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Want to try mastering the art and science by blending through your hands? Try welding!
This hard skill transforms broken things into pleasing and functional items.
Aside from enjoying the benefits of working in different setups, welding is also an in-demand and high-paying career that may sometimes match a doctor’s or lawyer’s salary.
With that, many schools and training centers offer welding courses to cater to this high-skill demand.
If you’re in Oakland, CA, check out our list of schools that offer welding programs to start your journey!
1 Oakland Community College
Oakland Community College (OCC) was established with strong support from Oakland County voters in 1964.
Its community’s commitment to higher education is a testament to its jurisdiction’s 28 public school districts.
Through the years and across its diverse campuses, OCC has served over a million students.
Today, it is not just an educational institution but a community of growth and engagement.
The Higher Learning Commission, HLC for college curriculum, Sign Language Interpreter program, Fifteen additional programs, and more accredit OCC.
About The Welding Program
OCC Welding Program is designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and tangible skills in a short duration.
Here’s an overview of their welding program:
Theoretical Foundation
Before diving into the actual welding processes, students first learn the foundational principles of welding.
It ensures students understand the mechanics and the necessary safety precautions.
Hands-On Training
The program covers the four primary welding processes:
- Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
Aside from these welding techniques, students will also learn:
- Thermal cutting (using oxyfuel, plasma arc, and air carbon arc methods)
- Welding mathematics and measurements
- Fabrication
- Engineering
- And blueprint reading
Upon completion, students will take an exam in the national certifications provided by NC3, including the LEEPS welding credentials.
After passing, you will acquire certificates to back up your welding application.
Address: 2900 Featherstone Rd Auburn Hills, MI 48326-2845
2 The Crucible
Born in 1999, The Crucible is a hallmark of artistic excellence and innovation.
It evolves into a leading refined and industrial art haven where creativity is nurtured, celebrated, and made accessible to all.
It offers extensive courses from welding and woodworking to jewelry-making and glass-blowing.
These courses are tailored to engage novices and seasoned artists, fostering a unique blend of learning and creation.
The Crucible is committed to intimate education with an average ratio of 6:1 student to teacher.
Its faculty ensures mastering industrial arts is enjoyable and approachable.
About The Welding Program
The Crucible’s welding is transformative and comprehensive.
Its adult classes range from short 3-hour tasters for beginners to more specialized courses such as ‘Sculpting with Steel.’
Whether you’re seeking an introduction to ARC, MIG, or TIG welding, The Crucible provides in-depth training with hands-on experiences, ensuring you master the art.
The program highlights the following courses:
- 3-Hour Tasters: Quick and engaging intros to ARC and MIG welding, perfect for beginners.
- ARC Welding I & II: Delve deeper into stick welding, from the basics in level I to advanced joints and techniques in level II.
- Exploring Welding: Can’t decide on a welding type? Try oxy-acetylene, arc/stick, MIG, and TIG all in one.
- Women’s MIG & TIG Welding: Courses specifically designed for women, providing a comfortable learning environment.
- Wood + Metal: A fusion course where students learn to create furniture combining the strengths of both wood and metal.
For our younger enthusiasts aged 12-18, they also offer Youth ARC Welding I & II, specialized for youth classes focusing on ARC welding.
These sessions hone their welding skills and embed valuable science, technology, engineering, and math learnings.
Address: 1260 7th St. Oakland, CA 94607
3 Laney College
Laney College is at 900 Fallon St, Oakland, CA.
Its legacy is rooted in its early days as the Central Trade School in 1927.
Today, it is one of the vital institutions within the Peralta Community College District.
It provides a comprehensive range of academic programs to the community.
Laney College’s commitment is to empower and help the student succeed and champion social justice’s cause.
By providing opportunities, degree programs, pathways in career education, and lifelong learning avenues, Laney College lives up to its commitment.
The Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges accredits the school.
About The Welding Program
Laney College offers a comprehensive Welding Program.
It empowers students with hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge in welding technology.
The program boasts a variety of courses, each tailored to provide students with specific skills and expertise in the field.
Here is the welding course overview:
- WELD 200: Special Projects Laboratory
- WELD 203A: Beginning Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (T.I.G.)
- Oxygen-Acetylene Welding
- WELD 221A: a progressive course to intermediate levels.
- WELD 231A: Pipe Welding with SMAW
- WELD 235A: Pipefitting Level I.
- WELD 255: Survey Course for the Skilled Trades
To gain practical experience, you can also enroll in COPED 466M: Occupational Work Experience in Welding Technology.
The course will provide you with real-world exposure in the welding industry.
Address: 900 Fallon St, Oakland, CA 94607
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
|
#1 | Oakland Community College |
|
#2 | The Crucible |
|
#3 | Laney College |
Read the full guide: How to Become a Certified Welder
Welding Schools by City
Welding Schools by State