Philadelphia Welding Schools
Training courses in welding are available at multiple schools in Philadelphia, and some programs can be completed in a matter of weeks or even days. Find out about required courses and supplies at three schools before going on to review a table of stats on the institutions. Some info on a fourth school option is also provided.
- Delaware County Community College offers a certificate program in welding that can teach students about the industry's four chief welding processes. The school is situated about 15 miles from downtown Philadelphia.
- Eastern Center for Arts and Technology, located around 20 miles from Philadelphia's downtown area, has a 12-week welding course that provides several hours of instruction for one set price. Enrolled students can receive instruction in the four types of welding.
Comparison of Schools
To find out more about each school, check out the following table. It has details about tuition rates, enrollment numbers, graduation rates and other factors that might make one stand out above the others.
| Delaware County Community College | Eastern Center for Arts and Technology | |
|---|---|---|
| School Type | 2-year, public | < 2-year, public |
| Total Enrollment (2021)* | 8,706 | 135 |
| Campus Setting | Large suburb | Large suburb |
| Tuition & Fees (2022-2023)* | $6,420 in-district; $10,410 in-state; $14,400 out-of-state | NA |
| % of Beginning Students Receiving Some Form of Aid (2020-2021)* | 54% | 100% |
| Acceptance Rate (2021)* | N/A - open admissions | 100% |
| Retention Rate (2021)* | 55% for full-time students | 100% for full-time students |
| Graduation Rate (2018)* | 23% | 83% (2018-19) |
Sources: *NCES College Navigator
Delaware County Community College
Delaware County Community College opened in 1967 and offers associate's degree and certificate programs. The welding certificate program at this college prepares students for employment directly after graduation and generally takes one year to complete.
Welding Technology, Certificate Competency
During this 29-credit certificate program, students receive instruction in computer numerical control (CNC) plasma cutting, quality assurance, non-destructive testing, shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), flux-core arc welding (FCAW), inert gas SMAW and oxy-acetylene welding. Students learn to use welding electrodes in four positions and also learn how to interpret welding symbols and blueprints.
Eastern Center for Arts and Technology
Eastern Center for Arts and Technology's welding course for adults is offered through the school's continuing education department. The college also offers training programs to local businesses.
Welding Technology Program
This 2-year career program provides instruction in oxyacetylene, tungsten inert gas (TIG), MIG and shielded metal arc welding at the beginning and advanced levels. Students are taught to weld in overhead, vertical, horizontal and flat positions. Students need safety goggles, welding shields, gloves, work boots and pants.
Other School Option
Students may also complete an industrial welding certificate program at Bucks County Community College, which is about 34 miles (50 minutes) from downtown Philadelphia.