List of Welding Schools & Classes in Minnesota [Updated]
The state of Minnesota has many affordable and convenient welding programs for beginner, intermediate, and experienced welders.
Minnesota has a large network of state-affiliated technical and community colleges that offer high-quality welding education that prepares students for real-world success.
The large cities of Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and Duluth all support manufacturing, which is closely related to welding. Duluth in particular is a very industrial city home to several large manufacturing companies that hire welders.
Even the small towns and rural settings of Minnesota can support a welder. Sheet metal fabrication and related manufacturing occupations are common throughout the state.
The following are the best places to learn welding in Minnesota this year. Our list is made up of technical college and community college programs that are perfect for entry level welders or seasoned professionals who want to further their skills.
1) Alexandria Technical & Community College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: SMAW, GMAW, and GTAW
- Price: Contact for tuition information
- Website: https://www.alextech.edu/programs/welding-technology
- Telephone: (320) 762-0221
- Location: 1601 Jefferson St. Alexandria, MN 56308
Alexandria Technical & Community College (ATCC) is among the top schools in Minnesota for its student retention, graduation rates, and job placement rates.
ATCC offers GMAW, SMAW, and GTAW welding classes. Flux cored arc welding, plasma cutting, and fuel gas cutting are also taught. Students learn to read blueprints and weld symbols and are introduced to basic metallurgy processes.
2) Anoka Technical College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: GMAW, GTAW, SMAW
- Price: Contact for pricing information
- Website: http://www.anokatech.edu/ProgramsCourses/EngManufTech/Welding
- Telephone: (763) 433-1100
- Location: 1355 W. Hwy 10 Anoka, MN 55303
Anoka Technical College offers day and evening classes and prides itself on its low-cost programs. Anoka partners with local businesses to offer students high-quality learning experiences and job placement after graduation.
Welding students at ATC can earn a certificate, diploma, or associate of applied science degree. Those who want to start working quickly can earn a 17 credit certificate and work towards higher levels of education later.
Pipe welding and fabrication certificates are offered. An associate of applied science degree in welding includes 66 credits of welding and general education credits.
General education classes include math and electives. Welding-specific courses cover GMAW, GTAW, SMAW, oxy fuel cutting, plasma cutting, and carbon air arc cutting.
3) St. Cloud Technical & Community College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: SMAW, GMAW, GTAW
- Price: Contact for tuition information
- Website: https://www.sctcc.edu/degrees-programs/weldingfabrication
- Telephone: (320) 308-5089
- Location: 1540 Northway Dr. St. Cloud, MN 56303
St. Cloud Technical & Community College (SCTCC) offers a welding and fabrication diploma. Students can rest assured that they will find employment after graduation, since SCTCC’s program has a 100% job placement rate.
Students learn to weld in all positions to prepare for all types of work. SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, oxy fuel cutting, and plasma cutting are covered in the diploma program.
4) Dakota County Technical College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: GMAW, GTAW, SMAW, FCAW
- Price: ~$9,000
- Website: https://www.dctc.edu/academics/programs-majors/construction-manufacturing/welding-technology/
- Telephone: (651) 423-8000
- Location: 1300 145th St. E Rosemount, MN 55065
Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) opened in 1969 and focuses on “education for employment.” The school has day and evening welding classes to accommodate a range of schedules.
Students complete 36 credits of welding classes that incorporate classroom learning and hands-on experiences. Full time students can complete their education in as little as 9 months.
Topics covered in the welding program include SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, math, and blueprint reading.
5) Hennepin Technical College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW
- Price: Contact for tuition information
- Website: https://hennepintech.edu/academic-programs/manufacturing-and-engineering-technology/welding-and-metal-fabrication/index.html
- Telephone: (952) 995-1300
- Location: 9000 Brooklyn Blvd. Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Hennepin Technical College is Minnesota’s largest stand-alone technical school. The Brooklyn Park location offers a welding diploma that is 46 total credits.
Students learn SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, FCAW, cutting processes, and blueprint reading.
Certificate programs are also available for those who want to enter the workforce sooner. Certificates include 16 credits and cover GMAW, GTAW, and robotic arc welding.
