School of Skilled Trades
Light the spark for a hands-on career in WeldingÂ
At Rockford Career College, our Welding Diploma Program helps you turn precision, strength, and creativity into a high-demand career. In just 10 months, you’ll learn a variety of welding techniques—including Stick and MIG to Flux Core and TIG, giving you the skills to tackle real-world projects and impress employers.
Taught by experienced instructors and practiced in a hands-on lab setting, the program is built for those who enjoy working with metal, tools, and practicing teamwork. Whether you want to join a fabrication team, inspect welds, or work in shipyards and manufacturing, welding is your gateway to opportunity.
DURATION: 10 Months
CREDENTIALS: Diploma
FORMAT: On-Campus
CREDITS: 64 Quarter Credit Hours
Graduate in just 10 months and step straight into the workforce with the practical welding skills local employers need. Rockford Career College’s focused, hands-on training lets you start shaping metal—and your future—right away.
Build Real-World Welding Skills That Employers Value
The Welding program at Rockford Career College delivers focused, practical instruction designed to prepare you for today’s most in-demand welding roles.
What You’ll Learn:
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Forge Your Future in a High-Demand Trade Skill
From skyscrapers and bridges to renewable-energy projects and precision manufacturing, skilled welders are the spark behind almost every modern build. Rockford Career College’s intensive, hands-on training gives you the techniques, safety know-how, and industry-recognized credentials employers look for—so you can move quickly into a role that offers solid wages and real job security.
Graduates may pursue careers such as:
With further experience or certifications, you can explore advanced positions or specialize in high-demand areas like pipeline welding or aerospace fabrication.
You’re ready to do something different — let’s take the next step together.
At Rockford Career College, we believe that everyone deserves a chance to build a better future. That’s why our admissions process is designed to be clear, supportive, and all about helping you succeed — from your very first conversation with us.
To be eligible for enrollment, students must:
Every applicant will meet with an admissions advisor to: help answer your questions, walk you through the process, and help you determine if this is the right path for your goals and lifestyle.
We’re looking for students who are:
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Q: Is the Welding program offered online?
No. Welding is strictly an in-person program because you must practice on professional equipment and perform live welds in our campus lab—skills that can’t be mastered in a virtual setting.
Q: Do I need any previous welding experience to enroll?
No prior experience is needed. Our instructors will train you from the ground up, making this a great fit for beginners or career changers.
Q: Which welding processes will I learn?
You will learn SMAW (stick), GMAW (MIG), FCAW (flux-core), and GTAW (TIG) on mild steel up to â…ś”, along with pipe welding, thermal cutting, and metal preparation. This broad skill set prepares you for structural, fabrication, and pipe-welding jobs.
Q: Will I graduate with any industry credentials or be ready for certification exams?
During the program, you’ll have the opportunity to earn an American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspection (CWI) report at no extra cost. The curriculum also readies you for plate-welding code tests, giving your resume a boost before day one on the job.
Q: Can I get an Associate Degree after finishing the Welding diploma?
Yes—complete the diploma, then roll directly into Rockford’s 7-month online Construction Management program to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree — that’s only 17 months total. It’s an efficient way to add project-management skills to your welding background.
Next Session Starts: September 8, 2025
Complete the Welding Diploma Program, then transition to our 7-month online Construction Management program. Get an associate degree in just 17 months.
Questions about our Rockford campus? Let’s connect and talk about your future.
Get In touch
Complete the Welding Diploma Program, then transition to our 7-month online Construction Management program. Get an associate degree in just 17 months.
Questions about our Rockford campus? Let’s connect and talk about your future.
Get in Touch
See our classrooms, meet our staff, and imagine yourself in a career that matters.
Book Your Campus Tour
Concerned about paying for welding school? You don’t have to figure it out alone. Our financial aid team will walk you through options like federal aid, grants, and scholarships (for those who qualify), so you can focus on mastering your craft and preparing for a strong career.
Rockford Career College
(A Branch Campus of Stautzenberger College-Maumee)
1130 S Alpine Rd #100,
Rockford, IL 61108
Phone: (815) 965-8616
or (888) 680-6682
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