Discover the top 15 best welding schools in Arkansas with our 2023 ranking. Explore the finest institutions offering comprehensive welding programs and hands-on training at the best welding schools in Arkansas. Kickstart your welding career today!
Welding is one of the most promising careers in the United States.
Because of its popularity, every state has schools and classes dedicated to teaching the art and preparing students for the workforce.
No matter where you live in Arkansas, there are numerous educational institutions. There is a school for everyone, whether you are an Arkansas native or from another state.
Arkansas welding academies and institutions provide training in the four most popular welding processes: SMAW, GTAW, FCAW, and GMAW.
These processes prepare students for whatever challenges they may face in the field.
This article will teach you about the best welding schools in Arkansas and some additional helpful information.
You’ll also learn about welders’ salaries, career opportunities, etc.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about welding in Arkansas.
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Table of Contents
Are there Welding Schools in Arkansas?
There are many welding schools in Arkansas. Some of these welding schools include:
- Arkansas Welding Academy
- Elite Welding Academy
- United Welding Institute
- Northwest Technical Institute
- Tech Career Center
- Black River Technical College
- National Park College
- Arkansas State University-Newport
- Arkansas Elite Welding Academy LLC
- Arkansas Tech University, Ozark
- University of Arkansas, Monticello
- University of Arkansas- Pulaski Tech
- Arkansas Northeastern College
- Arkansas State University Mid-South
- South Arkansas Community College
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How Does One Become a Welder in Arkansas?
To become a professional welder, you must first obtain the American Welding Society (AWS) certification.
To complete this step, you must enroll in welding classes and finish your education.
During this time, you will be able to learn a wide range of theoretical and practical skills.
You should pass your certification exam as soon as your training is completed.
The locations may vary, but you can usually take your test at your school.
To pass the test, you must demonstrate proficiency in basic welding skills.
You can learn more about the problem by going to the AWS Official website and learning their standards.
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What are the Best Welding Schools in Arkansas?
Before learning about the best welding schools in Arkansas, we recommend that you read the following common facts about their training programs:
Each school on the list has received SENSE Accreditation Program approval from the American Welding Society; each program includes courses on standard welding methods such as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG), Shielded Metal Arc Welding (stick), or Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG); most schools require a high school diploma or GED, but some programs accept high school juniors.
#1 Arkansas Welding Academy
Arkansas Welding Academy is the state’s only federally accredited welding trade school. It provides a career-focused training program called the Master Pipe and Structural Welding program.
It incorporates seven lab hours daily, allowing students to gain the skills needed to succeed in entry-level welding positions.
The program teaches students how to set up and operate welding equipment and run the four major welding processes: GMAW, FCAW, SMAW, and GTAW.
The program teaches welding, metallurgy, and rod angles through lectures and laboratory training.
Students who complete the program and maintain good standing with the academy and financial aid providers are eligible for job placement assistance and continuing education training.
#2 Elite Welding Academy
The Elite Welding Academy combines individualized and on-the-job training to prepare students for entry-level welding positions.
The combined structural/pipe program students are prepared for residential, commercial, and industrial jobs.
The academy provides qualified graduates with lifetime job placement assistance and brush-up benefits!
As of 2020, this school’s graduates had a 96.8% job placement rate, making it an excellent choice for those looking to start working in the field as soon as possible.
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#3 United Welding Institute
Professional welder Johnathon Humphrey owns UWI, a local institution. The school provides students with various welding opportunities, and its graduates earn an average of $2,800 per week.
The website does not provide much information, but prospective students are encouraged to contact them by phone or email.
#4 Northwest Technical Institute
Northwest Technical Institute provides a welding technology program that includes instruction in the fundamentals of the trade.
Students learn proper safety procedures, machinery care and maintenance, and welding processes.
Classroom instruction is combined with laboratory assignments to ensure that each student has the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed.
The program lasts two semesters with one summer term, and the institute has a 100% job placement rate after graduation!
