Finding the right school to attend is essential for those looking to become certified welders in Arkansas. Students must decide what kind of welding classes they want and which suits their needs best.
To help make this process easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best welding schools in Arkansas.
Each of these welding schools provides high-quality education and training for their students.
All these programs are designed to teach students the fundamentals of welding and how to safely operate equipment and tools used in the profession.
They also include hands-on instruction and practical experience for students to be fully prepared for certification testing upon completion of their program.
In addition, many schools offer flexible schedules that allow students to balance school with work or other commitments they may have outside of class time.
Best Welding Schools in Arkansas
#1. Area Career And Tech Center
Address: 2201 S Knoxville Russellville, AR 72811 United States
Phone: (479) 968-5499
The Area Career and Tech Center offers a wide range of programs, including welding.
The school was founded in 1981 and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
It has a total enrollment of just under 400 students at its main campus, located in Searcy city limits.
Students must have completed 12th grade before applying to schools within the ACCSC network.
Students who graduate from high school after November 1st are eligible for admission but must submit a copy of their diploma and official college transcripts showing completion of their current level program before taking any courses at this institution.
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#2. Northwest Technical Institute
Phone: (479) 751-8824
Address: 709 S Old Missouri Rd, Springdale, AR 72764
A welding technology curriculum from the Northwest Technical Institute provides instruction on the fundamental abilities required for the job.
Students are taught the proper use of safety precautions, machinery upkeep, and various welding techniques.
Each student receives laboratory work and classroom instruction to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and abilities needed for success.
The curriculum lasts two semesters with a summer break in between, and after graduation, the institute places all its graduates in jobs!
#3. National Park College
Address: 101 College Dr. Hot Springs National Park, AR 71913
Phone: (501) 760-4222
National Park College offers a range of specialties that prepare students for the workforce, such as metal fabrication, fundamental metallurgy, how to use various equipment, and welding methods.
These abilities are transferable to commercial settings, independently run businesses, and small company ownership!
Students can become certified in several nationally recognized welding procedures through the program.
Because of the additional lab hours, the welding program charges an extra $10.00/credit hour every semester.
Prospective students should speak with National Park College directly for more details on tuition and fees.
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#4. Black River Technical College
Address: 1410 Highway 304 East, P.O. Box 468, Pocahontas, AR 72455
Phone: (870) 248-4000
There are several programs offered at Black River Technical College. Besides teaching students how to operate and maintain equipment, its one-year combined metal welding curriculum gives students real-world applications of welding processes.
Arc welding, MIG welding, and TIG welding are all covered in the program.
Before graduating, students must pass at least one plate welding certification test administered by Section D1.1 of the American Welding Society’s Structural Welding Code.
#5. Arkansas Welding Academy
Telephone: (501) 982-9353
Location: 1920 North Redmond Rd. Jacksonville, AR 72076.
The only welding trade school in Arkansas with federal accreditation is Arkansas Welding Academy.
It provides a career-focused training program called the Master Pipe and Structural Welding Program.
It includes seven hours of lab time each day to help students develop the abilities needed to be successful in entry-level welding careers.
The course teaches students how to set up, use, and run the four main welding techniques of GMAW, FCAW, SMAW, and GTAW.
Welding, metallurgy, and rod angles are taught throughout the program through lectures and laboratory practice.
Students who complete the program and maintain good standing with the academy and financial aid providers are eligible to get help to find employment and continuing education.
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#6. Asu Mid-South
Address: 2000 West Broadway West Memphis, AR 72301 United States
Phone: (870) 733-6776
Asu Mid-South is located in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The school offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in welding engineering, technology, and industrial maintenance.
Asu also provides an online welding program for those who prefer to study at home.
The Accreditation Board has accredited Asu for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Its accreditation status shows that it meets the minimum standards set by ABET for educational institutions offering engineering programs at the postsecondary level.
The tuition costs range from $10,000 to $15,000 per year depending on whether you enroll full or part-time during your first semester—and this doesn’t include books or other fees associated with attending class!
You can apply for financial aid if you qualify based on your income level; however, you may need more if you’re trying to save up money before starting school full-time.
Consider this when deciding whether this program might work best for someone like yourself!
