List of Welding Schools & Classes in Maine [Updated]
Maine is a state in New England with an extensive community college and technical school system. The state is currently offering free community college tuition for recent high school graduates.
Whether you are fresh out of school or looking to pursue a degree in welding as an older learner, the state of Maine offers many ways to learn the trade at an affordable price.
Most of the schools listed here offer high-quality welding programs as part of Maine’s system of community colleges. With easy credit transfers, financial aid, and other opportunities, Maine is a great state to learn welding and other trades.
Welding is an in-demand occupation around the United States and especially in Maine. Graduates can work in the state’s shipbuilding, fabrication, and construction industries. Positions related to shipbuilding and shipyard maintenance are especially prevalent in this coastal state.
The following are the top welding schools and community colleges offering welding degrees in Maine this year. Make sure to visit each school’s website and contact program directors directly for more information on program options and applications.
1) New England School of Metalwork
- Type: Welding
- Classes: SMAW, GMAW, FCAW and GTAW, 13 weeks, single day, evenings, full day
- Price: $200-$8600
- Website: https://newenglandschoolofmetalwork.com/node/8
- Telephone: (207) 753-1360
- Location: 7 Albiston Way Auburn, ME 04210
New England School of Metalwork is a non-profit learning center offering courses in welding, bladesmithing, and related skills. The school first opened in 2000.
Students at the New England School of Metalwork can choose from 13-week courses, single day clinics, and night classes. The 13-week courses are comprehensive and prepare students for careers in welding without a long time commitment.
A pipe welding emphasis is offered for the multiple-week welding course.
Skills learned include safety, reading symbols, fabrication, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, and SMAW. Classes run on weekdays 8 hours to ensure students learn everything within the 13 weeks.
If you want to brush up on specific skills or add to your welding toolkit, consider single day clinics and night classes at the New England School of Metalwork. These options are better for those already working full time because they take place on Saturdays and weekday evenings.
Clinic topics include SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, and GTAW.
2) Mid-Coast School of Technology
- Type: Welding
- Classes: SMAW, FCAW, GTAW, GMAW
- Price: Contact for pricing information
- Website: http://midcoast.mainecte.org/course/welding-metal-fabrication/
- Telephone: (207) 594-2161
- Location: 1 Main St. Rockland, ME 04841
Mid-Coast School of Technology offers a welding program primarily taught by John Brungardt. The program takes two years to complete and offers training in the main welding techniques.
Plasma arc cutting and other essential skills are covered. Classes take place on weekdays and include lectures, written work, and shop experience. The combination of written and hands-on work makes this option more similar to other community college and technical college offerings.
If you are someone who learns best through various types of activities, this option may be a good fit for you.
3) Washington County Community College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: FCAW, SMAW, GMAW, GTAW
- Price: Contact for tuition information
- Website: https://www.wccc.me.edu/academics/programs/programs-study/welding-technology/
- Telephone: (207) 454-1074
- Location: One College Dr. Calais, ME 04619
Washington County Community College first opened in 1969 and serves around 450 students annually. WCCC’s small class sizes make it the perfect option for students who want individualized instruction.
The college’s Welding Technology program prepares students for the American Welding Society’s certification. Students learn the main welding techniques, safety, and pipe welding particulars in 36 credit hours.
Graduates of Washington County Community College’s welding program are commonly employed in the construction, fabrication, and shipbuilding industries in Maine.
4) Eastern Maine Community College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, Associate degree
- Price: Contact for tuition information
- Website: https://www.emcc.edu/academics/programs/programs-of-study/1810-2/
- Telephone: (207) 974-4600
- Location: 354 Hogan Rd. Bangor, ME 04401
Eastern Maine Community College opened in 1966 and has been serving the Bangor, Maine area ever since. Welding students work towards an Associate of Applied Science degree and can choose from 1 or 2-year programs.
The 1-year program emphasizes SMAW. 2-year students learn GMAW, GTAW, and FCAW in addition to SMAW. Oxy fuel cutting, air carbon arc cutting, and plasma arc cutting are also covered.
5) Beal University
- Type: Welding
- Classes: SMAW, GTAW, FCAW, Associate degree, diploma
- Price: Contact for tuition information
- Website: https://beal.edu/programs/welding-technology/
- Telephone: (207) 307-3900
- Location: 99 Farm Rd. Bangor, ME 04401
Beal University was founded in 1891 as Beal College. The school changed its name to Beal University in 2020 to reflect its growth and its wider catalog of academic offerings.
Welding students at Beal University work towards an Associate of Applied Science degree or a school diploma. The diploma option is accelerated, which allows students to enter the workforce faster.
The extra time it takes to earn an associate degree does expose students to more welding topics and allows them to gain more confidence as a welder. However, the option you choose will depend on what works for you.
Regardless of the specific welding degree chosen, Beal University’s tradition of quality education makes it a great place to learn the trade.
6) Northern Maine Community College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: GTAW, SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, structural welding
- Price: Contact for tuition information
- Website: https://www.nmcc.edu/academics/programs/academic-programs/structural-welding/
- Telephone: (207) 768-2700
- Location: 33 Edgemont Dr. Presque Isle, ME 04769
Northern Maine Community College opened in 1961 and serves 2,000 students annually. The school offers an American Welding Society certification in structural welding.
The structural welding program at NMCC prepares students for careers in the shipbuilding, fabrication, and manufacturing industries. These fields are seeking qualified welders, so finding work is almost guaranteed!
Specific skills learned in the college’s welding program include structural welding, fundamental techniques, blueprint reading, electric welding, and more.
7) Kennebec Valley Community College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, SMAW
- Price: Contact for tuition information
- Website: https://www.kvcc.me.edu/academics/programs-of-study/welding/
- Telephone: (207) 453-5822
- Location: 677 Skowhegan Rd. Fairfield, ME 04937 (and other locations)
Kennebec Valley Community College offers a high-quality welding program at their Fairfield location. The college has served its community since 1969 and prepares students for successful careers in Maine’s top industries.
Welding students at Kennebec Valley Community College learn oxy acetylene welding and cutting, arc welding, MIG, SMAW, FCAW, GTAW, and fabrication.
Classes include written coursework and hands-on learning to ensure a well-rounded learning experience.