Indiana welding programs range from $2,500-$15,000 in total tuition costs, with accelerated certificates completing in 10-40 weeks and diploma programs requiring 6-12 months.
Students can pursue evening options starting at 126 instructional hours or begin with flexible 125-hour online courses before transitioning to hands-on training at Ivy Tech or local technical centers.
Schools with Online Classes
Indiana: How Online Welding Programs Work
Hoosier students can master the fundamentals of welding through flexible, 125-hour online programs designed for completion within 12 months. Often hosted by Indiana partner schools and open-enrollment platforms, these courses deliver core theory on GMAW, SMAW, and GTAW processes, as well as blueprint reading and OSHA safety standards.
Interactive virtual labs allow students to sharpen their hand-eye coordination and technical accuracy in a digital environment. This remote training provides a head start on the muscle memory needed for physical shop work, effectively preparing students for hands-on labs at Ivy Tech, local Indiana technical centers, or union apprenticeship programs across the state.
Local Schools: Trade & College
- Indianapolis
- Griffith
- Indianapolis
- Indianapolis
- Valparaiso
- Indianapolis, Brownsburg, Mooresville, Plainfield, Avon, Monrovia
Aviation Institute of Maintenance (Rating: 3.6 out 5)
The Combination Welding Diploma Program at the Aviation Institute of Maintenance offers hands-on training in welding and flame cutting, with classroom instruction on welding theory over 8 months (24 credit hours). Graduates are prepared to sit for the American Welding Society (AWS) 3G-4G certification exam. The program provides career opportunities in various welding fields, including welder-fitter, maintenance welder, and fabrication welder.
Calumet Welding Center (Rating: 4.8 out 5)
The Calumet Welding Center offers four career programs with varying timeframes, all of which include the necessary materials and certification testing fees. The most comprehensive is the Pipe and Plate Welding- Four Processes program, which takes 30 weeks (7.5 months) to complete full-time and prepares students for high-paid opportunities like travel welding and union apprenticeships. The shortest structural programs, such as SMAW & GMAW Welding, can be completed in just 10 weeks (2.5 months) full-time, with all options providing a direct path to employment in construction, maintenance, and repair welding industries.
FORTIS College (Rating: 4.3 out 5)
The Fortis Welding Technology training program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions as industrial welders, apprentices, or check welders through a comprehensive curriculum balancing classroom and hands-on practice. The program length and specific course schedule are determined on an individual basis with an Admissions Advisor. Although specific certifications are not listed, the program covers the skills needed for industry-standard processes, welding calculations, and testing methods used to determine weld quality, which are foundational for obtaining AWS Certifications .
Lincoln Tech (Rating: 3.9 out 5)
Lincoln Tech’s Welding Technology program offers hands-on training across nine campuses, preparing students for careers in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding. This program covers essential welding techniques, including SMAW, MIG/GMAW, TIG, and FCAW, alongside a required OSHA 10-hour safety certification. With instruction from NCCER-credentialed professionals, students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to meet the growing demand for skilled welders, with over 426,000 projected job openings by 2032. 40 week certificate programs in Welding and Fabrication Technology & Pipefitting.
Porter County Career Center
The Porter County Career and Technical Education (PCCTE) Welding Technology program is offered to students in Grades 11 and 12 and includes a Dual Credit Option through Ivy Tech Community College. While the specific program length is aligned with the high school academic calendar, the curriculum is designed to qualify students for a variety of careers like Certified Welder or Steelworker. Graduates are prepared to seek Certified Welder status and can pursue further education through partner institutions like Ivy Tech and Vincennes University.
Wayne Township Adult Education (Rating: 4.6 out 5)
The Wayne Township Adult Education MIG Welding program is an entry-level, 16-week course providing 126 instructional hours of foundational, hands-on training and is primarily offered in the evenings. The comprehensive curriculum prepares students to earn the industry-recognized AWS Certified Welder certification, which is included in the program's tuition. Students also complete their OSHA 10-Hour General Construction certification and participate in job shadowing to gain real-world field experience.
How to Choose the Best Welding Program for You
TL;DR
Choose Calumet Welding Center if you want the highest-rated program (4.8/5) with comprehensive pipe and plate training across four processes, completed in 10-30 weeks with materials and certification testing included.
Choose Wayne Township Adult Education if you need affordable evening classes (16 weeks, 126 hours) with AWS Certified Welder and OSHA 10 certifications included in tuition.
Choose Lincoln Tech if you want NCCER-credentialed instruction across nine campuses covering SMAW, MIG/GMAW, TIG, and FCAW with mandatory OSHA 10 certification in a 40-week program.
Choose Aviation Institute of Maintenance if you prefer a mid-length diploma program (8 months, 24 credit hours) focused on AWS 3G-4G certification preparation.
Choose FORTIS College if you need flexible scheduling with individualized program timelines designed with an Admissions Advisor.
Choose Porter County Career Center if you’re a high school junior or senior seeking dual credit through Ivy Tech Community College.
Choose online welding training if you need self-paced theory instruction (125 hours over 12 months) before transitioning to hands-on labs at Ivy Tech or local technical centers.
