Next Start

August 25

WELDING TRADE SCHOOL

WELDING CLASSES THAT PREPARE STUDENTS TO PURSUE A CAREER

A New Career Path Starts Here

Take 60 seconds and find out how you can get trained.
border

WELDING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Learn to weld in UTI’s Welding Technology program, which provides the hands-on training needed to prepare for a career in various industries, including automotive fabrication and aerospace.1

9-10 months

From start to finish
*Dependent on location

13 campuses

Host the welding program

4 processes

Combination welder training developed with Lincoln Electric includes GMAW, SMAW, FCAW & GTAW processes

5 Reasons To Choose the UTI Welding Program

Train and graduate in 9-10 months

UTI’s welding program is designed to be completed in under a year, helping students quickly gain the skills needed to pursue entry-level jobs in the field. With focused, hands-on welding courses, students can start building a career without spending years in school. 

Dedicated teams to help search for financial aid, housing and employment10 

From your first day on campus to graduation, UTI’s support teams are here to help. Whether you’re navigating financial aid, looking for housing or exploring job options after school, our staff can guide you every step of the way as you progress through the welding trade school experience. 
 

Train with VRTEX® virtual welders

As part of UTI’s welding training program, students use VRTEX® virtual welders to simulate real welding scenarios in a safe, controlled environment. This industry-standard welding technology helps build technique, confidence and muscle memory before transitioning to live welds. 
 

Learn to become a combination welder by training in 4 different welding processes: 

GMAW 

GTAW 

FCAW 

SMAW 

UTI’s welding courses are built to teach students how to work with a variety of techniques, making them more versatile and job-ready. By learning multiple processes, students are prepared for a range of opportunities in today’s welding school and workforce environments. 

Curriculum developed with Lincoln Electric, a leader in the manufacturing and design of welding technology

UTI’s welding training program is developed in collaboration with Lincoln Electric, a trusted name in welding technology. This partnership helps ensure the curriculum stays aligned with real-world industry needs and can prepare students to pursue welding certification and skilled career paths. 

Welding School Program Objectives 

Students in UTI’s Welding Technology program receive hands-on training designed to help them build foundational skills for entry-level welding roles. Program objectives include: 

Learning to perform four core welding processes: 

  • Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) 
  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) 
  • Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) 
  • Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)

Understanding proper procedures and safe use of welding equipment. 

Practicing welding techniques in multiple positions for plate or sheet metal: 

  • Flat 
  • Horizontal 
  • Vertical 
  • Overhead 

Training in welding pipe in key positions: 

  • Fixed 
  • Rolling 
  • Overhead 

This welding school curriculum is designed to prepare students with versatile skills used in various industries, laying the groundwork for future welding certification and career growth.

Skill You Can Gain at UTI Welding School

Our welding schools provide students with comprehensive training in various welding processes. As students go through their welding training, they can develop proficiency in welding techniques across multiple positions — flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead — on materials such as steel and aluminum. The curriculum covers topics like blueprint reading, project planning and fabrication skills, enabling students to interpret welding symbols, execute precise measurements and construct projects from conception to completion. 

Explore Welding Courses Available at UTI

Developed in conjunction with Lincoln Electric, UTI’s Welding Technology program curriculum includes MIG, TIG, stick and flux-cored welding processes throughout the hands-on welding courses.



  • Introduction to Welding, Safety and Career
  • Principles of Welding
  • Gas Metal Arc Welding I (GMAW-1)
  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding I (SMAW-1)
  • Engineering and Fabrication
  • Gas Metal Arc Welding II (GMAW-2)
  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding II (SMAW-2)
  • Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
  • Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
  • Pipe Welding
  • Welding Applications I (GMAW & FCAW)
  • Welding Applications II (SMAW & GTAW)

Experience UTI's Respected Hands-on Welding Program

Spark Your Future at UTI Welding School

UTI’s Welding Technology program prepares graduates for the industry in less than one year. The program was built in conjunction with Lincoln Electric and prepares you for the manufacturing, construction, railway transportation and agriculture industries.77

45,000+

Estimated average annual welding job openings in the U.S.42

$51,000

Median annual salary* for welders in the U.S.26
*Not entry-level and is dependent on factors like experience, location, demand and employer compensation.

UTI Welding School Locations

Looking for a welding program near you? Our welding program is offered at these campuses:

Upcoming Events

When Can I Start UTI's Welding Program?

Don’t wait months for the next semester. Our welding program starts frequently, so you’re able to prepare for a career sooner.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.2) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.10) Financial aid, scholarships and grants are available to those who qualify. Awards vary due to specific conditions, criteria and state.26) UTI’s Welding Technology Training Program prepares graduates for entry-level positions using the provided training, primarily as welders. Estimated annual salary shown above is for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers as published in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wages. Entry-level salaries are lower for graduates. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. Graduates’ achievements may vary. Individual circumstances and wages depend on economic factors, personal credentials, work experience, industry certifications, the location of the employer, and their compensation programs. Some UTI graduates get jobs within their field of study in positions other than as a welding technician, such as inspector and quality control. Salary information for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts: The average annual entry-level salary range for persons employed as Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is $45,340 (Massachusetts Labor and Workforce Development, May 2023 data https://lmi.dua.eol.mass.gov/lmi/OccupationalEmploymentAndWageAllIndustries/OEWResult?A=01&GA=000025&OG=514121&Dopt=TEXT). Salary information for North Carolina: The U.S. Department of Labor estimates the hourly median wage for skilled welders in North Carolina is $23.97 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wages, Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers). The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish entry-level salary data. However, the 25th and 10th percentile of hourly earnings in North Carolina are $21.42 and $18.65, respectively.42) For Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an annual average of 45,800 job openings between 2023 and 2033. Job openings include openings due to net employment changes and net replacements. See Table 1.10 Occupational separations and openings, projected 2023–33, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, viewed November 4, 2024. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.77) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. UTI prepares graduates for entry-level careers using the provided training. UTI graduates’ achievements may vary. Some UTI graduates get jobs within their field of study in positions other than those listed.

Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

Privacy PolicyLegal NoticeAccessibilityDisclosures

Do Not Sell My Personal Information