Best Welding Schools in Ridgecrest, California (2025)

Updated October 22, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Welder Training in Ridgecrest, 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 Ridgecrest.

Affordable Online Welding Programs Now Accepting Students in Ridgecrest, California:


Welding Training Near Ridgecrest

#1 Cerro Coso Community College

Ridgecrest, CA • 3.6 miles away

Cerro Coso Community College is a Public, 2-year in Ridgecrest, CA. Cerro Coso Community College offers welding training alongside programs like Emergency Medical Technician, Medical Assistant, Network Systems Administration. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

Tuition

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3000 College Heights Blvd Ridgecrest, CA 93555-9571

#2 Barstow Community College

Barstow, CA • 63.6 miles away

Barstow Community College is a Public, 2-year in Barstow, CA. Barstow Community College offers welding training alongside programs like Automotive Technology, Cosmetology, Emergency Medical Technician. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

Tuition

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2700 Barstow Road Barstow, CA 92311

#3 Antelope Valley Community College District

Lancaster, CA • 72.1 miles away

Antelope Valley Community College District is a Public, 4-year in Lancaster, CA. Antelope Valley Community College District offers welding training alongside programs like Automotive Technology, Aviation Maintenance, Electrician. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

Tuition

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3041 West Ave K Lancaster, CA 93536-5426

#4 Bakersfield College

Bakersfield, CA • 75.2 miles away

Bakersfield College is a Public, 4-year in Bakersfield, CA. Bakersfield College offers welding training alongside programs like Automotive Technology, Cybersecurity, Electrician. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

Tuition

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1801 Panorama Dr Bakersfield, CA 93305-1299

#5 Porterville College

Porterville, CA • 80.9 miles away

Porterville College is a Public, 2-year in Porterville, CA serving about 2,775 students and accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. Porterville College offers welding training alongside programs like Emergency Medical Technician, Practical Nursing (LPN), Welding. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

Tuition

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100 E College Ave Porterville, CA 93257


Enrollment & Certification Pathway in California

Most students in California follow this process:

  1. Apply to an accredited welding school or trade program in Ridgecrest.
  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.