Best Welding Schools in Pekin, Illinois (2025)

Updated October 22, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Welder Training in Pekin, 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 Pekin.

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

Welding Training Near Pekin

#1 Illinois Central College

East Peoria, IL • 11.2 miles away

Illinois Central College is a Public, 2-year in East Peoria, IL serving about 4,909 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Illinois Central 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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1 College Drive East Peoria, IL 61635-0001

#2 Heartland Community College

Normal, IL • 32.1 miles away

Heartland Community College is a Public, 2-year in Normal, IL. Heartland Community College offers welding training alongside programs like Cybersecurity, Dental Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IL.

Tuition

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1500 West Raab Road Normal, IL 61761-9446

#3 Carl Sandburg College

Galesburg, IL • 49.8 miles away

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

Tuition

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2400 Tom L. Wilson Boulevard Galesburg, IL 61401

#4 Midwest Technical Institute-Illinois

Springfield, IL • 50.2 miles away

Midwest Technical Institute-Illinois is a Private for-profit, <2-year in Springfield, IL serving about 1,128 students and accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Midwest Technical Institute-Illinois offers welding training alongside programs like Cosmetology, Dental Assistant, Massage Therapy. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IL.

Tuition

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2731 Farmers Market Road Springfield, IL 62707

#5 Lincoln Land Community College

Springfield, IL • 58.4 miles away

Lincoln Land Community College is a Public, 2-year in Springfield, IL. Lincoln Land Community 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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Contact

5250 Shepherd Rd Springfield, IL 62794-9256

Enrollment & Certification Pathway in Illinois

Most students in Illinois follow this process:

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