12 Best Welding Schools in Los Angeles, CA

Welding Schools in Los Angeles, CA

Are you considering a rewarding career without a traditional college degree?

Welding might be your perfect match.

In Los Angeles, you can finish welding certificate programs in about 12 months.

Diving into welding technology opens doors to work on land, underwater, and in the skies (aviation)!

Plus, skilled welders have the flexibility to switch between fields, ensuring a dynamic and engaging career.

With that, here are the top welding schools in Los Angeles City. Explore and start an exciting career in the welding industry!

1 Los Angeles Trade Technical College

Los Angeles Trade-Technical College (LATTC) was founded in 1925 and is a Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) member.

It offers 80 career-technical programs to guide students into their chosen careers in under two years.

Aside from technical programs, it provides 18 CSU transfer degrees and guaranteed transfer arrangements with the University of California.

LATTC’s mission is to encourage community growth by creating academic, career, and transfer success avenues.

It empowers students to achieve career technical certificates, associate degrees, transfer, and employment opportunities.

About The Welding Program

LATTC offers an Associate in Science degree and a Certificate of Achievement in Welding Gas and Electric.

It is also a certified welding test center; students seeking certification in welding can take exams on the site.

LATTC’s welding program operates as a Certified Welding Test Center.

It allows individuals pursuing welder certification to undertake the necessary exams onsite.

The program is a full-time commitment with 21 hours per week required.

This full-time commitment is essential for hands-on training with lab applications during the course.

Under the program, you will learn Welding, Gas and Electric, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metal, and Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) Structural Steel.

AddressAddress: 400 West Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015


2 Maxine Waters Employment Preparation Center

Maxine Waters Employment Preparation Center was established in 1996.

It’s an institution under the Los Angeles Unified School District’s Division of Adult and Career Education, one of its 11 service centers.

They offer Adult Secondary & Basic Education, Career & Technical Education (CTE), and Adult Secondary & Basic Education.

Its mission is to build strong community partnerships, ensuring our students’ educational progression and workforce development.

About The Welding Course

MWEPC offers a Welding program under its Technical Education.

The program consists of three welding courses: Welding 1, 2, and 3.

The Welding 1 course is an introduction to the foundation of the welding industry.

It offers hands-on experience in the elementary aspects of welding, integrated with sustainable and green technology principles.

Areas covered are workplace safety, employability skills, trade mathematics, techniques related to shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), oxyacetylene cutting, brazing, welding tubing, welding symbols, and codes.

The welding two advances the foundational principles while delving deeper into trade mathematics and spotlights advanced equipment and processes.

It emphasizes techniques pertinent to fillet welds and plasma arc cutting.

Welding 3 is the final stage, highlighting geometric and trigonometric nuances of the industry, honing skills in groove welding, air carbon arc process, and combination welding.

A significant feature of this course is its alignment with the requirements of the City of Los Angeles Departmental Welding Exams, structured around the American Welding Society (AWS) procedures.

Additionally, students get introduced to the riveting world of fabrication and robotics.

AddressAddress: 10925 S Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90059, United States


3 Pomona Unified School District

Pomona Unified School District is located 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.

It is the third-largest school District in Los Angeles County.

It caters to students from Pre-K to 12th grade and supports 17,000 adult learners across 44 Pomona and Diamond Bar, California schools.

Its mission is to create a dynamic educational environment in cooperation with parents and the community.

Mission & Vision

PUSD strives to provide a well-rounded, challenging, and top-tier educational experience that cultivates character and integrity in its students.

Aspires to be an educational excellence on the global stage.

It envisions a future where every student excels in their academic and career and undergoes holistic personal growth.

It makes meaningful contributions to the community and the wider society.

About The Welding Program

PUSD offers a Welding course under its Technical Education on Build Trades curriculum.

Along with welding, it provides carpentry, doors & windows, gates, and locksmith.

If you want to know more about their welding program, contact them directly or visit the school for further guidance.

AddressAddress: 800 S. GAREY AVE, POMONA, CA 91766


4 College of the Canyons

College of the Canyons is in downtown Los Angeles in Santa Clarita, California.

It is a California Community College system member, with 116 colleges serving over 2.1 million students.

It offers 29 degree, credential, associate, and certificate programs.

Established in 1969, the College of the Canyons has created a niche for itself as innovative, academic excellence, fruitful partnerships, and consistent commitment to student success.

About The Welding Program

College of the Canyons offers Welding courses from its 29 programs.

Its welding program offers three career trees: Entry-Level Careers, Technical Careers, and Professional Careers.

