Best Welder Schools in Chicago IL to Kickstart Your Career

Ready to kickstart your welding career but unsure which school to choose?

Finding the right welder school in Chicago, IL can set you on the path to success.

This article highlights the top programs, covering everything from basic certificates to advanced training, ensuring you find a perfect fit for your career goals.

City Colleges of Chicago – Combination Welder Basic Certificate

The Combination Welder Basic Certificate program at City Colleges of Chicago provides practical training in essential welding skills. The curriculum is designed to enhance your technical knowledge and abilities within a workshop setting.

What You Will Learn:

• Welding Mathematics: Understand the calculations needed for welding, including measurement conversions and geometry.
• Blueprint Reading: Interpret welding blueprints and plans necessary for different types of welding projects.
• Safety Protocols: Learn industry-standard safety measures and ethical practices to ensure a safe working environment.
• Core Welding Techniques: Gain proficiency in ARC, MIG, and TIG welding techniques.

Course Highlights:

• Intro to Arc Welding: A fundamental course that introduces you to the basics of arc welding.
• Construction Safety II: An advanced course focusing on industry safety standards to keep you and your colleagues safe.
• Welding Mathematics I: Builds the foundation for measurements and calculations used in welding.

This program is typically completed in two semesters if attended full-time, but part-time options are also available.

Career Prospects:

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for entry-level positions such as:

• ARC Welder
• MIG Welder
• TIG Welder

With salaries starting around $16 per hour and potentially reaching $33 per hour with experience, this certified program offers a solid start to a welding career in Chicago.

Lincoln Tech – Welding Program

If you are looking for extensive hands-on training in welding, Lincoln Tech in Melrose Park, IL, is an excellent option. Their welding program covers essential welding techniques and ensures students are proficient in the most crucial skills for a successful welding career.

Key Features:

• Diverse Welding Techniques: Training in Shielded Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG), and Flux Core Arc Welding.
• Safety Training: Adopts OSHA-approved safety procedures to ensure your well-being during and after training.
• Experienced Instructors: Learn from industry professionals with vast experience in various welding techniques.

What Sets Lincoln Tech Apart:

• Modern Facilities: State-of-the-art welding labs equipped with the latest technology.
• Accessibility: Located near Chicago, this school provides numerous local employment opportunities for graduates.
• Growing Industry: With a projected 17,000 job openings in Illinois from 2020 to 2030, the prospects for welding graduates are promising.

Universal Technical Institute (UTI) – Welding Technology Program

UTI’s Welding Technology program, located at their Lisle campus, is designed to provide comprehensive training over a span of 36 weeks. The program ensures you are well-versed in essential welding techniques and practices that meet industry standards.

Program Structure:

• Comprehensive Curriculum: Focuses on primary arc welding types including Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), and Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW).
• Industry Collaboration: Developed in collaboration with Lincoln Electric to ensure students receive training aligned with industry needs.
• Hands-on Training: Utilize industry-standard tools and state-of-the-art technology to gain practical experience.

Noteworthy Aspects:

• Diploma Upon Completion: Achieving this diploma is a significant step toward securing job placement in the welding field.
• Vibrant Campus Location: Situated near Chicago, UTI’s Lisle campus offers a dynamic learning environment that caters to aspiring welders.

Harper College – Basic Welding Certificate

Harper College offers a Basic Welding Certificate program that is ideal for students seeking foundational knowledge in welding. The program spans 17 credit hours and focuses on key welding processes.

Core Courses:

• Welding Safety: Learn industry-standard safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment.
• Print Reading for Industry: Develop skills to read and understand technical blueprints used in welding projects.
• Hands-On Practice: Courses like Welding I, II, and III focus on practicing major arc welding processes for real-world applications.

Certification and Career Path:

• AWS SENSE Standards: The curriculum adheres to the American Welding Society’s standards, ensuring you are prepared for certification tests.
• Advanced Opportunities: Credits earned can be applied toward a Welding Technology AAS Degree, opening further career opportunities.

Richard J. Daley College – Industrial Welding Program

At Richard J. Daley College, the Industrial Welding program is designed to provide comprehensive instruction in various welding techniques. The program consists of introductory and intermediate courses aimed at equipping you with advanced welding skills.

Program Details:

• Introduction to Welding: Covers basic skills required for MIG welding certification, emphasizing the importance of safety and technique.
• Intermediate Welding Courses: Advance your skills with GTAW and SMAW methods, including hands-on experience working with a FANUC robot.
• Affordable Tuition: At $146 per credit hour, this program is economically accessible, making it an ideal choice for aspiring welders.

Career Readiness:

• AWS Certification Preparation: Prepares you to achieve certifications from the American Welding Society, which is crucial for career advancement.
• Diverse Job Opportunities: Equips you with skills applicable in various welding roles, enhancing your job prospects in the Chicago area.

Enrollment in any of these top welding schools in Chicago, IL, provides a foundation for a rewarding and lucrative career in welding.

