Students at Washington County Community College are trained in a variety of welding techniques, including electric arc and oxyacetylene welding. Many students complete the program in less than two years. Upon graduation, students are prepared to sit for three exams: the state of Maine pipe certification, the American Welding Society structural stick welding certification and the American Welding Society flux core structural certification. Graduates of WCCC find employment in fields such as construction, shipbuilding and maintenance. Students are expected to provide their own tools.
Eastern Maine Community College offers education in welding in the form of a one- or two -year degree. Students in the one-year program learn basic and pipe welding techniques while students enrolled in the two-year program continue training in more advanced methods. Students are expected to take general education courses outside of welding, specifically in math and science. Graduates of EMCC are well-rounded and prepared for employment in bridge building, construction, ship building and power generation. EMCC requires students to have taken basic algebra before applying to the welding program; algebra II, geometry and physics or chemistry are recommended in addition to the welding courses.
St. John Valley Technology Center works with area high schools providing students an opportunity to learn career skills before graduation. Students enrolled in the welding program learn basic skills in the school's welding lab and have the opportunity to practice on projects brought in by customers of the center. Students who complete the two-year program are qualified to sit for the American Welding Society's limited base metal thickness plate test.
The Future Builders School is a private institution in Raymond, Maine. The school is qualified to work with special-education students hoping to obtain employment in the adult workforce as well as high school students hoping to earn a GED. Welding students learn basic safety first and then move to introductory techniques in the school's shop. Before graduation, students will be able to demonstrate competency on equipment such as the oxyacetylene torch and the abrasive chop saw.