#7. Cass Job Corps Center
Address: 21424 N HWY 23 Ozark, AR 72949 United States
Phone; (501) 667-3686
Cass Job Corps Center is a residential vocational school that offers trades and technical field programs.
The Cass Job Corps Center is part of the U.S. Department of Labor, which provides training for students in high school who want to pursue careers in welding, mechanics, manufacturing technology, or other fields.
Students can earn their GEDs while learning these skills at Cass Job Corps Center or another institution with an academic partnership with them (such as Arkansas State University).
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#8. Hot Springs Rehab Center
Address: 105 Reserve Ave Hot Springs, AR 71901 United States
Phone; (501) 624-4411
Hot Springs Rehab Center is a public school in Hot Springs, AR. The school offers a degree in welding and other programs as well.
Hot Springs Rehab Center’s curriculum includes classes on technical skills such as safety, electric power generation and distribution systems, and welding processes.
Students can also take courses on using computers for business purposes or developing websites.
Students who complete the program are eligible for certification by the American Welding Society.
#9. Ouachita Job Corp Center
Address: 507 Job Corp R Royal, AR 71968 United States
Phone: (501) 767-2707
The Ouachita Job Corp Center, located in Malvern, Arkansas, is one of the best welding schools in the state.
Established in 1965, this center offers various services to the community and allows students to learn weld skills for future careers.
Ouachita Job Corp Center aims to provide individuals with quality education and training that will prepare them to enter a career as a welder.
This school also provides various other programs and services related to job readiness, such as GED tutoring and life skills development.
The center operates on three main principles: safety, respect, and responsibility; all learners must adhere to these values while attending courses at this institution.
Ouachita Job Corp Center is committed to providing students with access to modern facilities necessary for learning to weld techniques safely and efficiently.
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#10. Pulaski Technical College
Address: 3000 W Scenic Road North Little Rock, AR 72118 United States
Phone; (501) 812-2254
Pulaski Technical College is a public college in North Little Rock, Arkansas. The school was founded in 1965 and offers over 60 programs for students, including welding, automotive technology, and business administration.
The school has an open admissions policy, meaning you can apply online or submit your application directly to the school’s office.
#11. Rich Mountain Community College
Address: 1100 College Drive Mena, AR 71953 United States
Phone: (479) 394-7622
Rich Mountain Community College is a public, two-year, regional community college located in Mena, Arkansas.
It has an enrollment of approximately 2,000 students and offers both associate’s and bachelor’s degrees and welding technology certifications.
The school offers classes through its campus in Mena to those who live within 60 miles (96 km) radius of the area.
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#12. South Arkansas Community College
Address: PO Box 7010 El Dorado, AR 71730 United States
Phone: (870) 862-4926
Industrial maintenance and automotive technology programs are also offered at South Arkansas Community College, including a welding program that can earn you a certificate in manufacturing or production.
Students who choose this path will work with equipment such as arc welders and MIG welders, which are used in manufacturing automobiles and trucks.
They may also learn how to use oxy-acetylene torches on these machines if they wish to expand their Skillset further into other fields related to automotive maintenance.
The curriculum includes instruction on how power tools operate so that students understand how each device functions before actually being able to use them firsthand during practical exercises in class labs.
#13. Systems Contracting
Address: 214 N Washington El Dorado, AR 71730 United States
Phone; (870) 862-1315
Systems Contracting offers a variety of programs, including welding, HVAC, and automotive. Programs are shown in the evenings and on weekends. The school is in Malvern, AR.
The school’s name comes from its founder, Mr. Bill Holton, who has been in business for 23 years as a contractor, manufacturer, and supplier of industrial equipment such as welders, paint sprayers, and grinders.
Still, he was also an avid student of welding who wanted to share his knowledge with others so they could become successful professionals!
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#14. Texarkana Area Vocational
Address: 1200 Jefferson Texarkana, AR 71854, United States
Phone: (870) 772-3662
The Texarkana Area Vocational School is the premier educational institution in Arkansas for those seeking to learn to weld.
With a long history of producing some of the best welders in the state, TAVS has a top-notch welding program that sets itself apart from other schools.
Students can expect an immersive learning experience at TAVS, with certified instructors teaching theoretical and practical skills.
The school offers classes on welding techniques, safety protocols, and materials used in different industries.
