Best Welding Schools in El Cajon, California (2025)
Updated October 22, 2025 |
Brad Fishbein
Welder Training in El Cajon, California
Welders in California enjoy steady demand, competitive salaries, and excellent job stability.
While there are many ways to become a welder, one of the most effective is enrolling in a top-rated training program. Below we've outlined how to get started, plus a few of the best welding schools near El Cajon.
Affordable Online Welding Programs Now Accepting Students in El Cajon, California:
Welding Training Near El Cajon
#1 CET-San Diego
San Diego, CA • 10.4 miles away
CET-San Diego is a Private nonprofit, <2-year in San Diego, CA. CET-San Diego offers welding training alongside programs like Medical Assistant, Welding. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.
Programs offered:
- Medical Assistant
- Welding
#2 Palomar College
San Marcos, CA • 27.3 miles away
Palomar College is a Public, 2-year in San Marcos, CA serving about 16,167 students and accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. Palomar College offers welding training alongside programs like Automotive Technology, Cybersecurity, Dental Assistant. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.
Programs offered:
- Automotive Technology
- Cybersecurity
- Dental Assistant
- Electrician
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Graphic Design
- Network Systems Administration
- Web Development
- Welding
#3 Orange Coast College
Costa Mesa, CA • 81.2 miles away
Orange Coast College is a Public, 2-year in Costa Mesa, CA. Orange Coast College offers welding training alongside programs like Aviation Maintenance, Cybersecurity, Dental Assistant. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.
Programs offered:
- Aviation Maintenance
- Cybersecurity
- Dental Assistant
- Electrician
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Medical Assistant
- Plumbing Technology
- Radiologic Technology
- Respiratory Therapy
- Web Development
- Welding
#4 CET-El Centro
El Centro, CA • 81.9 miles away
CET-El Centro is a Private nonprofit, <2-year in El Centro, CA. CET-El Centro offers welding training alongside programs like Truck Driving, Welding. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.
#5 Riverside City College
Riverside, CA • 84.2 miles away
Riverside City College is a Public, 2-year in Riverside, CA serving about 17,361 students and accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. Riverside City College offers welding training alongside programs like Automotive Technology, Cosmetology, Cybersecurity. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.
Programs offered:
- Automotive Technology
- Cosmetology
- Cybersecurity
- Graphic Design
- Medical Assistant
- Network Systems Administration
- Practical Nursing (LPN)
- Welding
Popular Online Programs in California
Enrollment & Certification Pathway in California
Most students in California follow this process:
- Apply to an accredited welding school or trade program in El Cajon.
- Complete hands-on labs, pass bend and visual tests, and earn AWS certifications that match your goals.
- Gain experience through shop work, construction, or fabrication roles — then pursue NCCER or advanced AWS credentials.
Next Steps
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