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Welding Training Programs at Advanced Career Institute

Welding School Technology Course at ACI

Welding Schools in California

Advanced Career Institute trains students to weld at the professional level — from reading blueprints and understanding metalworking to passing American Welding Society (AWS) performance qualification tests.

No prior experience is required. Whether someone is starting from scratch or switching into the trades, ACI’s Welding program covers the practical skills employers in construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and more are actively looking for.

The program is nationally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE) and is offered at three California campuses: Visalia, Fresno, and Bakersfield.

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Why Students Choose ACI for Welding Training

Hands-On Training from Day One

Students spend the majority of their time at the welding booth. The program is built around practical, lab-based training so graduates leave with real shop experience — not just classroom knowledge.

Experienced Instructors

ACI’s welding instructors bring real-world shop and field experience into the program. Students learn safety practices, welding techniques, and industry standards from professionals who have worked in the trade.

Five Welding Processes in One Program

The curriculum covers:

  • Oxy-Acetylene
  • SMAW (Stick)
  • GMAW (MIG)
  • FCAW (Flux Core)
  • GTAW (TIG)

All of these methods are taught with both ferrous and non-ferrous metals. That range of processes makes graduates more competitive across multiple industries.

AWS Qualification Testing Preparation

Students who complete the program have the opportunity to test for AWS welder performance qualifications in the horizontal, vertical, overhead, and 6G positions. These credentials carry weight with employers.

Job Placement Assistance

After completing the program, ACI’s job placement team helps connect graduates with employers in Central California and beyond who are actively hiring qualified welders.

ACI’s Advanced Welding Technology Program

Duration: 760 Clock Hours (38 Weeks)

Campuses: Visalia | Fresno | Bakersfield

This is ACI’s sole welding program — a comprehensive, entry-level course for students with little to no prior welding experience. It covers the full range of welding processes used in today’s workforce, along with the safety, math, and trade knowledge employers expect on day one.

Class Schedule Options

ACI offers four daily session times to fit different schedules:

  • Morning: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM
  • Daytime: 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
  • Evening: 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM
  • Night: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

What Students Learn

The program covers the following skills and subject areas:

  • Shop and site safety practices
  • Blueprint reading and welding symbols
  • Principles of metallurgy
  • Construction math and basic layout techniques
  • Hand and power tool usage
  • Oxy-Acetylene cutting and brazing
  • SMAW (Stick welding) on mild steel in all positions
  • GMAW (MIG) and FCAW (Flux Core) on carbon steel in all positions
  • GTAW (TIG) on aluminum and stainless steel plate and pipe
  • Carbon steel pipe welding in the 1G, 2G, 5G, and 6G positions

What Students Earn

Students who complete the program receive a Certificate of Completion from ACI. They also have the opportunity to take two AWS welder performance qualification tests, with qualifications available in the horizontal, vertical, overhead, and 6G pipe welding positions.

Testing is also available through these nationally recognized programs:

  • Core and Introductory Craft Skills (NCCER)
  • National Construction Career Test (NCCER)
  • SENSE — American Welding Society
  • Welding (NOCTI)

Industries That Hire ACI Welding Graduates

The program prepares students for entry-level welding positions across a wide range of fields, including:

  • Construction
  • Agriculture
  • General Purpose Machinery
  • Commercial and Industrial Machinery
  • Equipment Repair and Maintenance
  • Architectural and Structural Metals Manufacturing
  • Motor Vehicle Body and Trailer Manufacturing

Hear from a Welding Instructor

Welding Program Admissions Requirements

To enroll in the Advanced Welding Technology program, applicants must meet these requirements:

  • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
  • Have the physical ability to carry out the tasks associated with the welding industry

Our Admissions team will walk each applicant through any additional enrollment steps and provide a checklist of items needed before the start date.

Start the Admissions Process →

Frequently Asked Questions About ACI’s Welding Program

What do students wear to welding school?

Welding students are required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and work attire in the shop. That includes flame-resistant clothing, leather gloves, and a welding helmet. ACI’s admissions team can provide a full list of required gear before the start date.

What should a student bring on the first day of welding school?

All books, supplies, and materials needed for the program are included in tuition, so students do not need to purchase anything separately before arriving. The ACI admissions team will provide a full checklist of what to bring and what to expect before the first day of class.

Is tuition assistance available for ACI’s welding program?

Tuition assistance is available to students who qualify, including federal grants, veterans’ education benefits, and other funding options. Our team works with each student individually to determine eligibility.

Can veterans use education benefits for welding school at ACI?

Yes. ACI is approved to provide veteran training and accepts veterans’ education benefits, including GI Bill funding. Veterans should contact an ACI Admissions Officer to confirm current eligibility and get the process started.

Is welding a good career in California?

Yes. Welding is in consistent demand across California’s construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors. The Central Valley in particular has strong employer demand for qualified welders, and those with AWS credentials and pipe welding experience tend to have more job options and higher earning potential.

Does completing the welding program guarantee a job?

No. ACI provides job placement assistance to help connect graduates with employers who are actively hiring, but completion of the program does not guarantee employment. Outcomes depend on factors including individual performance, local job market conditions, and employer hiring needs.

Start Welding Training at ACI

ACI’s welding program runs year-round at three California campuses — Visalia, Fresno, and Bakersfield. Class sizes are limited, and spots fill quickly. Students ready to start building a career in the trades can take the first step by contacting an ACI Admissions Officer today.

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