The program scope of learning includes Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), Laser Beam Welding (LBW), and Robotic Gas Metal Arc Welding (Robotic GMAW).

COC assures you a dedicated professional and teamwork to guide you on having a successful career in welding and metal fabrication.

You can also learn robotics welding and read and interpret blueprints through analytical, mathematical, and critical reasoning.

AddressAddress: 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91355, United States


5 Mt. San Antonio College

Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) was founded in 1945.

It is one of the largest and most renowned community colleges, as it is accredited.

Mt. SAC prides its quality education combined with affordability.

It aims to offer a diverse student population an environment where they can thrive academically.

Or achieve career advancements or secure admissions to top-tier universities.

It offers 400 degree and certificate programs, extensive support initiatives, and more.

It’s no surprise that Mt. SAC ranks within the Top 3% of Community Colleges nationwide.

About The Welding Program

Mt. San Antonio College offers diverse avenues for students, including the dynamic field of Welding.

Students can select an Associate Degree in Welding or from five specialized certificates tailored to various facets of the welding industry.

Opting for a certificate allows students to acquire industry-relevant skills and knowledge.

The welding scope of learning includes Introduction to Welding, Basic Electric Arc Welding, Oxyacetylene Welding, Beginning Arc Welding, and Welding Metallurgy.

You will also learn Intermediate Arc Welding and Construction Fabrication and Welding.

Student can also add their recommended electives related to welding, such as Metal Sculpture, Print Reading and Computations for Welders, Pipe and Tube Welding, and Business Organization and Management.

After completion, you will earn five certificates!

AddressAddress: 1100 N. Grand Ave., Walnut, CA 91789


6 Glendale Community College

Glendale Community College was formerly Glendale Junior College from 1927 to 1929.

It serves the people’s education needs in the Glendale Union High School District, which includes La Crescenta, Glendale, and Tujunga.

It faces many challenges, and over the years, it was renamed as Glendale Community College District in 1971 by the Board of Education.

Today, the school faculty are striving to develop a wide range of curriculum to prepare students for the 21st century.

It provides invaluable academic, career, and financial counseling to its students.

The classes are in the afternoon and evening, with sessions taught by part-time instructors six times a week.

About The Welding Program

GCC offers a welding program and is already approved to lecture in person and laboratory.

The two-year program prepares the students for entry into the welding industry as a combination skilled welder.

The students will acquire skills in the following categories: Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG), Flux Cored Wire, Metallic Arc, Metal Inert Gas (MIG), Oxy-Fuel Welding, Plasma Arc Cutting, Cutting and Brazing of common metals.

After completion, learners can earn certificates.

AddressAddress: 1500 North Verdugo Road Glendale, California 91208


7 Compton College

Compton College is located in Compton Community College District, serving almost 300,000 community residents.

It was founded in 2017 to make college education more affordable and accessible to Campton High School graduates and nearby districts.

It offers 43 degree programs and 47 program certificates as it aspires to be the front-runner of higher education for its unparalleled student learning and success outcomes.

About The Welding Program

Compton College’s welding program is tailored to prepare students with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in the welding industry.

Whether you’re looking to kick-start your career in welding or wish to upgrade your existing skills, this program offers the ideal platform.

Campton College’s welding program aligns with the criteria set by the American Welding Society (AWS), American Petroleum Institute, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and the American National Standards Institute.

The program includes:

Oxyacetylene cutting, plasma arc cutting, and different types of arc welding.

It also covers welding on diverse materials in multiple positions and incorporates key aspects like layout, fabrication, and reading engineering drawings.

After completion, you will earn AWS D1.1 certification to ensure you are industry-ready.

AddressAddress: 1111 E Artesia Blvd, Compton, CA 90221, United States


8 El Camino College

El Camino College is in the South Bay community, with an academic excellence, innovative curriculum, and a long history.

Since its inception in 1947, the institution has dedicated itself to creating university transfers and rewarding careers.

With an impressive student body of around 33,000 each semester, the college offers 200 degree and certificate programs delivered by a stellar faculty.

Equity, student success, and exceptional teaching are the cornerstones of its institution.

About The Welding Program

The El Camino Welding program is an Associate of Science that takes up to two years.

It follows the welding assessment criteria from the American Welding Society, the American National Standards Institute, the American Petroleum Institute, and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

The program covers the following:

  • Gas metal arc welding
  • Gas tungsten arc welding
  • Shielded metal arc welding
  • Flux cored welding

It also covers plasma arc cutting, oxy-acetylene cutting, brazing, and welding.

Upon completion, you will earn the following certificates: Welding Certificate of Achievement and GTAW/Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Accomplishment.

