Welder Schools in St. Louis MO

Looking for the best welder schools in St. Louis MO to jumpstart your career? You’re in the right place.

This article covers top-rated programs that offer practical skills, certifications, and career opportunities.

From technical colleges to specialized training centers, find out which schools provide the best education for aspiring welders in St. Louis.

Ranken Technical College – Fabrication and Welding

Ranken Technical College offers a Fabrication and Welding program in St. Louis, MO, perfect for anyone looking to start a career in welding. The curriculum is designed to equip you with several critical welding techniques.

• MIG Welding (GMAW): Learn Gas Metal Arc Welding for various industrial applications.
• TIG Welding (GTAW): Master Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, known for precision.
• Stick Welding (SMAW): Gain expertise in Shielded Metal Arc Welding.
• Flux-Cored Welding (FCAW): Understand the nuances of this versatile welding technique.

Additionally, the program covers essential skills like blueprint reading, quality inspection, and welding fabrication. The facility boasts 7,500 square feet of space featuring 38 welding booths and advanced equipment including a plasma cutting table.

Ranken’s program offers both day and evening classes to accommodate different schedules. The day program also includes paid internships, ensuring you get practical experience while you learn. Moreover, the evening option caters to working adults, allowing you to balance education with other commitments.

Career prospects for Ranken graduates are promising. The college reports a 100% job placement rate for its welding graduates, with potential roles including welding technician or inspector. Ranken Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring the quality of education you receive.

CK Supply – Welding Courses

If you’re looking for a practical, hands-on learning experience, CK Supply offers a variety of welding courses through its Hil Bax Technical Center. Here, you can choose from a broad spectrum of welding processes.

• MIG Welding: Ideal for quick, high-quality welds.
• TIG Welding: Focus on clean and precise welds.
• Stick Welding: Excellent for construction and repair work.
• Oxy-Fuel: Learn to cut and weld using oxygen and fuel gas.

CK Supply also provides specialized equipment training, including plasma cutters and the Piranha Ironworker Weld Seamer. Their Basic MIG Training, priced at $349 per person, gives you a cost-effective option for starting your welding education.

Customization is a unique feature of CK Supply’s courses. You can even get training in proper gas handling and equipment maintenance. The center goes a step further by integrating robotics and automation into its curriculum, preparing you for advanced manufacturing roles.

The faculty at CK Supply are industry experts like Taylor White, ensuring you receive top-notch instruction. The center’s commitment to rebates and student-specific offerings makes it a well-rounded choice for aspiring welders.

South Technical High School – Welding Program

South Technical High School provides a rigorous two-year welding program specifically designed for high school juniors and seniors. This course is comprehensive, preparing you for various entry-level certifications through the American Welding Society (AWS).

• Modern Welding Processes: Get skilled in the latest industry-standard processes.
• Design and Engineering: Learn to integrate design principles into welding projects.
• Fabrication Challenges: Tackle real-world problems in a controlled setting.

One of the key benefits of the program is the college credit opportunity through partnerships with Ranken Technical College and State Technical College of Missouri. This means you can start earning college credits while still in high school.

The program places great emphasis on essential skills like basic math, tool knowledge, physical endurance, and safety. This holistic approach ensures you’re well-prepared for a career in welding. The prerequisite for the program includes a strong commitment to lab time and coursework, making it ideal for dedicated students looking to advance in this field.

St. Charles Community College – Basic Welding Program

For those new to welding, the Basic Welding Program at St. Charles Community College offers an excellent foundation. This 14-credit program covers basic welding techniques along with cutting methods, inspection, and blueprint reading.

• Welding Techniques: Acquire fundamental skills across different welding types.
• Cutting Methods: Learn efficient methods for metal cutting.
• Inspection and Blueprint Reading: Gain the ability to read and interpret blueprints accurately.

The college offers a supportive learning environment featuring experienced instructors and robust academic advising. Career services are another highlight, guiding you towards job opportunities upon completion of the program. The emphasis on safety ensures you’re prepared for real-world working conditions.

Keep in mind that although the program is highly effective, it requires both a time and financial commitment. St. Charles Community College has connections with local industries that often lead to employment opportunities, making it a valuable investment for your future.

Each of these programs provides excellent opportunities to start a welding career in St. Louis, MO. Choose the one that aligns best with your personal and professional goals.

South Technical High School – Welding Program

South Technical High School in St. Louis, MO offers a competitive two-year welding program designed for high school juniors and seniors. This welding course focuses on delivering practical skills combined with academic knowledge to prepare students for AWS certifications and entry-level welding roles.

• Modern Welding Processes: Students learn a variety of industry-standard welding techniques.
• Design and Engineering: The curriculum includes elements of design principles applicable to welding tasks.
• Fabrication Challenges: Students are tasked with real-world problems, promoting hands-on problem-solving and critical thinking.

This program goes beyond just welding techniques. With a significant amount of lab time, students get to work with industry-standard equipment.

Earning potential college credits is possible through partnerships with Ranken Technical College and State Technical College of Missouri. These credits can give students a head start if they choose to pursue further education in welding or related fields.

Students also develop critical foundational skills, such as basic mathematics, tool knowledge, physical endurance, and safety procedures. High standards and rigorous prerequisites ensure that only dedicated students participate, making this program ideal for those committed to excelling in welding.

State Technical College of Missouri – Welding Technology Program

The Welding Technology program at State Technical College of Missouri is considered one of the best in the Midwest. This two-year program is tailored to meet the needs of various industries, from pipelines to aerospace.

• State-of-the-Art Lab: The facility includes 44 new Lincoln welders and a CNC plasma table.
• Hands-on Training: Students get extensive hands-on experience to develop practical skills.
• AWS Certification: The program prepares students for AWS certification tests.
• Articulation Credit: High school welding course credits can be transferred.

Located in Linn, Missouri, the college features over 50 specialized labs and ample space for practical training. The high job placement rate (93%) is a testament to the program’s effectiveness. Partnerships with companies like Hubbell Power enhance employment opportunities post-graduation.

Graduates often find lucrative roles, with an average salary around $50,000, reflecting the program’s ability to prepare students for well-paying jobs in the welding industry.

How to Choose the Right Welder School in St. Louis

Choosing the right welder school in St. Louis requires a careful evaluation of various factors. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision:

1. Program Curriculum: Look closely at the coursework. Ensure the program covers the welding techniques you want to master.
2. Duration and Scheduling: Consider how long the program lasts and if it offers flexible scheduling options like evening or weekend classes.
3. Accreditation: Check if the school is accredited by recognized organizations. This can be a mark of quality education.
4. Hands-On Training: Ensure the school provides ample hands-on training with industry-standard equipment.
5. Career Services: Look for schools with strong career services support, including job placement assistance and internships.
6. Industry Connections: Check if the school has partnerships with local businesses or welding companies. This can facilitate job opportunities.
7. Costs and Financial Aid: Evaluate tuition fees and explore financial aid options. Ensure you get value for your investment.
8. Student Reviews: Read reviews and testimonials from former students to gauge their experiences and satisfaction.

Choosing a school based on these criteria will help you find a program that aligns with your career goals and lifestyle needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the right welder school is crucial for your future success in the welding industry. Each of the schools discussed offers unique benefits, from the extensive facilities at Ranken Technical College to the flexible, industry-specific training at CK Supply and South Technical High School. The Welding Technology program at State Technical College of Missouri stands out with high job placement rates and partnerships with top companies.

By considering your specific needs and the factors highlighted in our guide, you can make an informed choice and start on the path to a rewarding welding career in St. Louis.