A Safe Haven Training Academy – Welding Bridge Program

The Welding Bridge Program at A Safe Haven Training Academy is a unique opportunity for low-skilled adults in the Chicagoland area. This 24-week program is designed to enhance employability through a blend of vocational training and supportive services.

Key Program Features:

• Vocational Training: Gain the practical welding skills necessary for entry-level positions.
• Adult Education: Enhance your basic education, including math and reading, integral for success in welding.
• Job Readiness: Foster essential soft skills, such as resume writing and interview preparation.
• Certification: Receive an industry-recognized certificate upon successful completion.
• Job Placement Services: Benefit from personalized job placement assistance to jumpstart your career.

Who Should Enroll:

This program is ideal for individuals who:

• Lack a High School Diploma: It helps bridge the gap, offering educational support alongside vocational training.
• Seek Career Advancement: It offers resources and certification that can lead to better job opportunities in welding.

The program is free and offers a significant opportunity for career development in welding for underrepresented populations.

Moraine Valley Community College – Welding Program

Moraine Valley Community College offers robust welding training covering various welding techniques. The program caters to both beginner and advanced students through its diversified course offerings.

Program Highlights:

• Diverse Techniques: Training includes SMAW, MIG, TIG, brazing, and more.
• Certified Instructors: Learn from certified welding inspectors, providing high-quality education and hands-on training.
• Practical Training: Extensive hands-on experience helps students gain confidence and proficiency.

Certification Options:

• Individualized Welding Certificate: Tailored for specific welding needs.
• Multi-Process Welding Certificate: Broadens skill sets to cover multiple welding methods.
• Advanced and Combination Certificates: Offers in-depth specialization for career advancement.

Dual Enrollment Benefits:

High school students can take advantage of dual enrollment programs, earning college credit while still in high school. This early start can significantly boost career prospects.

Enroll at Moraine Valley Community College to gain a comprehensive education in welding and open doors to numerous job opportunities in the field.

ETI School of Skilled Trades – Welding Program

ETI School of Skilled Trades in Chicago provides a highly practical, hands-on welding program, designed to prepare students for immediate employment in the welding industry. The program can be completed in as little as 7 months.

Features of ETI’s Welding Program:

• State-of-the-Art Welding Lab: Extensive practical training on modern equipment.
• Veteran Support: 15% of students are veterans, with tailored resources to support their educational journey.
• Career Services: Robust career services assist graduates with job placement and career development.

Financial Assistance:

• Financial Aid: Options available to make education more accessible.
• Scholarships: Various scholarships can help ease the financial burden.
• Virtual Campus Tour: Potential students can explore the facilities and resources online.

Joliet Junior College – Welding Technology Program

The Welding Technology program at Joliet Junior College focuses on industrial welding roles, providing robust training for high-demand jobs. The program offers state-of-the-art facilities for a thorough educational experience.

Program Offerings:

• Hands-On Training: Gain practical skills in a real-world setting, essential for job readiness.
• Cutting-Edge Facilities: Learn using up-to-date technology and equipment.
• Adaptability: Training is relevant across various industries, from manufacturing to construction.

Career Potential:

The program addresses the high demand for skilled welders, driven by a retiring workforce and industry growth. Graduates are equipped with transferable skills for various welding jobs, making them highly employable in the competitive job market.

Contact Joliet Junior College to learn more specific details regarding program hours, costs, and admission requirements.

How to Choose the Best Welding School in Chicago

When selecting the right welding school in Chicago, IL, consider the following factors to ensure you make the best choice for your career aspirations.

Key Considerations:

1. Accreditation: Ensure the school is accredited by recognized bodies, guaranteeing the education meets industry standards.
2. Curriculum: Examine the courses offered to ensure they cover current welding technologies and practices.
3. Hands-On Training: Opt for programs with ample practical training opportunities, as welding is a highly hands-on skill.
4. Experienced Faculty: Learn from instructors who bring real-world experience and expertise to the classroom.
5. Cost and Financial Aid: Consider the total cost, including tuition, books, and materials. Explore available financial aid options to help manage expenses.
6. Job Placement Assistance: Look for schools offering strong job placement programs to help you secure employment post-graduation.

Pro Tips:

• Visit the Campus: Schedule a tour to see the facilities and meet some of the faculty and students.
• Read Reviews and Testimonials: Gain insight from former students about their experiences.
• Check Certification Opportunities: Ensure the program prepares you for relevant welding certifications that employers value.

Choose a school that aligns with your career goals and offers the best resources for your success.

Conclusion: Taking the Next Step in Your Welding Career

Embarking on a welding career in Chicago, IL, starts with selecting the right educational program. The highlighted schools provide varied training programs to suit different needs and career goals.
Explore the options presented, visit the campuses, and reach out to program coordinators to ensure you choose the best welding school for your future career. Taking this step can open doors to a fulfilling and lucrative career in the welding industry.