List of Welding Schools & Classes in Michigan [Updated]
Michigan is one of the top states in the country to learn welding. The state’s large network of community colleges and technical programs mean that welding students living in Michigan have many learning opportunities to choose from.
Michigan’s economy is diverse, but usually recognized for automobile production and technology. Welders in Michigan have the opportunity to work for large technology and manufacturing companies or smaller businesses.
Welders working in Michigan are required to get certified after taking an accredited welding program. Luckily, most programs in Michigan prepare students for welding testing and certification.
Welding students have a few educational options. They can earn a certificate, an associate of applied science degree, or a bachelor’s degree.
Read on to learn more about the types of certifications and programs available in Michigan. We’ve researched and listed the top 15 welding opportunities in Michigan, so you are sure to find the right fit for you.
1) Southwestern Michigan College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: SMAW, GMAW, FCAW and GTAW, thermal cutting, 1 year program
- Price: Contact for tuition information
- Website: https://www.swmich.edu/academics/degrees-and-certificates/welding/
- Telephone: (800) 456-8675
- Location: 22890 US Hwy 12 Niles, MI 49120
Southwestern Michigan College offers a certificate in welding that prepares and qualifies welders for the workforce. The program allows students to enter the workforce after 1 year of study.
The welding certificate program covers SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, blueprint reading, thermal cutting, and other necessary skills.
Students can gain employment right after testing or can pair this certificate with an associate of applied science degree in industrial technology.
More information about this degree and enrollment in the welding program can be found online or by calling Southwestern Michigan College directly.
2) Lake Michigan College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: GMAW, GTAW
- Price: Contact for pricing information
- Website: https://www.lakemichigancollege.edu/academics/manufacturing-and-skilled-trades/welding-basics-migtig-non-credit-certificate
- Telephone: (269) 927-1000
- Location: Multiple locations in Benton Harbor, Niles, and South Haven
Lake Michigan College offers a welding basics non-credit certificate. This program includes 40 hours of instruction.
Welding students learn GMAW and GTAW processes. Practice with solid wire, flux core, and various metal gauges prepares students for a range of work situations.
Students complete a final project at the end of the program. This project is assessed by the American Welding Society. Students must pass this inspection to earn their certificate. This is a great opportunity to test your skills and gain confidence before entering the workforce.
More information about the welding basics certificate can be obtained at Lake Michigan College’s website or by contacting Chad Dee, the director of the college’s Technology Center.
3) Macomb Community College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, pipe welding
- Price: Contact for tuition information
- Website: https://www.macomb.edu/programs-courses/programs/welding.html
- Telephone: (586) 445-7438
- Location: 44575 Garfield Rd. Clinton Township, MI 48038
Macomb Community College offers over 200 degree and certificate programs to 32,000 students annually. This large school first opened in 1954.
One of the programs offered at Macomb is a welding certificate. This program prepares welders for the workforce in a short amount of time. Welders wanting to further their education can pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree at a different institution after earning their certificate at Macomb.
The welding program covers SMAW, GMAW, GTAW and pipe welding processes. The well-rounded curriculum at Macomb Community College is ideal for any welder.
4) Jackson College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: GMAW, GTAW
- Price: Contact for tuition information
- Website: https://www.jccmi.edu/degree/welding-certificate/
- Telephone: (517) 796-8425
- Location: 2111 Emmons Rd. Jackson, MI 49201
Jackson College opened in 1928 and offers a variety of degrees and certificates in high-demand careers. The welding certificate at the college includes 19 credits and prepares students for immediate employment upon completion.
The welding program covers skills such as GMAW, GTAW, blueprint reading, measuring, and metal fabrication.
5) Delta College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: SMAW, GMAW
- Price: Contact for tuition information
- Website: https://www.delta.edu/programs/current/technical-trades-and-manufacturing/welding/welding-engineering-technology/certificate/index.html
- Telephone: (989) 686-9258
- Location: 1961 Delta Rd. University Center, MI 48710
Delta College is consistently ranked in the top 10% of community colleges in the United States. The school offers a Welding Engineering Technology program that prepares students for entry level welding positions after only one semester.
The 16 credit program covers SMAW and GMAW processes. The hands-on learning environment and small class sizes make Delta College stand out their competitors.
If you want to enter the workforce quickly, Delta College’s welding program may be a good fit for you.
6) MIAT College of Technology
- Type: Welding
- Classes: 9 month program
- Price: Contact for tuition information
- Website: https://miat.edu/programs/welding-specialist-canton
- Telephone: (800) 447-1310
- Location: 2955 S. Haggerty Rd. Canton, MI 48188
MIAT College of Technology opened its doors in 1969 and has been offering flexible classes ever since. Welding students can choose from day or evening classes that best fit their schedule.
The welding program is only 9 months long and focuses on hands-on experiences. Skills taught include welding, pipe welding, reading drawings and symbols, and metal fabrication.
7) Baker College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: 2 semesters, GMAW, GTAW
- Price: Contact for tuition information
- Website: https://www.baker.edu/academics/affiliated-institutions/auto-diesel-institute-of-michigan/programs-at-adi/welding-certificate/#curriculum
- Telephone: (800) 964-4299
- Location: 1020 S. Washington St. Owosso, MI 48867
Baker College offers a welding certificate program that can be completed in 2 semesters. The 7 credit program covers GMAW and GTAW welding processes.
Welding joint construction, oxy fuel cutting, and other skills are also taught. Classes are almost entirely hands-on, which allows students to gain confidence working independently.
More information on upcoming enrollment dates and tuition can be obtained by contacting the school directly.