#5 Tech Career Center
Both high school and college students will benefit from the Tech Career Center. The center provides dual enrollment courses and is one of the state’s most prominent secondary career and technical centers.
Its welding program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in industrial and commercial welding.
To apply for the AWS Entry Level Welding Certification, students must pass a two-part exam administered by the American Welding Society (AWS).
Shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, flux core arc welding, structural pipe, and gas pipe welding are also available to students.
Another benefit of the career center is that students from neighboring states are eligible for in-state tuition.
#6 Black River Technical College
Black River Technical College provides a diverse range of programs. Its combination metal welding program offers a one-year welding certificate and teaches students practical applications of welding techniques and equipment operation and maintenance.
Also, Arc welding, MIG welding, and TIG welding are all covered in the program.
Before graduating, students must pass at least one plate welding certification by the American Welding Society Structural Welding Code, Section D1.1, and Radiographic Examination.
#7 National Park College
National Park College prepares students for careers in various fields, including metal fabrication, basic metallurgy, the use and application of multiple types of equipment, and welding techniques.
These abilities can be applied in industrial settings, privately owned shops, and personal business ownership!
The program allows students to become certified in various nationally recognized welding processes.
Due to the lab hours, the welding program charges an additional $10.00 per credit hour each semester.
Prospective students should contact National Park College directly for more information on tuition and fees.
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#8 Arkansas State University-Newport
Students who earn a Technical Certificate or higher from ASUN will be prepared for entry-level positions in welding manufacturing, construction, and custom fabrication.
Graduates’ skills include SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW welding processes, Oxy-fuel and Plasma Arc cutting techniques, blueprint reading, and fabrication skills.
Students can also learn automated processes like CNC plasma cutting and robotic welding.
Welding salary ranges are broad and are based on the level of knowledge and skill as well as the type of industry.
Companies that have hired previous students include Hytrol Conveyor Company, American RailCar, Apex Tool Group, Custom Metals, RGB, Cameron Construction, Jonesboro Tool, Die, and Phelps Industrial.
#9 Arkansas Elite Welding Academy LLC
Arkansas Elite Welding Academy LLC is located in Quitman, Arkansas. This school provides training in four qualifications, the most popular of which are Welding Certification, Certified Structural Welder, and Elite Welding Academy Pipe Program.
The time it takes to complete this education training ranges from 2 months to 4+ years, depending on the qualification, with a median time of 5 months.
The cost of attending ARKANSAS ELITE WELDING ACADEMY LLC ranges from $7,000 to $15,000, depending on qualification, with a median price of $15,000.
#10 Arkansas Tech University, Ozark
Students at Arkansas Tech’s Ozark campus can pursue a 60-credit associate’s degree in welding technology or a 36-credit technical certificate.
Graduates of each program are prepared for entry-level jobs and must take certification exams through the American Welding Society (AWS), a national leader in professional welding certifications.
#11 University of Arkansas, Monticello
University of Alberta’s Crossett Career School students can choose from three welding programs.
They include a proficiency certificate, a technical certificate, and an associate’s degree. The instructors are AWS-certified, and students learn everything they need to know to get hired immediately.
If you are interested in studying welding technology or becoming a welder, you should look into the University of Arkansas at Monticello program.
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#12 University of Arkansas- Pulaski Tech
The welding technical certificate program of this school requires two semesters. All students take Welding I in the first semester, focusing on theory, SMAW welding, Oxy-fuel cutting, Plasma arc cutting, and an emphasis on completing an AWS vertical certification in SMAW welding.
Students take three classes in the second semester: shielded metal arc welding, flux core arc welding, gas Tungsten arc welding, two welding classes, or an approved elective.
The welding proficiency certificate takes one semester to complete and allows students to meet certification requirements in the 3G (Vertical) position after Welding I.
Welder certification in destructive and non-destructive testing via radiography is available at a metal testing lab.
