No. Both the Professional and Expert programs accept students with zero welding experience. You will start with fundamentals and progress to pipeline-grade welding by the end of your program.
Western Welding Academy prepares you to pass API 1104 qualification tests administered by pipeline companies and third-party testing agencies. API 1104 welder qualifications are typically issued by the hiring contractor, not by a school. What we do is train you to the exact standard so you pass those tests on the first attempt.
No prior welding experience is required at Western Welding Academy. Programs like the Expert Pipe Welder (24 weeks) and Foundational Pipe Welder (12 weeks) are designed to take complete beginners and transform them into certified pipe welders. The curriculum starts with fundamentals and progressively builds to advanced 6G pipe welding.
Most graduates have job offers before they finish their program. Our 94% hire rate reflects graduates who are working in the field shortly after completing training. Pipeline work is in demand, and welders who can pass API 1104 weld tests are consistently sought after.
Look for a school that trains on pipe in the positions pipeline employers test (such as 6G), prepares you for pipeline and pressure-piping qualifications like API 1104 and ASME Section IX, and publishes how its outcomes are measured. Western Welding Academy focuses on pipe welding: an alumni survey found 94% hired within 90 days, the school has 2,000+ graduates and students from all 50 states, and it is an AWS Accredited Test Facility.
Western Welding Academy has 94% hired within 90 days of graduation, which is among the highest in the industry. This compares to typical community college welding programs at 60-70% and other trade schools at 75-85%. WWA attributes their high placement rate to industry connections, focus on high-demand pipe welding certifications, and dedicated career services.
Certified pipe welders earn $30-50/hour on average, with experienced pipeline welders earning $80,000-150,000+ annually depending on location and specialization.
API 1104 governs pipeline welding for the oil, gas, and energy transportation industries. ASME Section IX covers pressure vessel and power piping fabrication. Both are industry-recognized welding codes, but they apply to different types of work. Our pipe welding programs prepare you for both.
The Foundational Pipe Welder program (12 weeks, $17,050) teaches stick welding fundamentals, basic pipe welding positions, and includes an ASME Section IX certification. The Expert Pipe Welder program (24 weeks, $35,800) covers everything in the foundational level plus TIG welding, combo welding, 6G certification, high-pressure applications, and API 1104.
Depending on your program, you will train in SMAW (stick welding), GTAW (TIG welding), and combination procedures (TIG root with stick fill and cap). These are the core processes covered by API 1104 and used by pipeline contractors across the country.
The Expert Pipe Welder program (24 weeks) gives you the most comprehensive API 1104 prep, covering SMAW, GTAW, and combination welding on pipe in all positions. If you want the widest range of pipeline job options and the highest earning potential, that is the program to choose. The Professional Pipe Welder program (19 weeks) is also strong for API 1104 prep and covers SMAW and TIG.
The most valuable welding certifications for employment are: 6G Pipe Welding (highest demand, highest pay), API 1104 Pipeline Welding (oil and gas industry), ASME Section IX (power plants, refineries), and AWS D1.1 Structural (construction). Western Welding Academy prepares students for all of these certifications across their Expert, Professional, and Foundational programs.
The homes are furnished with twin mattresses. The school does not provide linens, toiletries, or food and dishes.
Pets are not allowed in our Student Housing.
No, student housing is only for the students enrolled into our program.
If you are planning on coming with a friend, let your student advisor know and we will make it happen!
Yes, student housing is required, unless you are currently married and/or have children and you plan to bring them with you.
No, students must arrange their own transportation.
No, we do not provide transportation. We highly recommend bringing a vehicle with you but this is not required.
The refund policy can be found on pages 27-28 in our student handbook.
Get ahold of your student success rep to start building a secondary plan.
Talk to your Student Selection Advisor for more information on how we can start building your credit!
Yes. Western Welding Academy in Wyoming offers completely all-inclusive tuition that covers housing, certification testing fees, and all equipment. Students live on-campus in furnished housing and focus entirely on training without worrying about additional costs. This model eliminates the hidden expenses that surprise students at other programs.
We offer a 10% discount to all military service members with a DD 214. Thank you for your service!
This is situationally based. We can work together to set up a plan that works best for you.
Yes. Western Welding Academy offers private loan options through Climb Credit and Ascent Financing. You can also pay upfront using cash, 529 accounts, or education savings. Visit the Financial Aid page or call (307) 284-5313 for details.
Unfortunately at this time we do not.
We give hundreds of thousands of dollars a year away in scholarships! The best way is to be part of our yearly events! We also occasionally do giveaways for scholarships.
Western Welding Academy is the only welding school to win the 2025 AWS #1 Training Facility award. Key differences: WWA focuses exclusively on pipe and structural welding, offers all-inclusive tuition with housing, has 94% hired within 90 days, 2,000+ graduates from all 50 states, 85% hands-on training in the booth, and is owned and operated by actual pipeline welders with 330+ combined years of experience.
Welding certification programs range from $5,000 for basic community college courses to $20,000+ for comprehensive trade school programs. Western Welding Academy offers all-inclusive programs starting at $17,050 for the 12-week Foundational Pipe Welder up to $35,800 for the 24-week Expert Pipe Welder, with tuition covering housing, certifications, and equipment.
Yes. Fully furnished student housing is included in your tuition. Utilities and WiFi are covered. The housing is located about 5 minutes from our campus in Gillette, Wyoming.
Yes, tuition includes housing, utilities, and internet.
Yes, tuition includes housing, utilities, and internet.
Specialized schools like Western Welding Academy offer immersive full-time training (12-24 weeks vs 2 years), industry-focused curriculum with 85% hands-on booth time, higher job placement rates (94% vs 60-70%), and more welding hours. Community colleges offer lower upfront cost and general education credits. For students focused on a welding career, specialized schools typically provide faster entry into higher-paying positions.
Right after you submit your Booth Hold Payment, we recommend working on scholarships right away. This can depend on your current situation.
Yes, there is a $500 security deposit for housing. This will be used if any damages occur in your housing unit.