Best Welding Schools in Lake Forest, California (2025)

Updated October 22, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Welder Training in Lake Forest, 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 Lake Forest.

Affordable Online Welding Programs Now Accepting Students in Lake Forest, California:


Welding Training Near Lake Forest

#1 Orange Coast College

Costa Mesa, CA • 13.7 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.

Tuition

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Contact

2701 Fairview Road Costa Mesa, CA 92626

#2 Santa Ana College

Santa Ana, CA • 14.2 miles away

Santa Ana College is a Public, 4-year in Santa Ana, CA serving about 22,011 students and accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. Santa Ana College offers welding training alongside programs like Automotive Technology, Cybersecurity, Graphic Design. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

Tuition

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Contact

1530 W. 17th Street Santa Ana, CA 92706-3398

#3 Fullerton College

Fullerton, CA • 20.5 miles away

Fullerton College is a Public, 2-year in Fullerton, CA. Fullerton College offers welding training alongside programs like Automotive Technology, Cosmetology, Graphic Design. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

Tuition

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Contact

321 E Chapman Avenue Fullerton, CA 92832-2095

#4 Riverside City College

Riverside, CA • 27.2 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.

Tuition

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Contact

4800 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92506

#5 Mt San Antonio College

Walnut, CA • 28.5 miles away

Mt San Antonio College is a Public, 2-year in Walnut, CA. Mt San Antonio College offers welding training alongside programs like Aviation Maintenance, Cybersecurity, Emergency Medical Technician. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

Tuition

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Contact

1100 N Grand Ave Walnut, CA 91789-1399


Enrollment & Certification Pathway in California

Most students in California follow this process:

  1. Apply to an accredited welding school or trade program in Lake Forest.
  2. Complete hands-on labs, pass bend and visual tests, and earn AWS certifications that match your goals.
  3. Gain experience through shop work, construction, or fabrication roles — then pursue NCCER or advanced AWS credentials.

Next Steps


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Brad Fishbein Licensed Mold Assessor

Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.