All major construction projects need good welders on their team and this is not the only sector where welding services are in high demand.
As a welder, you can find employment in shops, factories, construction sites, and a variety of other places.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage reported by welders in Arizona was $46,870 but salaries range between less than $31,000 and more than $65,000.
If you want a stable career that offers you a lot of room to perfect your skills and improve your earning prospects, learning how to weld is a good option.
Below we have compiled information about schools that offer welding programs in Phoenix and the nearby region.
Gateway Community College
Gateway Community College offers a variety of technical education programs.
The school’s catalog includes several certificate programs in welding:
- Welding Fundamentals – 630 hours
- Welding: Gas Tungsten Arc Welding – 630 hours
- Welding: Pipe and Plate – 828 hours
- Welding: Shielded Metal Arc Welding – 630 hours
- Welding: Shielded Metal Arc Welding Pipe – 630 hours
All programs are available in day and evening schedules.
Students who enroll in Gateway’s welding programs learn various welding techniques and a variety of other useful skills:
- How to adhere to industry safety regulations
- Following quality control standards
- Solving welding problems using math, and the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of the materials used in the process.
- Communication in various work environments
Address: 108 N. 40th Street Phoenix, AZ 85034
Arizona Automotive Institute
Located in the Phoenix metropolitan area, Arizona Automotive Institute offers flexible, hands-on classes designed to prepare students for employment right after graduation.
The school’s Combination Welding program combines classroom instruction with hands-on training and can be completed in 10 months.
The curriculum covers classes such as:
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding
- Gas Metal Arc Welding
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
- Flux-cored Arc Welding
- Plasma Arc Cutting
- Welding Repairs Cleaning Welds
- Part Fabrication.
The classes are small, giving each student the opportunity to receive individual attention and one-on-one training from the instructors.
Address: 6829 N46th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85301
Vocational Training Institute
The Vocational Training Institute offers a variety of career-training programs that combine theory with practical applications.
Their Welding Training program teaches many useful skills, such as:
- Basic Employable Skills
- OSHA Safety
- Basic Communication Skills
- Introduction to Construction Drawings
- Base Metal Preparations
- Oxyfuel Cutting
- SMAW Electrodes and Uses
- SMAW Groove Welds with Backing
- And more
The program consists of nearly 300 clock hours and is designed to prepare students for entry-level apprenticeships in the field.
Address: 2101 W. Alice Ave. Phoenix AZ 85021
UA Plumbers and Pipefitters
If you want to perfect your skills on the job while being paid for the work done, an apprenticeship is a good option.
The UA Plumbers and Pipefitters are offering an accredited Joint Apprenticeship Program.
The program is 5-years long and requires more than 10,000 on-the-job training and more than 1,200 hours of classroom education.
Applicants need to be at least 18 years of age.
The wage for workers in metal trades is $30.05 per hour for journeymen with a license, $26.05 for journeymen without a license, and $23,55 for residential trainees.
Address: 3109 North 24th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85016 - 7399
West-MEC
A public school district, Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC) offers career training for adults and high school students.
The school’s catalog includes and Welding Technology program that covers the common welding processes used in the industry, including SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, and Oxy-fuel cutting.
The 900-hour program can be completed by attending evening or morning classes.
Graduates are ready for the certification exam offered by the American Welding Society.
Address: Western Maricopa Education Center #402 5487 N. 99th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85305
Commercial Divers International
If you want to become a commercial diver, there’s a great school in Goodyear ready to prepare you for a career in the field.
The course provides students with hands-on training that prepares them for employment in the field of commercial diving and in the marine construction industries.
Students don’t need previous diving experience but having some previous training helps.
The course covers topics such as:
- Topside Welding and Burning
- Underwater Welding and Burning
- Surface Supplied Air and Mixed Gas Diving
- Underwater Tools
- Blueprint reading
- and many more
Applicants need to be in good health and they also need a high school diploma or GED.
Students have to complete a diving physical sanctioned by the Association of Diving Contractors International before beginning to dive.
Address: 4055 S Sarival Ave, Goodyear, AZ 85338
Universal Technical Institute
The Universal Technical Institute is offering a hands-on program in Welding Technology at its Avondale campus.
The campus covers 248,000 sq. ft. and includes classrooms and 38 labs.
The program is designed to prepare students for a welding career in a variety of industries, from automotive fabrication to aerospace.
Students can graduate in as little as 36 weeks.
The training is developed with Lincoln Electric and includes GMAW, SMAW, FCAW & GTAW processes.
The curriculum also includes safety classes and engineering and fabrication courses.
Address: 10695 West Pierce Street, Avondale, AZ 85323
