What Is It Known For?
Welder Training & Testing Institute was founded in 1968 as Breeden’s School of Welding. The school changed its name in 1973 and has since operated as an independent institution. This for-profit school remains small, with about 41 students enrolling each year.
Despite its size, it has continued to support the welding industry’s needs in Allentown, PA, for over five decades, offering training, certification, and inspection services. The school carries on the vision of its founder, Ernie Breeden, a Texas-born pipeline welder and engineer who was committed to training new welders.
Degrees & Certifications
Welder Training & Testing Institute offers certificate and diploma courses such as:
- Welder Fitter Program
- Standard Welding
- Advanced Welder Qualification– Pipe
- Flux Cored Arc Welding
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
- Gas Metal Arc Welding
Class Schedules
The Welder Training & Testing Institute offers flexible class schedules for both full-time and part-time students. Full-time students can choose from the following sessions:
- Morning Sessions: 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM or 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Afternoon Sessions: 12:30 PM to 7:00 PM or 2:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Part-time students can arrange morning or afternoon sessions based on availability, with options for 3 or 4.5 hours per day. All courses are conducted in-person to provide hands-on training, and the school assists with job placement upon completion of the program.
Is Welder Training and Testing Institute Legit?
Yes. Welder Training and Testing Institute is a legitimate institution. The school is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools.
Acceptance Rate
The Welder Training & Testing Institute has an acceptance rate of 100%. This means that the school has an open admission policy.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Tuition at Welder Training & Testing depends on the course you are taking. Students can expect to pay anywhere between $1,500 to $13,500 with the most expensive course being 600 hours. However, it’s also important to note that there are additional charges for things like insurance and registration fees that come with every course.
If you need a more precise estimate of how much it will cost you to finish a course at Welder Training & Testing Institute, use the school’s net price calculator.
Programs & Courses
Welding
- Welder Fitter
- Standard Welding
- Advanced Welder Qualification
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
- Gas Metal Arc Welding
- Flux Cored Arc Welding
Campus Locations
Allentown 729 E. Highland Street Allentown, PA 18109
Career Services
WTTI provides career placement assistance to help graduates secure work in welding-related fields such as manufacturing, construction, petroleum, transportation, and aerospace. Services include career awareness, resume preparation, job search strategies, and interview coaching, though employment is not guaranteed. While WTTI does not offer on-campus housing, it provides guidance and local rental listings for students seeking accommodations in the Allentown area.
Reviews
Based on Google reviews, the Welder Training & Testing Institute (WTTI) in Allentown, PA, has an extremely positive and sustained reputation, particularly for its specialized training and strong focus on job readiness.
Overall Score: 4.8/5 Stars
Common Praises
Expert and Supportive Instructors: This is the most consistent praise. Reviewers emphasize that the instructors “know their stuff,” are “very knowledgeable,” and “awesome.” They are noted for their patience and for going “out of their way to help you learn” the material and techniques.
Strong Career Outcomes: Multiple students report securing employment immediately upon or even before graduation. One graduate from the 900-hour Welder Fitter program felt “very confident going out in the welding field” and had “many job interviews lined up” prior to finishing the course.
Comprehensive Programs: The institute is praised for its extensive courses, such as the 900-hour Welder Fitter program, as well as specialized training like the CWI (Certified Welding Inspector) course preparation.
Excellent Staff Support: The office staff is mentioned for being helpful and efficient, specifically for handling administrative tasks like VA paperwork and being flexible with student scheduling.
Services for Businesses: Beyond training, WTTI is also recognized for its professional services, including NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) services and specialized welder certification testing for companies.
Common Criticisms
Areas for Inquiry: Based on the limited Google reviews, there are no notable or consistent complaints from students. The feedback is overwhelmingly positive, focusing on the quality of instruction and immediate career results.
Momentum
The momentum for WTTI is strong and sustained, supported by the school’s long history (founded in 1968) and high marks from both recent students and business partners. The institution’s longevity and its role in offering ISO 17025 accredited mechanical and nondestructive testing positions it as a highly trusted authority in welding certification, which boosts its reputation with employers. Its continued focus on high-value, specialized courses like the CWI Prep Course ensures it remains relevant for professionals seeking career advancement, and the overwhelmingly positive and specific testimonials about job placement and instructor quality, some from as recently as two months ago, confirm that the school is consistently delivering on its core mission.