New York welding programs range from $150/hour for individualized lessons to $15,000+ for comprehensive 900-hour certificates, with program durations spanning 7 months to 2 years depending on schedule and specialization.
Students can pursue accelerated full-time tracks, flexible part-time evening options, or begin with 125-hour online courses before transitioning to hands-on training at SUNY/CUNY schools or union facilities.
Online Courses
Aspiring welders can access comprehensive theory and safety training through self-paced, online modules. These 125-hour programs offer a deep dive into metallurgy, fabrication basics, and the “Big Three” welding processes (GMAW, SMAW, GTAW). Students typically have up to a year to move through the interactive curriculum at their own speed.
To ensure students are “shop-ready,” many New York programs integrate virtual simulations that mirror real-world fabrication workflows. This digital foundation in inspection methods and OSHA regulations streamlines the transition into high-intensity, hands-on training at SUNY/CUNY schools, New York trade institutes, or local union training facilities.
Local Trade Schools & Colleges
- Long Island City
- Mineville
- Whitestone, Brooklyn
- Westbury
- Long Island City
- Farmingdale
Apex Technical School (Rating: 4.1 out 5)
The Combination Welding Technology program at Apex Technical School provides 900 hours of comprehensive, hands-on training across various welding processes like SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW, along with blueprint reading and fabrication skills. Students have the flexibility to enroll full-time or part-time with day and evening options, and the fast-track option allows for completion in as little as 7 months. Although the information does not mention specific external industry certifications (e.g., AWS), the program focuses on preparing students for entry-level positions in the metal fabrication and welding industry.
Champlain Valley BOCES (Rating: 2.3 out 5)
The CV-TEC Welding Program is a comprehensive 2-year program that provides extensive hands-on training in various processes, including GMAW, GTAW, and SMAW, on steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for a variety of welding certification tests, primarily through the industry-recognized American Welding Society (AWS) Sense Program. Upon completion, students are prepared to be certified entry-level or certified advanced-level welders and have opportunities for college articulation agreements.
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.
Long Island Welding School (Rating: 4.4 out 5)
The facility's primary function is not to offer a long-term academic program but to provide authorized testing and licensing for professional welders of all experience levels. Crucially, as an AWS-ATF, it is one of the few places authorized to submit paperwork directly to AWS so that successful candidates receive a valid AWS Welder's Card, which is essential for Union membership and working on specific jobsites.
Michael Daniel Metal Design, Inc. (Rating: 5 out 5)
Hourly lessons in welding and metal sculpting offered by Michael Daniel, with gift cards starting at $150.00 per hour. This is not a fixed academic program with a set timeframe or certifications, but rather a flexible, individualized training opportunity. The scheduling, which determines the overall duration, is arranged privately between the student and Michael Daniel.
The Welding Expert Inc (Rating: 3.2 out 5)
The Welding Expert offers personalized, flexible training in structural steel, TIG, and specialized SSME pipe welding, with customized pricing and scheduling, including evening and weekend options. The facility operates as an AWS Accredited Testing Facility (ATF), providing code-compliant performance certifications for industry standards like AWS D1.1, ASME 6G, API 1104, and NYS DOT. The program focuses on accelerated, job-ready training, allowing individuals to progress at their own pace and obtain the necessary certifications to work on demanding infrastructure projects in NYC and beyond.
How to Choose the Best Welding Program in NY for You
TL;DR
Choose Apex Technical School if you want comprehensive 900-hour training in SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW with flexible full-time or part-time schedules, completing in as little as 7 months.
Choose Lincoln Tech if you want NCCER-credentialed instruction across multiple campuses (Whitestone, Brooklyn) covering all major processes with mandatory OSHA 10 certification in a 40-week program.
Choose Champlain Valley BOCES if you’re seeking a comprehensive 2-year program with AWS SENSE certification pathways and college articulation agreements for advanced education.
Choose The Welding Expert Inc if you need personalized, accelerated training in structural steel, TIG, or SSME pipe welding with AWS ATF testing for NYC infrastructure certifications (AWS D1.1, ASME 6G, API 1104, NYS DOT).
Choose Long Island Welding School if you’re already trained and need AWS-authorized testing and certification to obtain your AWS Welder’s Card for Union membership.
Choose Michael Daniel Metal Design, Inc. if you want individualized hourly lessons in welding and metal sculpting with completely flexible scheduling.
Choose online welding training if you need self-paced theory instruction (125 hours over 12 months) covering metallurgy, fabrication, and GMAW/SMAW/GTAW processes before transitioning to hands-on labs at SUNY/CUNY schools or union training facilities.
Key Decision Factors
Program Structure and Duration
Fast-track students should prioritize Apex Technical School‘s 7-month accelerated option (900 hours) or The Welding Expert Inc‘s self-paced accelerated training.
Mid-length options include Lincoln Tech‘s structured 40-week certificate program.
Students seeking comprehensive foundational education should consider Champlain Valley BOCES‘s 2-year program with college articulation.
Those needing maximum flexibility can pursue hourly lessons at Michael Daniel Metal Design, Inc. or complete 125-hour online theory courses before entering hands-on labs.
Schedule Flexibility
Evening and weekend students benefit from Apex Technical School‘s part-time evening options or The Welding Expert Inc‘s customized scheduling.
