If you want a lucrative career that is both financially and professionally rewarding, learning how to weld is a good start.
The state with the second-highest level of employment for welders, California offers plenty of employment opportunities for workers in this profession.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage reported by welders in California was $49,130 as of May 2020, but with practice and experience, you can earn more than this.
The same report shows that the top 10 percent of California welders made more than $70,000 per year, so experience surely pays off in this line of work.
However, welding school is the first step in your journey and, in order to help you decide which program to choose, we have compiled information about trade schools that offer welding classes in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Trade-Tech
Los Angeles Trade-Tech (LATTC) is offering a Welding, Gas, and Electric program as part of an Associate of Science and Certificate program.
Founded in 1925, LATTC is the oldest public college that offers two-year programs in the Los Angeles Community College District.
These full-time programs are designed for those who are seeking entry-level employment in the field.
Students enrolled in this program should dedicate at least 21 hrs per week to their training.
Los Angeles Trade-Tech is a Certified Welding Test Center, allowing individuals who seek certification to take the exams on site.
Address: 400 West Washington Blvd, Los Angeles 90015
Maxine Waters Employment Preparation Center
One of 11 service centers under the Division of Adult and Career Education of Los Angeles Unified schools District, Maxine Waters Employment Preparation Center is offering three welding training programs.
The three programs are offered in a sequence.
The first program (Welding I) focuses on resource management, trade mathematics, welding symbols and codes, shielded metal arc welding, oxyacetylene cutting, welding tubing, and brazing.
The Welding 2 program focuses on advanced trade mathematics, equipment and processes, fillet welds, and plasma arc cutting.
Students enrolled in the Welding 3 program learn about basic geometry and trigonometry, groove welding, air carbon arc process, and combination welding.
The third program also focuses on the requirements of the Los Angeles Department Welding exam.
Address: 10925 South Central Avenue | Los Angeles, CA 90059
Harbor Occupational Center
Harbor Occupational Center is offering welding classes as part of its Manufacturing Development program.
The program includes three levels of difficulty, from basic to advanced welding skills.
Welding/3 is designed to prepare students for the welding exam hosted by the City of Los Angeles Department.
Before enrolling in the advanced class you have to complete the Welding/2 class or you need the instructor’s permission.
The instruction is offered in a hybrid format.
Address: 740 North Pacific Avenue San Pedro, CA 90731
Gearhead Workshops
Gearhead Workshops offers a variety of workshops and courses for those who want to learn how to repair and maintain their bikes.
The school’s catalog includes several welding classes:
- Creative Welding
- TIG Welding
- MIG Welding
Tuition for the entry-level TIG Welding class is $250 and includes materials and supplies.
The entry-level MIG Welding course is also $250.
The Creative Welding class is offered between 12-6 p.m. and costs $275.
If you want to learn how to be your own mechanic or to decide if welding is the right career path for you, enrolling in one of these classes can be a good option.
Address: 25101 Petroleum Ave. Harbor City, CA 90710
UEI College
Another great place where you can complete your welding training is the Gardena campus of UEI College.
The program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in the field in as few as 10 months.
Students enrolled in this program learn procedures and techniques when working with industry-standard tools.
The program covers a variety of welding techniques while also including safe and efficient work practices, blueprint reading, identifying metals, and other skills that are essential in this line of work.
Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
Address: 661 W Redondo Beach Blvd, Gardena, CA 90247
Welding Certification Center
Another program that can prepare you for a career in welding is the one offered by the Welding Certification Center.
Here you can learn how to weld for only $299 per month.
The Welding Certification Center is a private welding school located in LA county and is licensed by the Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education of the State of California.
The classes are small thus giving each student the opportunity of having a one-on-one experience with the instructors.
Address: 2701 N. Towne Ave Unit C, Pomona, CA 91767
Southern California Welding Training & Testing Center
Welding classes are also available at Southern California Welding Training & Testing Center in Oxnard.
The center’s campus covers more than 2000 square feet and includes large workshops and booths dedicated to group or individual instruction.
Students can choose between several programs:
- Certified General Welder
- Combination Welder-Fabricator
- Structural Welder
- Pipe Welder
- Aerospace Welder
- Automotive Welder-Fabricator
Programs are offered in daytime and evening sessions.
The school is approved to administers Welding Performance Qualification testing.
Address: 1641 Pacific Ave. Suite #94 Oxnard, CA 93033
Universal Technical Institute
Universal Technical Institute offers a Welding Program at its Long Beach campus.
The program can be completed in 9 months and prepares students for the American Welding Society certification tests and other credentialing exams.
The school’s welding curriculum is developed in partnership with Lincoln Electric and is designed to prepare students for a career as combination welders.
Students enrolled in this program learn how to weld in flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions using a variety of welding techniques, including GMAW, SMAW, FCAW, and GTAW.
Address: 4175 East Conant Street, Long Beach, CA 90808
