Welding is an important part of our day-to-day lives because many industries rely on good welders to operate.
If you want to train for a profession that gives you stability and good employment options, learning how to weld can be the right choice for you.
Several schools offer welding training in San Diego and the nearby area.
On this page, we have compiled information about the programs, curriculum, duration, and tuition to help you choose the one that best fits your needs.
After reading our information we invite you to continue your research by visiting the schools’ website.
The cost of living is considered high in San Diego, but there are many welding opportunities that can help you make a fine living in the area.
Center for Employment Training
The Center for Employment Training offers a variety of training options for those who want to start a career in trades.
The school’s catalog includes a Welding Fabrication program that can be completed in approximately 8-9 months.
This program is offered at the school’s four campuses: Colton, El Centro, San Diego, and Watsonville.
This hands-on program gives students the opportunity to learn and practice shop safety, shop math, shop English as well as blueprint interpretation.
Students learn essential welding techniques, including SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, and FCAW techniques, as well as the Oxy-Fuel process.
Address: 4153 Market Street, Suite CSan Diego, California 92102
San Diego College of Continuing Education
San Diego College of Continuing Education is offering several certificate programs in skilled and technical trades.
Their catalog includes:
- Shield Metal Arc Welding
- Pipe Welding
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
The welding programs are 600-hours long each and can be completed in 24 weeks based on 25 hours/per week schedules.
Students enrolled in the programs gain practical experience in welding as well as math, communications, and business ethics.
Address: 4343 Ocean View Boulevard San Diego, CA 92113-1915
Summit College
The Welding Program offered by Summit College teaches students all the skills they need as entry-level welders.
The program can be completed in only 9 months.
If you want to see if this career is the right fit for you, Summit College offers you the opportunity of attending a class by applying in advance through its “Crash a Class” event.
The program covers a variety of useful topics, including:
- Gas Metal Arc Welding
- Flat, horizontal, and vertical welding
- Oxyacetylene, Plasma, Cutting, and Carbon Arc
- Aluminum TIG Welding
- Welding Symbols
- Structural Welding
- Gas Flux Cored Welding
Address: 411 N Marshall Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020
United Association of Plumbers, Steamfitters & HVAC/R Local 230
Another great place where you can practice your welding skills is the Union Pipe Trades Training Center.
The center offers welding practice, brazing practice as well as welding and brazing testing.
The facilities are open to members by appointment.
All those who are working in the plumbing, steamfitting, refrigeration, and HVAC industry can join the United Association of Plumbers, Steamfitters, Refrigeration & HVAC Technicians.
Address: 8616 Cuyamaca St, Santee, CA, 92071
San Diego Sheet Metal Workers
San Diego Sheet Metal Workers is offering apprenticeship and journeyman training.
Their programs include welding classes.
All their programs include 960 hours of classroom instruction and 8000 hours of on-the-job training.
Apprentices also learn blueprint reading, sketching and drafting, testing and balancing air systems, green technologies, HVAC service work, and computer-aided drafting.
All apprentices are required to learn First Aid, C.P.R., fall protection, and safety training.
Address: 4596 Mission Gorge Place San Diego, CA 92120
