List of Welding Schools & Classes in North Dakota [Updated]
North Dakota has unique learning opportunities for welders. State-affiliated technical schools, privately-owned welding workshops, and tribal colleges all offer welding education.
Those seeking entry-level employment in North Dakota would benefit from earning a certificate, diploma, or even an associate degree in welding.
Certificate programs are the most popular option in the state and can be obtained in as few as 12 weeks. Diploma and associate degree options are perfect for those who don’t mind completing up to two years of education at the college level.
They are also ideal options for experienced welders who want to learn more about their trade.
The following are the top community colleges, technical schools, tribal colleges, and private shops offering welding education this year. Welding opportunities are abundant, regardless of where you are located in North Dakota.
1) Lynnes Welding Training
- Type: Welding
- Classes: SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, pipe welding
- Price: ~$16,000-$19,000
- Website: https://learntoweld.com/courses/combination-welder-i-program/
- Telephone: (701) 373-0658 (Fargo number)
- Location: Locations in Fargo, Bismarck, and Ramsey, MN
Lynnes Welding Training offers classes in Fargo, Bismarck, and Ramsey, MN. The school was founded in 2006 by Dave Lynnes.
Welding students can choose from 12 or 16-week welding programs. These options cover all of the basics of welding and prepare students for success in the workforce.
Shorter programs are also offered as additional training. These run for 3 t0 5 weeks and train students in specific topics like GMAW, SMAW, GTAW, and pipe welding.
2) North Valley Career & Technology Center
- Type: Welding
- Classes: SMAW, GMAW
- Price: Contact for tuition information
- Website: https://northvalleyctc.org/services/#adult-ed
- Telephone: (701) 352-3705
- Location: 1540 School Rd. Grafton, ND 58237
North Valley Career & Technology Center offers educational opportunities for high school students and adults. The organization partners with area school districts to offer technical training.
Adults have the opportunity to learn at North Valley as well. Classes in SMAW, GMAW, and oxyacetylene welding are available.
Contact the center directly for more information on pricing and upcoming class dates.
3) North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS)
- Type: Welding
- Classes: GTAW, SMAW, GMAW, FCAW
- Price: Contact for tuition information
- Website: https://www.ndscs.edu/academics/academic-departments-programs/welding-technology#welding-technology-aas-degree-or-diploma
- Telephone: (701) 231-6902
- Location: Locations in Wahpeton and Fargo
North Dakota State College of Science or NDSCS has locations in Wahpeton and Fargo. The college first opened in 1903 and boasts a 97% placement rate for graduates.
Welding students can choose to pursue a certificate, diploma or associate of applied science (AAS) degree.
Regardless of the program they choose, student welders learn theory, fabrication, print reading, cutting, robotics, and math. Welding labs are a key component to the learning process.
Diploma and AAS students also complete a series of electives.
4) Bismarck State College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, FCAW
- Price: Contact for tuition information
- Website: https://bismarckstate.edu/academics/programs/welding/
- Telephone: (701) 224-2672
- Location: 1500 Edwards Ave. Bismarck, ND 58506
Bismarck State College is the only polytechnic school in the state of North Dakota. The college is situated on 120 acres.
Welding students at Bismarck State College complete the program in one year. A wide variety of welding classes are included in the two semesters.
Topics include: SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, blueprints, and testing processes. Certified welding testing is included in the second semester.
Students have the opportunity to complete an optional third semester to expand on their skills. This semester covers advanced welding topics that are useful for the workforce.
5) Williston State College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: SMAW, GMAW, FCAW
- Price: Contact for tuition information
- Website: https://willistonstate.edu/programs/Welding-Technology/
- Telephone: (701) 774-4200
- Location: 1410 University Ave. Williston, ND 58801
Williston State College is part of the North Dakota University System. The school offers a welding certificate and associate of applied science (AAS) program.
Students pursuing the certificate learn SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, oxy fuel cutting, blueprint reading, safety, and basic fabrication.
Welding students in the AAS program expand on these skills. They take 62 credits worth of welding labs, welding theory, metallurgy, and electives.
6) Turtle Mountain Community College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: pipe welding
- Price: Contact for tuition information
- Website: https://www.tm.edu/academics/career_technical_education/nine_month_certificate/welding-technology-pipe/
- Telephone: (701) 477-4832
- Location: 10145 BIA Rd. 7 Belcourt, ND 58316
Turtle Mountain Community College or TMCC was founded in 1972. It is a tribally-controlled college located on the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indian Reservation.
The college offers 16-week and 9-month welding certificates. The shorter 16-credit certificate focuses on pipe welding. Students learn theory and complete lab work. Pipe and plate welding techniques and fabrication are taught.
The 9-month option covers a broader range of welding technology topics in 33 credits. These include basic processes, CNC machining, blueprint reading, symbols, and more.
7) Sitting Bull College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: SMAW, GMAW, FCAW
- Price: Contact for tuition information
- Website: https://sittingbull.edu/academics/programs/welding-certificate/
- Telephone: (701) 854-8038
- Location: 9299 Hwy 24 Fort Yates, ND 58538
Sitting Bull College is a tribal college located on the Standing Rock Reservation. Academics at the college are rooted in the Dakota/Lakota culture.
Welding students at Sitting Bull College learn SMAW, GMAW, and FCAW processes in multiple positions. Graduates are ready to obtain entry-level employment.