Looking for classes in a specific city? Check out our list of Welder Schools in Anchorage.
Wondering where to find the best welder schools in Alaska? You’re in the right place.
This article highlights top welding programs to kickstart your career, focusing on hands-on training and certification opportunities.
Whether you’re new to welding or looking to upgrade your skills, discover the best educational paths tailored to meet industry demands.
NITAlaska – Comprehensive Welding Programs
NITAlaska offers a range of welding programs tailored to equip you with the skills needed in today’s competitive job market. Their hands-on approach covers over 100 welding processes, ensuring you gain practical experience.
- Structural Welding: Learn the fundamentals of welding for various structural applications.
- Advanced Welding: Enhance your expertise with more complex welding techniques and materials.
- Ultimate Welding: Master high-demand skills for specialized welding tasks.
- Pipe Welding: Focus on the intricate skills required for welding pipes in various industries.
- Aluminum Fabrication Workshops: Get proficient in welding aluminum, a crucial skill in many sectors.
NITAlaska also provides facilities for booth rental and certification testing, making it a comprehensive resource for welders at all levels. With industry-aligned training, you’ll be well-prepared for a successful welding career.
Charter College – Certificate in Welding
Charter College offers a Certificate in Welding program designed for those seeking to enter the welding profession. This 10-month program covers extensive welding techniques and skills essential for entry-level jobs.
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
- Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
- Submerged Arc Welding (SAW)
Students will also learn blueprint reading, metal fabrication, and computer technology to enhance employability. The focus on safety and professionalism ensures you are ready to become a welder, cutter, solderer, or brazer upon graduation.
AVTEC – Industrial Welding Program
The AVTEC Industrial Welding Program prepares you for a range of industries, including construction, petroleum, and heavy equipment. Their rigorous curriculum offers national certifications:
- Structural Certification to AWS Unlimited Thickness
- Pipe Certification to ASME section IX, 6G Pipe
The program includes various welding processes, such as SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW, with hands-on training using state-of-the-art equipment. This 1080 clock-hour course, offered twice a year, ensures you gain the practical skills and certifications needed for a welding career.
AlaskaWorks – Welding Program
AlaskaWorks provides free training programs, including welding, designed for individuals with limited financial means. Their hands-on approach covers critical areas such as:
- Safety Procedures
- Blueprint Reading
- Industry Standards
Participants can attend training in various locations, including Anchorage, Fairbanks, Mat-Su Valley, and Kenai. With flexible schedules, AlaskaWorks offers practical trade skills training to make you job-ready upon completion.
The University of Alaska Southeast – Welding Occupational Endorsement
The University of Alaska Southeast offers an Occupational Endorsement in Welding. This program covers basic to advanced welding skills and techniques, including oxy-fuel cutting and various arc welding methods.
Combining classroom lectures with hands-on practice, this flexible program allows you to complete it at your own pace. While not eligible for financial aid, it provides valuable training for high-demand welding jobs, particularly in construction and petroleum-related industries.
UAF Community & Technical College – Welding & Materials Technology
The UAF Community & Technical College offers an entry-level welding occupational endorsement that can be completed in 10 months. Preparing students for the American Welding Society test, it covers:
- Basic Welding Techniques
- MIG Welding
- TIG Welding
- Metal Fabrication
The program operates in a cohort-based system, offering evening and weekend classes at the Hutchison Center. With a focus on safety and hands-on learning, graduates are well-prepared for certification and advanced projects in the welding industry.
Kenai Peninsula College – Welding Technology
Kenai Peninsula College offers a well-rounded one-year Welding Technology certificate program. This program focuses on hands-on training to prepare you for the demands of the welding industry. Here’s what you can expect:
- Structural Welding: Gain proficiency in welding for various structural projects.
- Pipe Welding: Learn the critical techniques needed for welding pipes.
- Aluminum Welding: Understand the nuances involved in welding aluminum.
The program’s curriculum also includes blueprint reading, layout, and fabrication. Their well-equipped labs and knowledgeable faculty ensure you receive high-quality training. While the program requires a significant time commitment and associated costs, it provides a robust platform to build a welding career.
University of Alaska Anchorage – Undergraduate Certificate in Welding Technology
The University of Alaska Anchorage offers a one-year Undergraduate Certificate in Welding Technology through its Kenai Peninsula College branch. This program is designed to equip students with skills pertinent to both structural and pipe welding.
- 32 Credits of Coursework: Comprehensive training that prepares you for certifications and practical work.
- Oxy-Acetylene Cutting: Critical skills for various welding applications.
- Steel-Plate and Pipe Welding: Specialized techniques essential for structural and pipe welding.
The program also covers technical drawings for welders and several arc welding techniques. This exhaustive curriculum ensures you are well-prepared for a career as a structural or pipe welder.
University of Alaska Fairbanks – Entry-level Welding Occupational Endorsement
For those seeking foundational education, the University of Alaska Fairbanks offers an Entry-level Welding Occupational Endorsement program. Here are some key highlights:
- 24 Credits Curriculum: Covers essential welding techniques and mathematics.
- Open Enrollment: Welcoming individuals aged 16 and above to join.
- Rigorous Training: Aligned with industry standards to ensure you gain valuable skills.
Although prices and hour commitments vary, UAF’s accredited program is highly regarded. This makes it an excellent choice for aspiring welders looking to establish a strong foundation in the field.
Welding Career Now – Welding Training Programs
Welding Career Now partners with Charter College to offer diverse training programs in Anchorage. These programs focus on practical, hands-on training to prepare you for a rewarding career in welding.
- Modern Equipment Use and Maintenance: Learn to handle and maintain current welding machinery.
- Blueprint Reading: Essential skills for interpreting welding projects.
- Project Sizing: Important for planning and executing welding tasks.
Whether you opt for certificate training or associate degree programs, Welding Career Now tailors its programs to meet various career goals.
Hutchison High School – Welding Program
Hutchison High School in Fairbanks offers a comprehensive two-year welding program. It aims to provide high school students with robust welding skills.
- Partnership with U.A. Local Union 375: Offers an after-school Welding Academy with 72 hours of pipe welding instruction.
- Major Welding Processes: Courses include hands-on projects to enhance learning.
Students also benefit from industry field trips and access to top-quality equipment. Successful participants can take AWS bend tests and receive valuable certifications.
What to Look for in a Welder School in Alaska
Choosing the right welder school in Alaska is crucial for your career. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program meets industry standards.
- Hands-on Training: Practical experience is essential for skill acquisition.
- Quality of Equipment: Updated and high-quality equipment is vital for effective learning.
- Faculty Expertise: Experienced instructors can significantly enhance your learning experience.
- Post-Graduation Support: Look for schools offering career support services to improve job prospects.
By considering these factors, you’ll be better positioned to select a school that aligns with your career goals.
Welder Schools By State
Embark on Your Welding Journey Today
With numerous exceptional welder schools in Alaska, you have a variety of choices to pursue your welding career. From hands-on training to industry-standard certifications, these programs offer everything you need to succeed. Explore the options listed, and take the first step towards a rewarding and prosperous welding career.