Key Decision Factors
Program Duration and Intensity
Fast-track students should prioritize Calumet Welding Center‘s 10-week SMAW & GMAW structural program or Wayne Township Adult Education‘s 16-week evening course. Mid-length options include Aviation Institute of Maintenance‘s 8-month diploma and Calumet Welding Center‘s comprehensive 30-week pipe and plate program. Lincoln Tech offers the most extensive 40-week certificate covering multiple processes. Students needing maximum flexibility can complete 125-hour online theory courses before entering hands-on labs.
Schedule Flexibility
Evening students benefit from Wayne Township Adult Education‘s after-hours format spanning 126 instructional hours. FORTIS College provides individualized scheduling determined with an Admissions Advisor. Full-time learners can accelerate through Calumet Welding Center‘s intensive programs or Lincoln Tech‘s structured 40-week curriculum. High school students access concurrent enrollment at Porter County Career Center with dual Ivy Tech credits.
Specialization and Process Coverage
Pipe welders should target Calumet Welding Center‘s four-process program preparing graduates for travel welding and union apprenticeships. Students seeking broad process exposure should consider Lincoln Tech, which covers SMAW, MIG/GMAW, TIG, and FCAW. Aviation Institute of Maintenance emphasizes combination welding and flame cutting. Entry-level students gain solid foundations through Wayne Township Adult Education‘s MIG-focused curriculum or FORTIS College‘s comprehensive welding technology training.
Certification Preparation
AWS certification seekers have strong options at Wayne Township Adult Education (AWS Certified Welder included), Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AWS 3G-4G exam prep), and Calumet Welding Center (testing fees included). Lincoln Tech provides NCCER credentials alongside mandatory OSHA 10 certification. All programs except Porter County Career Center offer immediate industry certification pathways upon completion.
Cost Structure and Inclusions
Calumet Welding Center bundles materials and certification testing fees into tuition across all four programs. Wayne Township Adult Education includes AWS certification, OSHA 10, and job shadowing experiences in program costs. Porter County Career Center offers dual credit options that reduce future college expenses. Online programs provide cost-effective 125-hour theory modules before committing to full tuition. Students should compare all-inclusive pricing against base tuition plus separate certification fees when evaluating total investment.
Reputation and Career Outcomes
Calumet Welding Center leads Indiana programs with a 4.8/5 rating and direct pathways to travel welding and union positions. Wayne Township Adult Education follows at 4.6/5 with comprehensive job shadowing components. FORTIS College maintains 4.3/5 ratings preparing students for industrial welder and apprentice roles. Lincoln Tech at 3.9/5 and Aviation Institute of Maintenance at 3.6/5 provide established multi-campus networks with strong industry connections.
Geographic Access and Campus Options
Indianapolis-area students can choose from Aviation Institute of Maintenance, FORTIS College, and Lincoln Tech, while Wayne Township Adult Education serves Indianapolis plus Brownsburg, Mooresville, Plainfield, Avon, and Monrovia. Northwest Indiana students access Calumet Welding Center in Griffith. Lincoln Tech operates nine Indiana campuses statewide. Porter County Career Center serves Valparaiso-area high school students. Online programs eliminate geographic barriers entirely.
Online vs. In-Person Training
Online programs deliver 125 hours of welding theory, OSHA safety standards, blueprint reading, and GMAW/SMAW/GTAW fundamentals over 12 months with virtual simulation labs. This approach suits students balancing work or family while building foundational knowledge before hands-on practice. In-person programs at Calumet Welding Center, Lincoln Tech, and Wayne Township Adult Education provide immediate equipment access, real-time instructor feedback, and faster certification timelines. Hybrid approaches combining online theory with Ivy Tech or local technical center labs optimize flexibility and skill development for Indiana welders.
Steps to Become a Welder in Indiana
How to Become a Welder in Indiana
Step-by-Step Path
Step 1: Complete High School or GED Obtain your diploma or equivalent, focusing on math, blueprint reading, and shop classes if available.
Step 2: Choose Your Training Path Enroll in a welding program at schools like Calumet Welding Center, Lincoln Tech, or Wayne Township Adult Education. Alternatively, start with online theory courses (125 hours) before transitioning to hands-on labs at Ivy Tech or local technical centers.
Step 3: Master Core Welding Processes Learn SMAW, MIG/GMAW, TIG, and FCAW through programs at Aviation Institute of Maintenance, FORTIS College, or Calumet Welding Center. Complete 126-288 instructional hours depending on program intensity.
Step 4: Earn Industry Certifications Obtain AWS Certified Welder credentials, NCCER certifications, and mandatory OSHA 10 safety cards through your program. Wayne Township Adult Education and Calumet Welding Center include certification testing fees in tuition.
Step 5: Gain Hands-On Experience Complete required lab hours, practice welding tests, and participate in job shadowing opportunities arranged through programs like Wayne Township Adult Education. High school students can earn dual credit through Porter County Career Center.
Step 6: Pass Qualification Tests Successfully complete AWS 3G-4G certification exams or specialized pipe and plate welding tests specific to your career goals in construction, manufacturing, or union work.