Michael Daniel Metal Design, Inc. offers completely individualized scheduling arranged privately with the instructor.
Full-time learners can accelerate through Apex Technical School‘s day programs or Lincoln Tech‘s structured curriculum.
Online programs provide self-paced access over 12 months for students balancing work or family commitments.
Specialization and Process Coverage
Students seeking broad process exposure should consider Apex Technical School (SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW) or Lincoln Tech (SMAW, MIG/GMAW, TIG, FCAW). Champlain Valley BOCES adds aluminum and stainless steel specialization.
Pipe welders targeting infrastructure projects should prioritize The Welding Expert Inc‘s SSME pipe welding and ASME 6G certification preparation.
Structural steel specialists benefit from The Welding Expert Inc‘s NYC DOT-focused training. Artists and metal sculptors should explore Michael Daniel Metal Design, Inc.‘s creative approach.
Certification Preparation and Testing
AWS certification pathways exist at Champlain Valley BOCES through the AWS SENSE Program and The Welding Expert Inc as an AWS Accredited Testing Facility (ATF).
Lincoln Tech provides NCCER credentials alongside mandatory OSHA 10 certification.
Experienced welders needing only certification testing should use Long Island Welding School‘s AWS ATF services to obtain AWS Welder’s Cards required for Union membership.
The Welding Expert Inc offers code-compliant performance certifications for AWS D1.1, ASME 6G, API 1104, and NYS DOT standards essential for NYC infrastructure work.
Career Goals and Industry Focus
Union-bound welders should prioritize Long Island Welding School for AWS Welder’s Card processing or The Welding Expert Inc for Union-ready certifications.
Construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding careers align with Lincoln Tech‘s industry-focused curriculum.
NYC infrastructure projects require The Welding Expert Inc‘s specialized DOT and code certifications. Entry-level metal fabrication positions suit graduates from Apex Technical School or Champlain Valley BOCES.
Creative and artistic metalwork careers benefit from Michael Daniel Metal Design, Inc.‘s sculptural approach.
Reputation and Student Outcomes
Michael Daniel Metal Design, Inc. leads with a perfect 5/5 rating for personalized instruction.
Long Island Welding School follows at 4.4/5 as a trusted AWS ATF.
Apex Technical School maintains 4.1/5 ratings with comprehensive hands-on training.
Lincoln Tech at 3.9/5 provides established multi-campus networks. The Welding Expert Inc at 3.2/5 specializes in accelerated, job-ready training for demanding projects.
Geographic Access and Campus Options
NYC metro students can access Apex Technical School in Long Island City, Lincoln Tech in Whitestone and Brooklyn, Michael Daniel Metal Design, Inc. in Long Island City, Long Island Welding School in Westbury, and The Welding Expert Inc in Farmingdale.
Upstate students should consider Champlain Valley BOCES in Mineville. Online programs eliminate geographic barriers for theory instruction before local hands-on training at SUNY/CUNY facilities.
Testing-Only vs. Full Training Programs
Experienced welders needing only certification should use testing facilities at Long Island Welding School or The Welding Expert Inc, both AWS Accredited Testing Facilities authorized to issue AWS Welder’s Cards.
Beginners and career changers require full training programs at Apex Technical School, Lincoln Tech, or Champlain Valley BOCES.
Self-directed learners can pursue customized training at The Welding Expert Inc or Michael Daniel Metal Design, Inc. based on specific skill gaps.
Online vs. In-Person Training
Online programs deliver 125 hours of welding theory, metallurgy, fabrication basics, and OSHA regulations 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 Apex Technical School, Lincoln Tech, and Champlain Valley BOCES provide immediate equipment access, real-time instructor feedback, and faster certification timelines.
Hybrid approaches combining online theory with hands-on labs at SUNY/CUNY schools or union training facilities optimize flexibility and skill development for New York welders.
Steps to Become a Welder in New York
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 Apex Technical School, Lincoln Tech, or Champlain Valley BOCES.
Alternatively, start with online theory courses (125 hours) before transitioning to hands-on labs at SUNY/CUNY schools or union training facilities.
Step 3: Master Core Welding Processes Learn SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW through programs at Apex Technical School (900 hours), Lincoln Tech (40 weeks), or personalized training at The Welding Expert Inc.
Complete required instructional hours including blueprint reading and fabrication skills.
Step 4: Earn Industry Certifications Obtain AWS certifications through Champlain Valley BOCES‘ SENSE Program, NCCER credentials through Lincoln Tech, or specialized certifications (AWS D1.1, ASME 6G, API 1104, NYS DOT) through The Welding Expert Inc.
All programs prepare students for mandatory OSHA 10 safety certification.
Step 5: Pass Certification Tests Complete AWS performance testing at authorized facilities like Long Island Welding School or The Welding Expert Inc to obtain your AWS Welder’s Card required for Union membership and NYC infrastructure projects.
Step 6: Gain Hands-On Experience Complete required lab hours, practice welding tests specific to your specialty (structural steel, pipe, fabrication), and pursue apprenticeships or entry-level positions arranged through your school’s industry partnerships.
Step 7: Enter the Workforce Apply for positions in construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, metal fabrication, or NYC infrastructure projects with your credentials and portfolio of weld samples. Union welders must present valid AWS Welder’s Cards for jobsite access.