What Is It Known For?
Great Plains Welding Academy, founded in December 2022 by Tommy Myers, was created out of his frustration with traditional welding education. With 17 years of welding experience, Tommy wanted to provide an alternative to long programs that included irrelevant courses. His school focuses on offering accelerated welding training with personalized attention to each student.
The academy is committed to preparing individuals for a successful welding career, offering industry-standard certifications and a hands-on approach. With a small student-to-teacher ratio, students receive one-on-one instruction, fostering trust and skill development.
Great Plains Welding Academy also prides itself on its 95% job placement rate, helping graduates launch their careers with confidence.
Degrees & Certifications
Great Plains Welding Academy offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with the skills they need to succeed in the welding industry. The program focuses on hands-on training and industry-recognized certifications to ensure students are job-ready.
- The curriculum follows the AWS D1.1 Structural Steel standards, with a focus on GMAW (MIG) and SMAW (Stick) welding techniques.
- After successfully passing the D1.1 certification plates, students will gain foundational knowledge in TIG and Flux Core welding.
Class Schedules
Great Plains Welding Academy operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering a traditional, in-person learning experience. Currently, the school does not provide online or evening classes, so all sessions are held during regular daytime hours.
Although the program doesn’t include externships, it boasts an impressive 95% job placement rate, helping students transition smoothly from training to real-world welding careers. For more details about class options, it’s best to contact the school directly.
Is It a Good School?
While there is no specific mention of accreditation on the Great Plains Welding Academy website, the school offers Nationally Recognized Certifications. Reach out to the school for more information.
Acceptance Rate
The school does not provide details on its acceptance rate.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Great Plains Welding Academy doesn’t publicly list its tuition rates but emphasizes offering affordable tuition. Tuition covers certification costs, with additional expenses for tools and gear.
For a detailed breakdown of tuition, it’s best to contact the school directly.
Programs & Courses
Skilled Trades
- Welding
Campus Locations
Rapid City 420 Creek Drive Bldg B Rapid City, SD 57703
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Great Plains Welding Academy has a perfect 5-star rating and an overwhelmingly positive reputation. The school is highly praised for its hands-on, career-focused approach and the quality of its instructors, with no criticisms mentioned in the provided reviews.
Overall Score: 5.0/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional Instructors: The instructors receive high praise for their teaching ability and positive attitudes. Reviewers describe them as being “one of the best teachers/instructors” they’ve ever had and “so great to work with.”
Hands-on and Career-Oriented Training: The school is commended for its practical, hands-on curriculum, which is focused on preparing students for the workforce in a short amount of time. Students and parents appreciate that the program allows graduates to walk away with an education they can “make a living with.” The school’s curriculum is based on the AWS D1.1 Structural Steel standards and boasts a 95% job placement rate.
Positive and Enjoyable Atmosphere: The academy is described as a welcoming and encouraging place to learn. A student review states they “genuinely enjoyed coming here every single day,” and a parent noted the academy was a “perfect fit” for their son.
Momentum
The reviews for Great Plains Welding Academy are recent and universally positive, indicating strong and sustained positive momentum. The feedback directly supports the school’s mission to provide an accelerated, practical alternative to traditional welding programs. The positive reviews suggest the school is successfully delivering on its promise of quality education and job readiness. The school’s quick and appreciative responses to reviews also suggest a strong commitment to engaging with its student base.