Also, Semi-Automatic Welding Accomplishment, SMAW Structural Steel Certificate, and Structural Steel Fabrication Accomplishment.

You will also have AWS D17.1 certification and can take advantage of their internship program.

AddressAddress: 16007 Crenshaw Blvd. Torrance, CA 90506 310-532-3670


9 Cerritos College

Cerritos College was established in 1955.

It is recognized as one of Los Angeles County’s leading community colleges.

As one of the five largest community colleges in Los Angeles County, it serves the cities of Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood, La Mirada, Long Beach, Norwalk, Santa Fe Springs, and South Gate.

It is dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education and vocational training with over 87 degrees and certificates program.

About The Welding Program

Cerritos College offers a Welding program under its vocational training curriculum.

Its Welding Department stands as a leader in welding education, hosting over 76 welding students and occupying 12K sq. feet. lab areas.

The program covers the following uses of sheet metal in GMAW, SMAW, GTAW, SAW, OAW, and FCAW processes.

Students will also gain hands-on experience with ferrous and non-ferrous plates and pipes.

They also offer welding code, pipe layout, and print reading classes.

The program is authorized to conduct AWS, ASME, API, and state welding certifications, particularly on Los Angeles City Welding Certifications.

AddressAddress: 11110 Alondra Blvd. Norwalk, California 90650


10 Long Beach City College

Long Beach City College (LBCC) has been in the community since 1927.

Over the years, the college has seen expansive growth, with the acquisition of the neighboring Veterans Stadium in 1987 being a significant milestone.

It provides various instructional programs across four schools: Career and Technical Education, Language Arts and Communication, Social Sciences and the Arts, Health, Science & Mathematics.

These schools offer multiple associate degrees, certificate programs, and training courses that equip students for university transfers, career advancement, and personal growth.

About The Welding Program

LBCC Welding Technology program offers knowledge, technical skills, and the right attitude to prepare students in their chosen field.

The training provides various occupations in the metal and fabrication industry.

The course scope of learning includes Basic Arc Welding, Basic Oxy-Acetylene Welding, Basic Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, and more.

Upon completion, you will earn the following certificates: Basic Arc Welding – Certificate of Completion, Certificate of Completion (COMP), Basic Semi-Automatic Welding, Certificate of Completion (COMP), and Basic Gas Tungsten Arc Welding.

As well as Certificate of Completion (COMP), Basic Oxy-Acetylene Welding and Certificate of Completion (COMP), Exploring Welding and Metal Fabrication.

AddressAddress: 1305 E. Pacific Coast Highway Long Beach, CA 90806


11 Pasadena City College

PCC was established in 1924 as one of the pioneer junior colleges in the Southwest United States.

It is committed to creating an inclusive environment that prioritizes students’ academic, personal, and professional growth.

It offers various degree and certificate programs, enhanced campus interactions, and tailored student assistance.

Over the years, PCC has grown and been recognized as one of 10 finalists in the 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.

About The Welding Program

PCC offers various academic and technical programs, including Welding.

Their welding program is an Associate in Science degree with certificates.

Students will learn Construction Welding or Gas Tungsten and Gas Metal Welding.

You will also learn skills and knowledge as a welder, cutting torch operator, and apprentice fitter and become a welder helper during the training.

AddressAddress: 1570 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91106


12 Los Angeles Pierce College

Los Angeles Pierce College is a top-tier two-year public institution consistently driving educational excellence.

Established in 1947, Pierce College offers a comprehensive education with 145 disciplines and 85 academic degree programs catering to diverse students.

I also have 60 state-approved certificates with many free short-term and non-credit certificates.

Pierce College is dedicated to changing lives by offering top-notch, inclusive, and forward-thinking academic, technical, and cultural education.

About The Welding Program

Pierce College offers a welding program under Trades and Skilled Workers Certification.

It offers a Certificate of Achievement in Gas & Electric Welding and an Associates Degree in Gas & Electric Welding.

If you want more details about their welding program, contact them directly on their website or the school.

AddressAddress: 6201 Winnetka Ave, Woodland Hills, CA 91367


Schools Summary Table

Rank School
#1 Los Angeles Trade Technical College
#2 Maxine Waters Employment Preparation Center
#3 Pomona Unified School District
#4 College of the Canyons
#5 Mt. San Antonio College
#6 Glendale Community College
#7 Compton College
#8 El Camino College
#9 Cerritos College
#10 Long Beach City College
#11 Pasadena City College
#12 Los Angeles Pierce College

USA Welding Schools by City


USA Welding Schools by State


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