6) Dunwoody College of Technology
- Type: Welding
- Classes: SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, 1-2 year programs
- Price: Contact for tuition information
- Website: https://dunwoody.edu/manufacturing/welding-metal-fabrication/
- Telephone: (612) 274-5800
- Location: 818 Dunwoody Blvd. Minneapolis, MN 55403
Dunwoody College of Technology is located in Minneapolis and is the only private nonprofit technical school in the state. Dunwoody opened in 1912 and has been offering a range of technical degrees ever since.
Welding students can choose from a 1 year certificate or a 2 year degree. Certificate students learn SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and oxy fuel cutting with steel and aluminum alloys.
2-year students spend their first year in Dunwoody’s lab, where they learn SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and oxy fuel cutting hands-on. The second year is spent in the machine shop, where drawing, and milling are covered in-depth.
Students have the option to pursue a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and technology after completing the welding degree.
7) Century College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: GMAW, GTAW, SMAW, FCAW
- Price: $203 per credit
- Website: https://www.century.edu/programs/welding
- Telephone: (651) 779-3300
- Location: 3300 Century Ave. N. White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Century College opened in 1967 and is one of the largest 2-year colleges in Minnesota. Century offers a welding certificate that students can pursue part or full-time.
GMAW, GTAW, SMAW, and FCAW welding processes are taught in the certificate program. Oxy fuel cutting, plasma arc cutting, blueprint reading, safety, weld symbols, and quality control are also covered.
8) Central Lakes College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: SMAW, GMAW, and GTAW
- Price: Contact for tuition information
- Website: http://www.clcmn.edu/welding-and-fabrication-a-a-s-degree-2/
- Telephone: (218) 855-8000
- Location: 501 W. College Dr. Brainerd, MN 56401
Central Lakes College (CLC) opened its doors in 1938. The college offers a diploma or associate of applied science degree in welding.
The diploma includes 45 credits, while the AAS degree requires the completion of 60 credits, including general education.
Regardless of the type of program chosen, welding students learn GTAW, GMAW, SMAW, oxyacetylene cutting, welding symbols, blueprint reading, and basic metallurgy.
9) Minneapolis Community & Technical College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: SMAW, FCAW, GTAW, GMAW, certificate and Associate of Applied Science
- Price: Contact for pricing information
- Website: https://minneapolis.edu/academics/school-trade-technologies/welding-and-metal-fabrication
- Telephone: (612) 659-6000
- Location: 1501 Hennepin Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55403
Minneapolis Community & Technical College opened in 1996 and offers over 100 degree programs. Its downtown location makes it convenient for anyone living in the city.
Welding students at Minneapolis Community & Technical College can choose from 1 or 2 year degrees. A welding certificate only takes a year to complete and includes 30 credits of coursework. It prepares students for immediate employment.
The 2 year associate of applied science degree at the college includes 60 credits. This track covers pipe welding and advanced welding techniques in addition to the GMAW, GTAW, SMAW, FCAW, cutting, and measuring skills included in the certificate program.
10) Northland Community & Technical College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: SMAW, GMAW, GTAW
- Price: Contact for tuition information
- Website: http://www.northlandcollege.edu/programs/welding_technology/program_detail.php?program_code=603
- Telephone: (218) 683-8800
- Location: 1101 Hwy 1 E. Thief River Falls, MN 56701 (Diploma available at East Grand Forks location)
Northland Community & Technical College opened in 1949 and offers welding diploma and certificate programs. The diploma option is available at both Thief River Falls and East Grand Forks. A welding certificate is available at Thief River Falls.
Both programs cover the standard welding processes as well as cutting, pipe welding, fabrication, and experience working with all metals.
The welding diploma transfers to an associate of applied science degree in electronics or robotic technology. If you want to expand your knowledge into related technologies, this may be a good fit for you.
Regardless of the program you choose, Northland allows its students to participate in flex-labs. These are hands-on learning labs that students complete at their own pace.
11) Ridgewater College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, 1-2 year programs
- Price: Contact for tuition information
- Website: https://ridgewater.edu/academics/areas-of-study/advanced-manufacturing-engineering/welding-program/
- Telephone: (320) 222-5200
- Location: Hutchinson and Willmar locations
Ridgewater College has two locations in Hutchinson and Willmar and offers over 100 degree programs. It is ranked the number 1 community college in Minnesota.
