Looking for classes in a specific city? Check out our lists of Welder Schools in Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Sterling Heights, and Warren city.
Are you considering a career in welding but unsure where to start?
Welder Schools in Michigan offer top-notch programs tailored to meet industry demands. In this guide, you’ll discover the best institutions, their unique features, and what sets them apart.
Find a school that aligns with your career goals and get the skills you need to succeed in a thriving field.
Universal Technical Institute – Welding Technology Training Program
Universal Technical Institute (UTI) offers a premium Welding Technology Training Program located in Canton, Michigan. This program is crafted to prepare you for entry-level positions in the welding industry.
The curriculum is continuously updated with input from industry experts like the American Welding Society (AWS) and The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). This ensures you receive training that meets industry standards and equips you with the latest welding techniques.
Key Features of UTI’s Welding Program:
- Diverse Welding Methods: Training includes gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), and flux-cored arc welding (FCAW).
- Hands-on Learning: You gain practical, real-world experience through hands-on training, which is crucial for developing your skills.
- Accelerated Program: The program can be completed in just nine months, allowing you to enter the workforce quickly.
- Industry Connections: UTI’s strong ties with industry leaders enhance your job placement opportunities after graduation.
For detailed information about the course specifics, tuition, and job prospects, visit the Universal Technical Institute’s website.
Baker College – ADI Welding Certificate Program
The Baker College ADI Welding Certificate Program is designed to provide both foundational and advanced welding skills.
Program Highlights:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Includes training in oxy-acetylene welding, SMAW, GMAW/MIG, GTAW/TIG, and FCAW.
- Personalized Training: Certified experts from the American Welding Society lead small class sizes, ensuring individualized attention.
- Duration: The program spans two semesters, totaling 27 credit hours.
- Industry Standards: Courses align with AWS standards, making you competitive in the job market.
Career paths you can explore include welder/fabricators and welding inspectors, with median salaries around $47,010. Keep in mind that ASE tests T3 and T7 are required for certification.
For more details, check out the Baker College website.
Ferris State University – Welding Engineering Technology Program
Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan, hosts the largest Welding Engineering Technology program in the U.S.
Highlights of the Program:
- Degrees Offered: Both Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees are available.
- Focus Areas: The program combines plant-level welding engineering technology with welding process implementation.
- Accreditation: The B.S. program is accredited by ABET, which emphasizes engineering and management skills.
- Advanced Facilities: With a $30 million investment in the Swan Technical Arts Building Annex, you receive training with cutting-edge equipment.
To learn more and schedule a visit, see the Ferris State University Welding Program page.
Mid Michigan College – Welding Training Credential Program
The Mid Michigan College Welding Training Credential Program offers both a 35-credit certificate and a 120-hour Welding Short-Term Training option.
Key Benefits:
- Hands-on Experience: Training in advanced welding labs in Mt. Pleasant and Harrison.
- Certification: Earn industry-recognized certifications, such as the AWS SENSE Level I certificate.
- Pre-Apprentice Pathway: High school students can start apprenticeships immediately after graduation.
- Job Placement: The program boasts a 100% job placement rate, ensuring strong career prospects.
Find out more about the specific programs and financial aid options at the Mid Michigan College website.
Northwestern Michigan College – Welding Technology Program
Northwestern Michigan College offers a versatile Welding Technology Program with three educational pathways:
- Level I Certificate
- Level II Certificate
- Associate of Applied Science Degree
Program Features:
- Diverse Techniques: Training includes SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, Oxy-Fuel Processes, and Plasma Arc Cutting.
- AWS Qualification Testing: Prepares you for industry-standard certification.
- Flexible Learning: Offers non-credit courses for shorter training durations.
- Cost: Tuition starts at $122.00 per contact hour for local residents, with additional general fees for student services.
For more details, check out the Northwestern Michigan College Welding Program.
Oakland Community College – Welding and Fabrication Technology Program
Oakland Community College’s Welding and Fabrication Technology Program offers a certificate achievable in just one semester.
Key Features:
- Essential Training: Includes SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, and GTAW processes.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Combines classroom instruction with hands-on training in thermal cutting, welding math, measurement, and blueprint reading.
- Two-Level Certificates:
- National Certifications: Earn valuable NC3 welding credentials.
Visit the Oakland Community College Welding Program page to learn more about enrollment and certification details.