#13 Arkansas Northeastern College
The one-year Welding Certificate is intended for students who want to gain marketable welding skills.
The student gains proficiency with the various welding processes through an organized progression of steps.
Progression is based on performance. Students will progress through various levels of expertise based on their interests, aptitude, and participation in class.
Welder certification is now available. All structural qualification testing will be carried out by the American Welding Society’s Structural code D1.1.
Section 1X of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers welding code will be followed for all pipe qualifications.
#14 Arkansas State University Mid-South
It’s an excellent time to pursue a career in the welding industry, and the welding program at ASU Mid-South can help you get there.
Students may enroll in welding fabrication coursework after completing three of the four welding process courses at ASU Mid-South.
These advanced courses can help students advance their careers as fabricators or fitters. Students can learn how to fabricate, position, align, and fit structural metal products, which are in high demand in the welding industry.
ASU Mid-Welding South’s Technology program offers theory and practical skills application in welding and cutting based on American Welding Society skill standards.
Real-world welding skills can be developed in arc welding, plasma and air carbon arc cutting, oxyacetylene, TIG, MIG, gas metal, and flux-core arc welding.
You will also learn welding inspection testing principles and fabrication techniques as part of the process.
#15 South Arkansas Community College
This technical certificate program prepares students for entry-level positions in the welding industry.
Metal cutting, arc welding, semi-automatic (MIG) welding, and inert tungsten gas (TIG) welding are all covered in class.
The welding program curriculum adheres to the American Welding Society (AWS) education standards for beginning welders.
Students are taught practical applications of welding techniques and the operation and maintenance of industry-related tools.
Graduates may find work in manufacturing, maintenance, independent welding shops, or construction firms.
AWS and NCCER certifications are available to students.
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How Long are Welding Schools in Arkansas?
Any student understandably wants to know how long it takes to complete a welding program, but there is no definitive answer.
Each school has its program, which may vary in length.
Nonetheless, you can be sure that your education will not last more than two years.
How Much are Welding Schools in Arkansas?
Welding training programs at community colleges or technical schools typically cost $5,000 to $15,000.
Typically, programs last two years and result in a certificate of completion.
Tuition and training duration may differ depending on location and specialization.
For associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, tuition varies significantly between non-residents and residents.
Attending a nearby school saves you a lot of money.
Associate’s degrees can be obtained in two years and cost between $2,000 and $31,000.
A bachelor’s degree can be obtained in four years and costs between $40,000 and $100,000.
Welders with bachelor’s degrees usually become welding supervisors, inspectors, instructors, or engineers.
How Much Do Welders Make in Arkansas?
A typical welder in Arkansas earns around $37 510 per year ($18,03 per hour).
It’s only slightly less than the national average median wage.
The annual salary is $39 390, or $18,94 per hour.
The top 10% of welders in the United States earn approximately $62 000 per year, while the top 10% of welders in Arkansas earn roughly $56 400.
Arkansas has a strong welding employment outlook, which is an excellent reason to begin your career in this field.
Furthermore, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the number of welding jobs will grow by 6% between now and 2026.
It means that 22,500 new jobs will be created, and the number will continue to grow even after 2026.
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Conclusion
We hope you found this article helpful and obtained all the necessary information.
Welding is a fantastic career that you can get into quickly.
Take the first step by enrolling in your training, and we wish you the best of luck!
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FAQs
Do you need a license to weld in Arkansas?
Yes. Everyone who wants to work as a professional welder must have the American Welding Society (AWS) certification.Â
What do you need for welding in Arkansas?
Consumables such as MIG wire and flux-cored wire in various diameters and materials, welding tips, electrode sticks or tubes, flux, and TIG or gas brazing rods are all required for welding.
What is the hardest welding test in Arkansas?
The 6G Pipe Weld is the most complex and advanced welding test because you’ll be moving around the pipe while welding; this requires a high level of technical expertise.
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Reference
- vocationaltraininghq.com
- workingtheflame.com