8) Mid Michigan College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: SMAW, GMAW, FCAW and GTAW
- Price: Contact for tuition information
- Website: https://www.midmich.edu/academics/programs-of-study/skilled-trades/welding
- Telephone: (989) 386-6622
- Location: 1375 S. Clare Ave. Harrison, MI 48625
Mid Michigan College offers a year-long American Welding Society (AWS) certificate in SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and FCAW welding. The school prides itself on 100% job placement after completing the welding program.
Students learn oxy fuel cutting, plasma arc cutting, welding symbols and more in addition to the major welding processes listed above.
Mid Michigan’s job placement percentage and accreditation with the AWS make it a great place to learn a variety of welding skills.
9) Kalamazoo Valley Community College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: SMAW, FCAW, GTAW, GMAW
- Price: Contact for pricing information
- Website: https://www.kvcc.edu/programs/industrial_trades/wt.cert.php
- Telephone: (269) 488-4400
- Location: 6767 W. O Ave. Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Kalamazoo Valley Community College offers a welding certificate program that includes SMAW, GMAW, FTAW, and GTAW processes. Oxy fuel cutting and plasma arc cutting are also taught.
Students who complete this comprehensive program can transfer their credits to a bachelor’s degree. This is a great way to expand upon your skills and become a more competitive job seeker. It is also a good opportunity for those already employed as a welder who want to continue their education.
10) Muskegan Community College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: FCAW, SMAW, GMAW, GTAW
- Price: Contact for tuition information
- Website: https://www.muskegoncc.edu/degrees-and-certificates/areas-of-study/welding-technology/
- Telephone: (231) 773-9131
- Location: 221 S. Quarterline Rd. Muskegon, MI 49442
Muskegan Community College opened in 1926 and is the 4th oldest community college in Michigan. This well-established institution offers a welding certificate and associate of applied science degree in welding.
Welding students learn to fabricate and work with rolled, stamped, forged, and cast shapes. The program is American Welding Society accredited.
Muskegan Community College is the site of the only AWS accredited testing facility in western Michigan. This makes it extra easy for Muskegan students to become certified welders.
11) Northwestern Michigan College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW
- Price: Contact for tuition information
- Website: https://catalog.nmc.edu/programs-az/technical/welding-technology-level-ii/?_ga=2.149820022.1990901660.1666016645-2008950726.1666016645#text
- Telephone: (231) 995-1000
- Location: 1701 E. Front St. Traverse City, MI 49686
Northwestern Michigan College offers a welding certificate and associate degree. The welding program combines lectures and labwork to provide students with a well-rounded learning experience.
GMAW, SMAW, GTAW, and FCAW processes are covered. Oxy fuel cutting and plasma arc cutting are also taught.
Welding program graduates must pass the AWS test before seeking employment.
Students pursuing the welding associate degree will complete a series of general education credits and courses in machining, welding, fabrication, and metallurgy.
12) Industrial Arts Institute
- Type: Welding
- Classes: SMAW, GTAW, FCAW, pipe welding, full day, weekdays
- Price: $15,000
- Website: https://iaiworks.com/comprehensive-industrial-welding/
- Telephone: (989) 733-4369
- Location: 20902 Washington St. Onaway, MI 49765
The Industrial Arts Institute is a non profit and American Welding Society accredited training school. The institute has over 26,000 square feet of welding space and 50 welding work stations.
Students complete a total of 760 hours of coursework with 70% of their time spent in the lab. This hands-on experience allows students to gain mastery of skills before taking the AWS test.
Subjects covered in the program include SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, blueprint reading, oxy fuel cutting, and pipe welding.
Students seeking a comprehensive welding education from a private institution should seriously consider the Industrial Arts Institute.
13) Ferris State University
- Type: Welding
- Classes: GTAW, SMAW, FCAW, GMAW
- Price: Contact for tuition information
- Website: https://www.ferris.edu/catalog/current/programs/welt-aas-te.htm
- Telephone: (231) 591-2000
- Location: 1201 S. State St. Big Rapids, MI 49307
Ferris State University offers an associate of applied science degree in welding. The hands-on program covers a wide range of welding processes including testing, inspection, and fabrication.
Welding students round out their education with materials science, electronics, and machine tool classes.
If you are interested in a variety of metalworking and technology topics, this associate degree may be ideal for you. Welders who want to concentrate on welding processes may find it best to focus on other degree options.
14) Monroe County Community College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, SMAW
- Price: Contact for tuition information
- Website: https://www.monroeccc.edu/programs/welding-technology
- Telephone: (734) 384-4118
- Location: 1555 S. Raisinville Rd. Monroe MI, 48161
Monroe County Community College is a 2 year institution that has been operating since 1964. The school offers an associate of applied science degree in welding technology.
SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, and FCAW processes are covered. Cutting techniques, weld symbols, and general problem solving are also taught in the program.
Students who want to complete their welding education at a faster pace can earn a certificate instead of a 2 year degree. If you choose this option, you can always return to school later to finish your degree while working in the welding industry.
15) Lansing Community College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, SMAW
- Price: Contact for tuition information
- Website: https://www.lcc.edu/academics/areas-of-study/computers-engineering-technology/welding-tech.html
- Telephone: (517) 483-1104
- Location: 5708 W. Cornerstone Dr. Lansing, MI 48917
Lansing Community College offers a 60 credit associate degree in welding technology at their brand new technology center. The welding program covers general processes, pipe welding, and fabrication.
Students who pursue the associate degree complete general education credits in addition to welding program classes.
More information on the welding program can be obtained at Lansing Community College’s website or by calling the school directly.