There is always this satisfaction welders have whenever they craft their idea into something that is strong and will last a while, maybe that’s one of the reasons you desire to pursue a career in welding. There is no doubt that welding is highly sought after, and these professionals play major roles in different industries whether in the construction of bridges or creating intricate sculptures and delicate medical equipment.
However, the one major thing that usually tries to slow down the journey of some aspiring welders is cost. To add a little bit of salt to the injury, there are no entirely free welding classes in Indianapolis. The bright side is that there are affordable ones that can help to turn your passion into a desirable career.
Moreover, if you don’t mind exploring other states or cities for affordable welding classes, Georgia, Texas, New York, California, or even North Carolina also offers some affordable classes. The downside is that their fees for out-of-state residents are higher than in-state residents.
Anyway, let’s get straight to listing these classes.
Free Welding Classes in Indianapolis
As we said earlier, there no no completely free welding programs in Indianapolis in the sense that they don’t demand any tuition fee. However, there are affordable ones that could serve as the best alternative, and these low-cost programs also provide financial assistance. We’ll be focusing on these low-cost classes in this list.
1. Ivy Tech Community College – Welding Technology
- Location: 50 W. Fall Creek Parkway N. Indianapolis, IN 46208
Not only is Ivy Tech Community College’s welding class affordable at $2,455.76 per semester, but it also provides financial aid to help reduce your fees further. In fact, 73% of Ivy Tech students receive some form of financial aid, which makes it almost among the free welding classes in Indianapolis. You can speak to any of their financial advisors to know more about their assistance.
Furthermore, there is a claim that when it comes to high-quality education for the best value, no other college in Indiana can match Ivy Tech Community College. And, Ivy Tech is the lowest-cost higher education option in Indiana.
In this Welding Technology program, you’ll start by learning welding fundamentals, then progress to Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding and others in week 2. In week 3 you’ll learn Gas Metal Arc (MIG) Welding, and Gas Tungsten Arc (TIG) Welding, whereas, you’ll learn both Pipe Welding and Welding Fabrication in the final week.
2. J Everett Light Career Center – Welding
- Location: 1901 E 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46240
Though this Welding program at J Everett Light Career Center didn’t display its tuition fee on its website, as a community college we know it will be a lot more affordable when compared to private colleges that provide the same program.
The program can take you one or two years to complete, and classes are held 3 hours per day. This class is designed to develop skills in stick, MIG, and TIG welding. Students will also use plasma arc cutters, band/cutoff saws, and oxy-fuel cutting.
Also, J Everett Light Career Center collaborates with Ivy Tech to provide some classes that can be applied to the Welding program.
3. Latinas Welding Guild
- Location: 1936 S Lynhurst Dr. Suite R, Indianapolis, IN 46241
Latinas Welding Guild is a non-profit organization that has expanded from offering only welding opportunities to providing diverse manufacturing classes. They no longer only focus on empowering women but extend their support to all adults, youth, and marginalized communities.
They offer a variety of welding classes and workshops, some of which may be offered at a discounted rate or free of charge. They also offer scholarships and other forms of financial assistance to help students afford their welding education, making it among the most affordable welding classes in Indianapolis.
It’s worth noting that some of their programs are still in the development phase, including their intermediate: Robotic Welding Basics, and all of their advanced classes.
Once you’re done applying for any program, they will provide a page to pay for the course.
Alternatives to Free Welding Classes in Indianapolis
There are only three affordable welding classes in Indianapolis.
Alternatively, you should look for apprenticeship programs, because many welding companies in Indianapolis offer some apprenticeship programs which can provide on-the-job training. By this method, you won’t only gain the skills you might still earn by doing so.
Also, some community workshops can help out here, you can look for workshops around you, and some of them usually offer free or low-cost welding classes. They may not really be advanced classes, but they will help to enlighten you a little bit about welding before you can commit to a more expensive, longer program.
Also, you can consider online classes, you can find some online resources that offer free and very affordable welding courses that can teach you some basics of welding. There are even some free classes from Alison that go beyond the basics. The downside is you might not get the hands-on training needed in welding through these online classes.
How Much Does a Welding Class Cost in Indiana?
Some factors determine the cost of a welding class in Indiana such as the type of program, the institution, and location.
If you plan to just enroll in a short-term certificate program it can cost you between $1,500 to $5,000. However, if you intend to enroll in an associate degree program it will cost you between $10,000 to $20,000 or more because it will take 2 years to complete.
An institution is another factor to consider because a public community college is more affordable than a private trade school.
Also, location needs to come into play, because the cost of welding class in Indianapolis might vary slightly in Evansville or even Carmel.
How Long Will It Take Me to Become a Welder in Indianapolis?
The time it will take you to become a welder in Indianapolis, IN will depend basically on the path you choose to follow. If you want to join an entry-level welding career quickly then a short-term certificate program that lasts 3 months to 1 year can lead you there.
If you are interested in a more comprehensive education, then an associate degree of 2 years will be best for you.
There is also the apprenticeship program that lasts longer, between 3 to 4 years, which combines both classroom instructions and on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced welders. This path will help you to earn as you learn.
Also if you have prior experience in welding or related fields, it can speed up your learning progress. Learning pace is another factor to consider because everyone doesn’t learn at the same pace.
Key Takeaway
You can see that there are no entirely free welding classes in Indianapolis but it doesn’t mean the city is barren from alternatives. You can also see will offered various affordable alternatives whether it’s community colleges or workshops offered by non-profit organizations. We also went further to explore alternatives like apprenticeships, community workshops, and even online free or low-cost welding programs.
Remember, any investment in your education is an investment in your career path.
FAQ
Are there truly any free welding classes in Indianapolis?
There is no entirely free welding class in Indy, but there are affordable ones
What are some affordable welding programs in Indianapolis?
The only three schools that provide affordable welding programs in Indy are Ivy Tech Community College, J Everett Light Career Center, and Latinas Welding Guild.
What if I have no prior experience? Are there beginner-friendly classes?
Yes, these three schools’ welding programs cater to beginners with basic courses.
Are there resources that can help me learn more about welding before I commit to a program?
Yes, some online resources from platforms like Alison provide free online classes that can teach you the basics of welding
