive learning experience. To confirm details and register, you can contact the NTC Adult Evening School and Apprenticeship Office or visit their website.

Tidewater Tech – Combination Welding Trade School Program

The Tidewater Tech Combination Welding Trade School Program delivers hands-on training across various techniques, such as Tungsten Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding, and Flux Core Arc Welding. The program covers metal fabrication, repair, blueprint reading, and hazard assessment comprehensively.

Graduates are prepared for careers in industries like metalworking, assembly, and plumbing. The training takes place in one of Virginia’s AWS Accredited Testing Facilities, ensuring industry-ready credentials upon completion. Financial support options are available to those who qualify, broadening accessibility to training.

Tidewater Tech puts an emphasis on practical skill development, facilitating immediate employment opportunities post-graduation. For details on course hours, pricing, and admissions, visit their website or contact the admissions office.

Norfolk Southern – AWS Welding Certification Program

The AWS Welding Certification Program offered by Norfolk Southern at their Training Center in Norfolk, VA, is a robust certification pathway for aspiring welders. As an AWS Accredited Testing Facility (ATF), Norfolk Southern guarantees that their certification processes adhere to high industry standards, making it a reliable option for your welding career.

This program involves hands-on testing in various welding processes, including:

• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
• Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
• Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)

The facility offers both mechanical and radiographic examination of welds to ensure precision and quality. Whether you’re from the public or private sector, the program provides a certified platform for achieving procedure qualifications in compliance with AWS codes.

With Norfolk Southern’s extensive industry experience, you’re assured of credible and comprehensive training. For specific requirements, hours, and costs associated with the certification, contact Norfolk Southern directly for detailed program information and enrollment procedures.

Lyon Shipyard – WeldNow Mobile Welding Lab

Lyon Shipyard’s WeldNow Mobile Welding Lab brings welding education right to your doorstep. This program offers hands-on training and certification facilitated by highly skilled instructors, making it an accessible choice for those unable to attend traditional schools.

Through a partnership with Tidewater Community College and the City of Norfolk, WeldNow allows you to earn college credits and industry-recognized certifications. The program focuses heavily on safety, ethics, and diversity, ensuring you emerge as a responsible and skilled professional.

Program Highlights:

• Hands-on Training: Get immersed in practical, real-world welding scenarios.
• Flexibility: The mobile nature of the lab provides education access across the community.
• Certification: Earn credits and certifications that boost your employability.

Although the mobile lab may have limitations compared to dedicated facilities, it provides a flexible and convenient alternative for aspiring welders. Contact Lyon Shipyard to learn more about program costs, schedules, and other details.

Newport News Shipbuilding – Marine Trades Training Programs

Newport News Shipbuilding offers Marine Trades Training (MTT) programs tailored to meet the specific needs of the shipbuilding industry. Through collaborations with local community colleges and the Virginia Ship Repair Association, these programs offer training in various trades, including welding, machinists, and pipefitters.

Program Structure:

1. Classroom Instruction: Gain foundational knowledge through structured coursework.
2. Hands-on Training: Develop practical skills with real-world applications.
3. Industry-specific Focus: Learn techniques that directly meet the shipbuilding industry’s needs.
4. Employment Opportunity: Successful graduates are offered full-time employment with Newport News Shipbuilding.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be 18 years or older.
• Ability to work various shifts.

From completing applications and providing work experience to passing background checks, drug screens, and physical exams, the program ensures you’re fully prepared for a robust welding career. For more details on program durations, schedules, and enrollment, visit Newport News Shipbuilding’s website.

Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center – Advanced Welding Training Program

The Advanced Welding Training Program at Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC) offers a targeted approach to meeting the naval fleet’s welding needs. Conducted in collaboration with Surface Warfare Schools Command (SWSC) Norfolk, this 96-day course equips you with advanced welding skills.

Course Highlights:

• Advanced Techniques: Learn SMAW and other complex welding processes.
• Comprehensive Instruction: Benefit from a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on practice.
• Career Advancement: Accelerate your career to a journeyman level in as little as 14 weeks.

Based in Norfolk, VA, with additional locations in Portsmouth, VA, and San Diego, CA, this program is designed to quickly bring you to a level of expertise akin to a civilian shipyard welder’s four years of training. To explore costs, schedules, and program specifics, contact MARMC directly.

How to Choose the Right Welder School in Norfolk VA

Selecting the right welder school in Norfolk VA is crucial for your career success. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed choice:

1. Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited, signifying that it meets industry standards.
2. Program Duration: Consider the length of the program and how it fits with your career timeline and personal commitments.
3. Curriculum: Look for a comprehensive curriculum that covers essential welding techniques and real-world applications.
4. Hands-on Training: Prioritize schools that offer ample hands-on training opportunities, which are crucial for developing practical skills.
5. Job Placement Rates: Assess the school’s job placement rates and its connections with local industries to enhance your employment prospects.
6. Costs and Financial Aid: Evaluate the overall costs, including tuition, equipment, and other expenses. Explore financial aid options to make your education more affordable.
7. Feedback from Alumni and Current Students: Reach out to alumni or current students for firsthand insights into the program’s quality and effectiveness.

By considering these factors, you can select a program that aligns with your career aspirations and provides a solid foundation for entering the welding industry.

Conclusion: Spark Your Welding Career Today

Choosing the right welder school in Norfolk, VA, is a significant step toward launching a successful welding career. With the right training and certifications, you can secure a position in this dynamic and in-demand field. Explore the programs mentioned above and take the first step toward your new career in welding.

Ignite your passion for welding and start building a brighter future today.