Consider your career goals and choose the welding school that aligns best with your aspirations. From foundational certifications to advanced degrees, these welder schools in Michigan are equipped to kickstart your career.
Southwestern Michigan College – Welding Technology Program
Southwestern Michigan College (SMC) offers a Welding Technology Program that provides both a certificate and an associate’s degree, emphasizing hands-on training in a state-of-the-art lab.
Key Features:
- Diverse Techniques: You’ll learn methods including SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, and thermal cutting, enhancing your proficiency with different metals.
- Advanced Training: Courses cover welding inspection, metallurgy, and fabrication, ensuring a well-rounded skill set.
- Optional Certification: An optional FANUC certification allows you to master robotics alongside your welding skills.
- Industry-Ready Skills: The program meets AWS SENSE requirements, setting you up for careers in sectors like shipbuilding, construction, and aerospace.
- Additional Skills: You gain workforce-ready skills such as blueprint reading and computer literacy.
For more information, visit the Southwestern Michigan College Welding Program page.
Lansing Community College – Welding Technology Program
Lansing Community College (LCC) offers a Welding Technology Program housed in their Center for Manufacturing Excellence.
Key Aspects:
- Educational Pathways: Offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, a Certificate of Achievement (CA), and a Certificate of Completion (CC).
- Skill Development: Covers various welding techniques and applications, preparing you for manufacturing roles.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Includes training in hand-welding and flame-cutting equipment, ensuring you gain the practical skills necessary for job entry.
- Flexible Learning: Courses are offered in different formats to fit your schedule.
- Cost: The AAS program is priced at $117 per billable hour, with various scholarships available to aid your education.
For additional details, explore the Lansing Community College Welding Program.
MIAT College of Technology – Welding Specialist Program
MIAT College of Technology offers an intensive Welding Specialist Program designed to provide thorough, hands-on training.
Program Highlights:
- Accelerated Learning: Complete the program in just nine months, making it ideal for quick entry into the workforce.
- Diverse Skill Set: Training includes metal arc welding and pipe welding, preparing you for roles in manufacturing and construction.
- Expert Instruction: Courses are led by industry professionals, ensuring you receive relevant, high-quality training.
- Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), confirming its educational standards.
Visit the MIAT College of Technology Welding Program page for more comprehensive information.
Grand Rapids Community College – Welding Certificate Program
Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) offers a one-year Welding Certificate Program recognized for having one of the largest welding facilities in the Midwest.
Key Program Features:
- Extensive Training: Courses cover aerospace welding, construction welding, and robotics training for manufacturing roles.
- Credit Flexibility: The certificate credits can be used towards the Welding Technology A.A.A.S. degree.
- Practical Experience: Co-op courses offer valuable hands-on work experience.
- Customizable Schedule: Flexible class sequencing allows you to tailor your educational path.
For more details, check out the Grand Rapids Community College Welding Certificate Program.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Welder School
Choosing the right welding school is a critical step towards your future career. Here’s what you need to consider:
- Accreditation: Ensure your chosen school is accredited by reputable bodies like the AWS or NCCER. This guarantees that the program meets essential educational standards.
- Curriculum Quality: Look for a comprehensive curriculum that covers a range of welding techniques, including SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and FCAW. Hands-on training should be a significant part of the program.
- Job Placement Rates: Research the school’s job placement rates. Schools with high placement rates and strong industry connections greatly enhance your employment prospects after graduation.
- Tuition and Financial Aid: Compare tuition costs and explore financial aid options. Scholarships, grants, and payment plans can make education more affordable.
- Location: Consider the school’s proximity to your home. Closer schools may reduce living expenses and commuting costs. However, don’t hesitate to explore schools further away if they offer superior training and placement services.
- Campus Visits: Visit campuses, attend information sessions, and speak with faculty and current students. This helps you gauge the program’s environment and suitability.
By evaluating these factors, you’ll be better equipped to choose a welding school that aligns with your career aspirations and educational needs.
Welder Schools By State
Conclusion
Choosing the right welding school is a vital step toward a successful career in the welding industry. The top welder schools in Michigan offer excellent training programs that combine solid curricula, hands-on experience, and strong industry connections. Explore your options, visit campuses, and take the necessary steps to enroll in a program that meets your career goals. With the right training, you’ll be well on your way to a rewarding and prosperous welding career.
Explore these top-rated Welder Schools in Michigan and find out which program is the best fit for you.