Welding students can choose from 1 or 2-year program options. The welding certificate covers SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, weld symbols, and other essential topics.
Ridgewater’s diploma builds on the skills learned in the certificate program. The school’s 2-year AAS degree is the perfect choice for those who want to gain a complete understanding of in-demand welding skills. It covers the above welding processes as well as pipe welding and fabrication.
AAS students are required to complete a series of elective credits. The diploma option at Ridgewater requires less electives and may be a better choice for those seeking more immediate employment.
12) Riverland Community College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: GTAW, GMAW, SMAW
- Price: ~$6,700
- Website: https://www.riverland.edu/academics/programs/welding-dip/description/
- Telephone: (507) 379-3300
- Location: 2200 Riverland Dr. Albert Lea, MN 56007
Riverland Community College offers a 32-credit welding diploma at its Albert Lea location. This diploma covers GMAW, GTAW, and SMAW welding processes and welding safety.
Students can complete the diploma in about one year.
13) South Central College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: GTAW, SMAW, GMAW
- Price: ~$3,400-$8,000
- Website: https://southcentral.edu/Majors-and-Programs/welding-program.html?ID=track_a_to_z#awards-degrees
- Telephone: (507) 289-7200
- Location: Faribault and North Mankato locations
South Central College has locations in Faribault and North Mankato. The college offers welding certificates and a Welding and Machining Technology diploma.
The certificate includes 16 credits that cover blueprint reading, safety, SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and cutting processes. OSHA safety and advanced welding processes are also covered.
South Central College’s diploma includes cutting, turning, milling, measurement, and welding processes.
14) Rochester Community & Technical College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: GMAW, GTAW, SMAW
- Price: ~$4,000
- Website: https://www.rctc.edu/program/welding/outcomes/
- Telephone: (507) 285-7557
- Location: 851 30th Ave. SE Rochester, MN 55904
Rochester Community & Technical College (RCTC) opened in 1915 and offers a 16 credit welding certificate at its Rochester location.
The certificate covers all the skills required for entry-level welding jobs. SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, blueprint reading, and oxy fuel cutting are taught in the program.
Welding internship opportunities are available.
15) Lake Superior College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, SMAW
- Price: $6,000-$14,000
- Website: https://degrees.lsc.edu/advanced-welding-technologist/
- Telephone: (218) 733-7600
- Location: 2101 Trinity Rd. Duluth, MN 55811
Lake Superior College offers over 90 degree programs, including a welding certificate, diploma, and associate of applied science degree. The college has been ranked one of the top 20 best community colleges in the nation.
Students can choose the program that best fits their budget and career goals. Those who want to get a job quickly can complete the welding certificate. This covers GMAW, SMAW, GTAW, blueprint reading, and CAD technology.
Lake Superior College’s diploma includes 65 credits and focuses on employment readiness.
The AAS degree includes 60 credits and covers all of the basic welding processes plus oxy fuel cutting and robotic welding.
16) Pine Technical & Community College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, SMAW
- Price: Contact for tuition information
- Website: https://www.pine.edu/programs/advanced-manufacturing-technology-programs/welding/
- Telephone: (320) 629-5189
- Location: 900 4th St. SE Pine City, MN 55063
Pine Technical & Community College is located in Pine City. The college offers a welding diploma with a built-in certificate. Students can complete this program while working as welders.
The diploma covers SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, robotic welding, blueprint reading, cutting processes, and metallurgy.
17) Saint Paul College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: GMAW, GTAW, SMAW
- Price: Contact for tuition information
- Website: https://saintpaul.edu/programs/Pages/welding-technology.aspx
- Telephone: (651) 846-1600
- Location: 235 Marshall Ave. St. Paul, MN 55102
Saint Paul College opened in 1910 and is a high-ranking 2-year institution. The college offers a welding technology diploma that is completed full-time.
Students learn in the classroom and through lab experiences. SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, robotic welding, blueprints, and cutting processes are covered. Practice with both aluminum and steel are at the heart of the learning experience.