Beginning in 1930, the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology has been providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become welders. As of December 2010, more than 85,000 students have successfully completed Hobart courses. Located in Troy, Ohio, the institute offers skill training courses along with technical training courses. Courses are a combination of classroom time and laboratory demonstrations. Financial aid is available to those who qualify, and students are encouraged to contact the Institute with any questions about financing or course options.
The Ohio State University offers undergraduate, master's and doctorate degrees in welding engineering. Twenty-six full-time faculty members ensure that their students are well-equipped to safely perform in the workplace. The welding engineering program is the only ABET-accredited program in North America. Online courses for master's degrees are available. Short-term courses are an option for those who wish to increase their skills without enrolling in the university program.
Located in Perrysburg, Ohio, Owens Community College offers a major in welding technology, which trains students in methods of welding including stick, gas, MIG, and TIG. From graduate follow-up surveys from 1999-2006, the welding program had a 100 percent job-placement rate. For students who wish to achieve certification for auto body welding, the I-CAR Automotive Steel GMAW Welding Qualification Test is offered.
Lorain Country Community College is located in Elyria, Ohio, and provides students with an Associate's degree in Applied Science upon course completion. This degree allows graduates to work in a variety of welding industries such as pipelines, steel and construction. Course titles include Electrical Circuits, Physics, Robotics and Automated Manufacturing, and Advanced Arc Welding. The courses are designed to give students thorough background knowledge of welding as well as hands-on experience in the lab to fine tune their skills and abilities.