Best Welding Schools in Ames, Iowa (2025)

Updated October 22, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Welder Training in Ames, Iowa

Welders in Iowa 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 Ames.

Affordable Online Welding Programs Now Accepting Students in Ames, Iowa:


Welding Training Near Ames

#1 Des Moines Area Community College

Ankeny, IA • 22 miles away

Des Moines Area Community College is a Public, 2-year in Ankeny, IA. Des Moines Area Community College offers welding training alongside programs like Automotive Technology, Cybersecurity, Dental Assistant. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IA.

Tuition

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2006 Ankeny Blvd Ankeny, IA 50023-3993

#2 Marshalltown Community College

Marshalltown, IA • 36.7 miles away

Marshalltown Community College is a Public, 2-year in Marshalltown, IA serving about 868 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Marshalltown Community College offers welding training alongside programs like Automotive Technology, Dental Assistant, Industrial Maintenance. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IA.

Tuition

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3700 S Center St Marshalltown, IA 50158

#3 Iowa Central Community College

Fort Dodge, IA • 43.4 miles away

Iowa Central Community College is a Public, 2-year in Fort Dodge, IA serving about 3,107 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Iowa Central Community College offers welding training alongside programs like Automotive Technology, Cosmetology, Electrician. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IA.

Tuition

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One Triton Circle Fort Dodge, IA 50501

#4 Hawkeye Community College

Waterloo, IA • 71.7 miles away

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

Tuition

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1501 E Orange Rd Waterloo, IA 50701

#5 Southwestern Community College

Creston, IA • 76.3 miles away

Southwestern Community College is a Public, 2-year in Creston, IA. Southwestern Community College offers welding training alongside programs like Automotive Technology, Electrician, Industrial Maintenance. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IA.

Tuition

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1501 West Townline Street Creston, IA 50801


Enrollment & Certification Pathway in Iowa

Most students in Iowa follow this process:

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