Best Welding Schools in Freeport, Illinois (2025)

Updated October 22, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Welder Training in Freeport, Illinois

Welders in Illinois 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 Freeport.

Affordable Online Welding Programs Now Accepting Students in Freeport, Illinois:

Welding Training Near Freeport

#1 Highland Community College

Freeport, IL • 1.8 miles away

Highland Community College is a Public, 2-year in Freeport, IL serving about 926 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Highland 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 IL.

Tuition

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2998 W Pearl City Rd Freeport, IL 61032-9341

#2 Rock Valley College

Rockford, IL • 32.7 miles away

Rock Valley College is a Public, 2-year in Rockford, IL. Rock Valley College offers welding training alongside programs like Automotive Technology, Aviation Maintenance, Cybersecurity. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IL.

Tuition

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3301 N Mulford Rd Rockford, IL 61114-5699

#3 Kishwaukee College

Malta, IL • 45.5 miles away

Kishwaukee College is a Public, 2-year in Malta, IL. Kishwaukee College offers welding training alongside programs like Automotive Technology, Cybersecurity, Electrician. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IL.

Tuition

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Contact

21193 Malta Rd Malta, IL 60150-9699

#4 Madison Area Technical College

Madison, WI • 59.5 miles away

Madison Area Technical College is a Public, 4-year in Madison, WI. Madison Area Technical College offers welding training alongside programs like Automotive Technology, Cosmetology, Cybersecurity. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across WI.

Tuition

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Contact

1701 Wright Street Madison, WI 53704-2599

#5 McHenry County College

Crystal Lake, IL • 67.6 miles away

McHenry County College is a Public, 2-year in Crystal Lake, IL. McHenry County College offers welding training alongside programs like Automotive Technology, Emergency Medical Technician, Graphic Design. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IL.

Tuition

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Contact

8900 US Hwy 14 Crystal Lake, IL 60012-2761

Enrollment & Certification Pathway in Illinois

Most students in Illinois follow this process:

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