4 Best Welding Schools in Portland, OR

Sheet Metal Institute was established with a commitment to skill development.

In 1995, it started a 38,000-square-foot facility to cater to the growing demands of our members and partners.

Understanding the ever-changing dynamics of the industry, it expanded the facility by 7,200 square feet in 2001.

Today, its 45,000-square-foot campus is a testament to its dedication, with an investment surpassing $3.5 million. 

The Sheet Metal Institute facility in Portland is located near the I-84, just a few minutes from the Portland International Airport.

It has 11 specialized classrooms, three expansive shops, multifaceted labs, and a meeting space that can comfortably host up to 200 individuals.

About The Welding Apprenticeship

The Sheet Metal Institute stands at the forefront of sheet metal industry training, offering an unparalleled apprenticeship program.

It ensures their apprentices have the skills and knowledge necessary for a prosperous career.

SMT has combined experience in sheet metal for over 200 years and 40 years in teaching.

Accreditations & Certifications:

• International Training Institute (iTi) Gold Level Accreditation: It is proud to be the first facility in the nation to achieve this recognition.
• American Welding Society (AWS): Recognized as an Approved Testing Facility.
• Hartford Steam Boiler: A certified welding lab.
• Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO): Recognized as a Certified Welder Qualifying Agency.
• Testing, Adjusting & Balancing Bureau: Certified Testing, Adjusting & Balancing (TAB) Lab.
• Mount Hood Community College (MHCC): Accredited training programs showcasing our commitment to comprehensive education.

Its certifications include but aren’t limited to OSHA 30, welding, brazing, Testing, Adjusting and balancing (TAB), EPA/CFC, FA/CPR, rigging, signaling, and service certifications such as NATE/NAFA.

Portland Community College is Oregon’s premier post-secondary institution, catering to over 50,000 full-time and part-time students.

PCC’s journey began in 1961 as the adult education arm of Portland Public Schools.

A decade later, in 1971, its identity evolved into the Portland Community College District.

PCC’s expansive presence has four comprehensive campuses, ten centers, and multiple independent locations throughout the region.

Its credibility is bound with the regional accreditation by the (NWCCU) Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

PPC’s mission is to champion student success through its dedication to providing quality education, bolstering economic growth, and advocating sustainability.

About The Welding Program 

The Welding Technology Program at PCC stands out with its open entry and exit (OEOE) structure, ensuring a flexible, personalized learning experience.

It has an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Welding Technology and less than a one-year Certificate.

The program includes hands-on training in various welding techniques, including S.A.W., S.M.A.W., G.T.A.W., G.M.A.W., F.C.A.W., O.A.W., P.A.C., O.A.C., C.A.C.,., and foundational fabrication skills.

The theoretical components delve into blueprint reading, core welding principles, and vital codes and standards.

Miller Electric Mfg has been an innovative welding solution since 1929.

It started as a one-person operation and evolved into the world’s leading arc welding product manufacturer.

The heart of Miller lies in its people-focused approach; for them, it’s not just about welding but building things that truly matter.

It’s one of the forefronts in the welding industry, pioneering advanced, solutions-centric products that address welding’s crucial safety and health needs.

ISO Registered

Miller is ISO registered since 1993 as the first U.S. welding equipment manufacturer to adhere to the ISO 9001 standard.

It emphasizes consistent quality and enhanced customer satisfaction.

It caters to manufacturing, fabrication, construction, aviation, motorsports, education, agriculture, and marine sectors.

Miller ensures its workers always have the best tools for the job.

About The Welding Technology Program

Aside from its welding services, Miller also offers extensive Welding courses.

Before students enroll in its welding courses, they must take an online assessment first.

It is designed to evaluate a student’s foundational knowledge across ten key welding topics.

The welding program will cover the following:

• Stick (SMAW)
• MIG (GWAW)
• TIG (GTAW)
• Multi Processes
• Submerge Arc
• Plasma Cutting
• Fume Extraction
• Safety precautions
• And more…

All these have complete equipment, tools, and protective gear Millers provide.

Upon completion, students will earn certificates.

Clackamas Community College (CCC) is a renowned public institution established in 1966 in Oregon City, Oregon.

As one of Oregon’s most extensive community colleges, CCC provides educational opportunities across three primary campuses.

Its main campus is in Oregon City, the Harmony Community Campus in Clackamas, and a campus in Wilsonville.

The (NWCCU) Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities accredits Clackamas Community College.

About The Welding Program

As of April 7, 2020, a formal agreement has been established between CCC and Oregon Tech.

It concerns transferring students from CCC’s Associate of Applied Science in Welding Technology to Oregon Tech’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Technology and Management (BTM).

David Plotkin, Vice President of Instruction at Clackamas Community College, approved the agreement.

This collaboration is both institutions’ commitment to streamlining the academic pathway for aspiring welding professionals.

Welding Courses Offered:

• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (or WLD 111A and WLD 111B)
• Gas Metal Arc Welding/Flux-Core Arc Welding (or WLD 113A and WLD 113B)
• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (or WLD 115A and WLD 115B)
• Welders’ Print Reading II
• Pipe Welding
• Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding
• Flux Core Arc Welding/Advanced Gas Metal Arc Welding/
• Advanced Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
• Welding Fabrication I Beginning Project
• And more…

Upon completing the course, students will earn certificates as certified welders.