American River College in Sacramento offers welding as part of its full curriculum of academic and trade programs. Students can earn an associate of science degree in welding technology or certificates in shielded metal arc plate and pipe welding, metallurgy and inspection. The college's Certified Welder Program is accredited by the American Welding Society (AWS) and fulfills all necessary requirements of the AWS QC4 Standards for Accreditation of Test Facilities.
Students at El Camino Community College in Torrance can take day or evening classes toward earning an associate of science degree in welding. The program is affiliated with the Call Women Tech Project, which actively seeks to expand the reach of women into traditionally male-dominated technology trades, such as welding.
Owned and operated by Certified Welding Inspector Robert C. Erwin, the Cal-Trade Welding School of Modesto concentrates exclusively on this specialty. The school is accredited by the Council for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education (CPPVE) pursuant to California Education Code (CEC) section #94311. Cal-Trade offers full training courses for aspiring students or refresher courses for professional welders.
At Fresno City College, welding students can earn an associate of science degree in welding technology. The degree offers optional programs in metal fabrication and in pipe and structural steel certification. In addition to a variety of technique courses, welding students here are also required to take other career-based courses such as those on occupational health and safety and how to prepare for employment opportunities.