Welding Schools in Lake Forest, California

Updated January 11, 2026 Table of Contents

Compare Welding programs near Lake Forest, California.

  • Use the school listing to compare providers and locations.
  • Review common formats, timelines, and requirements below.
  • Availability, pricing, and requirements can vary by school.

Welding Schools Near Lake Forest

#1

Orange Coast College

Costa Mesa, CA 13.8 miles away

Located in Costa Mesa, CA Orange Coast College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Aviation Maintenance Technology, Accounting Technology, and Bookkeeper.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#2

Santa Ana College

Santa Ana, CA 14.2 miles away

Located in Santa Ana, CA Santa Ana College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Automotive Technician, Automotive Technology, and Accounting Technology. The campus serves roughly 22,011 learners.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $1,180
  • Out-of-state tuition: $9,460
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#3

Fullerton College

Fullerton, CA 20.5 miles away

Located in Fullerton, CA Fullerton College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Automotive Technician, Automotive Technology, and Beauty Cosmetology.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#4

Riverside City College

Riverside, CA 27.2 miles away

Located in Riverside, CA Riverside City College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Auto Body and Collision Repair, Automotive Technician, and Automotive Technology. The campus serves roughly 17,361 learners.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $1,420
  • Out-of-state tuition: $11,230
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#5

Mt San Antonio College

Walnut, CA 28.5 miles away

Located in Walnut, CA Mt San Antonio College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Aviation Maintenance Technology, Accounting Technology, and Bookkeeper.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#6

Cerritos College

Norwalk, CA 29 miles away

Located in Norwalk, CA Cerritos College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Auto Body and Collision Repair, Automotive Technician, and Automotive Technology.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#7

Universal Technical Institute-Southern California

Long Beach, CA 29.4 miles away

Located in Long Beach, CA Universal Technical Institute-Southern California is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Aviation Maintenance Technology, Auto Body and Collision Repair, and Automotive Technician.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#8

Universal Technical Institute of California Inc

Rancho Cucamonga, CA 29.5 miles away

Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA Universal Technical Institute of California Inc is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Automotive Technician, Automotive Technology, and Diesel Technician.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#9

Hacienda La Puente Adult Education

La Puente, CA 31.8 miles away

Located in La Puente, CA Hacienda La Puente Adult Education is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Appliance Repair, Automotive Technician, and Barbering.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#10

Rio Hondo College

Whittier, CA 32.3 miles away

Located in Whittier, CA Rio Hondo College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Automotive Technician, Automotive Technology, and Accounting Technology. The campus serves roughly 15,365 learners.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $1,388
  • Out-of-state tuition: $9,884
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

Training Formats

  • Campus: in-person instruction with labs (when applicable)
  • Hybrid: a mix of online coursework and required in-person sessions
  • Online: some programs offer online coursework; hands-on components may still be required

Typical Timelines

Credential Common Range Notes
Certificate / Diploma Months Often the fastest route; availability varies by school
Associate Degree ~2 years May include general education and broader coursework

What to Compare

  • Program outcomes: what the curriculum covers and what it does not cover
  • Hands-on training: labs, externships, clinicals, or shop time (when applicable)
  • Schedule: start dates, evening/weekend options, part-time availability
  • Total cost: tuition, fees, books, tools, and uniforms (confirm with the school)
  • Requirements: prerequisites, background checks, immunizations, or driving record rules (if applicable)
  • Accreditation and approvals: what matters for your credential or licensing path
  • Exam/licensing prep: preparation and required hours (varies by state)

Questions to Ask Schools

  • Which credential do students earn, and what are the graduation requirements?
  • What is the weekly schedule and the expected time commitment?
  • What equipment, tools, or uniforms are required, and what do they cost?
  • Does the program prepare students for required exams or supervised hours (if applicable)?
  • Are transfer credits accepted, and are there prerequisites?

Labor Market Snapshot

California Welding Salary Snapshot

California
California Median Pay $57,940$27.86 per hour National median: $51,000($24.52/hr)
Employment 26,100BLS OEWS, May 2024

California Welding Salary & Job Outlook

BLS OEWS, May 2024

California median pay $57,940$27.86 per hour
Employment 26,100

Average pay

$61,980per year $29.80 per hour

Median pay

$57,940per year $27.86 per hour

Nearby Cities in California

About This Page

GoTradeSchools.com is a comparison and discovery directory. Program availability depends on location, and details may vary by school. Always verify accreditation, admissions requirements, and licensing rules with the provider and your state.