These classes are supplemented with hands-on instruction to ensure students receive comprehensive training in all aspects of welding.
Furthermore, TAVS provides its graduates with job placement help after they have completed their studies.
This helps them find employment faster and start their career sooner than if they attended other schools without such programs.
#15. UAM College Of Technology
Address: 1609 East Ash Mcgehee, AR 71654 United States
Phone: (870) 222-5360
The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) College of Technology stands out among the best welding schools in Arkansas.
Welding students can choose from three degrees:
- An Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Maintenance & Welding.
- A Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology with an emphasis on welding.
- A Certificate program for those looking to specialize their skill set.
The college takes great pride in offering traditional classroom settings and hands-on welding experiences.
How much does Welding School Cost in Arkansas?
Attending a welding school in Arkansas can provide an excellent foundation for anyone pursuing a career in welding.
With the demand for welders rising, now is the perfect time to explore your options and learn the skills to become certified.
To get started, it’s essential to understand the cost of attending welding school in Arkansas.
Though tuition costs vary based on several factors, such as school location, program length, and educational requirements, most schools offer programs ranging from $2,000 to $15,000.
It’s also important to note that some schools may provide financial help or scholarships, which can help offset costs.
No matter what budget you have available, there are plenty of excellent welding schools in Arkansas with programs ranging from introductory certification courses to advanced specializations.
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Arkansas’s Average Welder Salary
In Arkansas, the average welder makes a median pay of $37 510 per year ($18,03 per hour).
Less than the national median wage, to be exact. It costs $39 390 annually, or $18,94 an hour.
The top 10% of welders nationwide make roughly $62 100 a year, compared to $56 400 for the top 10% of welders in Arkansas.
Welder employment prospects in Arkansas,
Arkansas has excellent work prospects for welders, which is a great reason to begin your career in this field.
Furthermore, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, welding positions will rise by 6% through 2026.
Is a Career in Welding worth it?
Welding is a popular career choice for many people, and with the proper education, it can be both lucrative and rewarding.
It’s essential to choose the best welding school to receive quality training. Arkansas offers several excellent welding schools that can give you the skills needed to succeed in this field.
At any of these top-notch welders schools, students can learn a variety of techniques such as oxy-fuel cutting, shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), and flux cored arc welding (FCAW).
They also offer hands-on training with professional instructors so you can practice on real projects. Graduates will leave with all the qualifications for entry-level and advanced positions in welding fields such as metal fabrication, pipefitting, or shipbuilding.
How do I become a welder in Arkansas?
If you’re looking to become a welder in Arkansas, there are some essential steps that you need to take.
Foremost, it’s essential to get the proper training and education. Attending one of the best welding schools in Arkansas is the best way to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for success in this field.
At most schools, aspiring welders can complete certificate programs or associate degrees that prepare them for entry-level employment opportunities.
Programs typically include hands-on coursework related to metal fabrication processes such as welding, brazing, and soldering.
Students will also learn about safety procedures, blueprints, and other industry standards.
Many courses teach students how to properly use welding machines and equipment and interpret complex technical drawings.
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FAQs
Strong mathematical aptitude, especially in geometry, is highly beneficial in the welding industry.
To be successful as a welder, it is helpful to be knowledgeable about decimals, fractions, volume, and area.
However, prospective welders who dislike arithmetic shouldn’t be concerned. They shouldn’t be worried as long as they have a basic understanding of these ideas.
The most difficult metal to weld is thought to be aluminum. Its chemical and physical characteristics make it a challenging metal to work within its ore or alloy form.
A welder must thoroughly understand this metal before working with it.
Metal fume fever, a sickness that resembles the flu, is known to occur while cutting, brazing, or welding galvanized steel.
Because of their decreased fume tolerance during the weekend, welders are most susceptible to this condition at the start of the workweek.
Some people who weld believe that drinking milk will help them avoid becoming sick because it will purge their bodies of the toxins created during the welding process.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it. The top welding schools in Arkansas are all listed above. They offer various programs and degrees that will allow you to enter the field with the specialized training needed for success.
References
- https://workingtheflame.com/welding-schools-arkansas/
- https://www.vocationaltraininghq.com/welding-schools-arkansas/
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