What Is It Known For?
Western Welding Academy opened its doors in 2019 in Gillette, Wyoming. It’s a one-of-a-kind school where actual pipeline and pipe welders are both the owners and teachers. This hands-on approach sets it apart from other welding programs.
The academy isn’t tied to any community college system. Instead, it runs on its own, putting all its effort into training top-notch pipe and structural welders. They’ve got five different courses that cover everything from beginner basics to advanced techniques for seasoned pros.
While we don’t know exactly how many students enroll each year, the school keeps classes small. This way, teachers can give each student the attention they need to really master the craft.
Degrees & Certifications
Western Welding Academy offers a comprehensive range of welding techniques, covering Pipe, SMAW, GTAW, and FCAW. Students work with various materials, including carbon steel, stainless steel, and specialty piping.
The academy’s curriculum is structured into five progressive courses:
- Welder I: Foundations of SMAW Basic Welding
- Welder II: Advancing to SMAW Pipe Welding
- Welder III: Mastering GTAW/SMAW Combo Pipe Welding
- Welder IV: Specialized SMAW Downhill & GTAW Stainless Pipe Welding
- Welder V: Professional Pipe Welder Certification
Class Schedules
Western Welding Academy offers a range of hands-on welding courses with morning and day classes available. Since the training is highly practical, there are no online or hybrid options. Although externships are not part of the curriculum, the school provides job placement services to help students transition into the workforce.
For more details on class schedules and availability, it’s best to contact the school directly.
Is It Legit?
Western Welding Academy’s accreditation status isn’t clear from publicly available information. If accreditation matters to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to the academy. They should be able to provide details about any certifications or recognition they’ve earned in the welding education field.
Acceptance Rate
Western Welding Academy operates with an open admission policy but is exclusively available to United States citizens.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Western Welding Academy offers a range of programs to fit different budgets and career goals. The most affordable option, Welder I – SMAW Basic Welding, starts at $4,800. For those aiming to become pipe welding pros, the Welder V – Professional Pipe Welder program tops the list at $24,340.
But hold on – these figures only cover tuition. You’ll need to factor in extra costs like tools to get the full picture. Since the school doesn’t provide a net price calculator, it’s best to reach out directly.
Programs & Courses
Welding
- SMAW Structural Welder
- SMAW Pipe Welder
- GTAW Pipe Welder
- Advanced SMAW DOWNHILL & GTAW STAINLESS Pipe Welding
Campus Locations
Gillette 26 Kinsey Lane Gillette, WY 82716
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Western Welding Academy (WWA) is known for its intense, job-focused training and supportive instructors, but is consistently criticized for its very high cost, low graduation rates in some programs, and administrative transparency issues.
Overall Score: 4.8/5 Stars
Common Praises
Intense, Real-World Training: Students praise the hands-on approach, where a majority of training is in the welding booth, often available for up to 16 hours a day. This is described as running “just like a job” to effectively prepare them for the trade.
Supportive and Knowledgeable Instructors: The instructors, who are industry veterans, are consistently praised for being “amazing,” “super informative,” and willing to share their incredible knowledge, helping students master complex welding techniques like pipe and TIG.
Focus on Work Ethic and Success: The school emphasizes that graduates need to bring the dedication and that the outcome is “what ever you make of it.” Many graduates feel they left as a “bang up welder” ready for a high-level career.
Common Criticisms
High and Rapidly Rising Cost: This is the most frequent and severe criticism. Students report massive tuition hikes, citing increases from approximately $20,000 to over $35,000 for a single course in a short period, with the owner citing rising material costs.
Administrative and Culture Issues: Complaints include high instructor turnover, and an instance where a student was unhappy with the handling of a racial comment by an instructor. There are also reports that students on certain shifts were sent home early due to needed supplies not being available.
Job Placement and Value Concerns: While WWA advertises high earning potential, some former students complain they did not immediately secure a job. There are also concerns that the expensive, short-term training is not equivalent to the skills gained in a full union apprenticeship.
Momentum
The momentum for WWA is mixed and controversial. It continues to attract a large following and produces graduates who praise the hands-on training and their initial high earnings. However, the rapidly rising tuition, coupled with the significant criticism regarding administrative issues, transparency, and a lack of consistent job placement for all graduates, suggests that the high cost presents a major risk for those who enroll but do not complete the demanding training.