Last Updated on January 14, 2022 by Antonio H. Johnson

Welding schools in Arizona can provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to take on various welding jobs. Welding is a very specialized trade that requires skill, finesse, and great attention to detail. It can be difficult for individuals who are not experienced welders to find the right school in their area.
Arizona is a state that has seen an increase in the need for skilled welders. The reason for this is due to the economic boom and population growth of Arizona. With more people living in Arizona, there are going to be more jobs available. The following are some of the best welding schools in Arizona:
- Arizona Automotive Institute
- The Refrigeration School, Inc
- GateWay Community College
- Universal Technical Institute
- West-MEC
- East Valley Institute of Technology
- Vocational Training Institute
- Northland Pioneer College
- Arizona Western College
- Mesa Community College
➤ Read Also: 10 Best Welding Schools in The USA
10 Best Welding Schools in Arizona
Arizona Automotive Institute
The Arizona Automotive Institute (AAI) was established over twenty-five years ago to provide students with hands-on experience and real-world application skills that they can use right away on the job. Students who attend this school receive industry-approved, ASE-certified training that will enable them to apply for employment with dealerships and other shops as entry-level technicians. The AAI offers different levels of training for certification, including but not limited to: diesel, collision repair, ASE (Automotive Service Excellence), air conditioning, and electrical courses.
Type | Vocational school |
Address | 6829 N46th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85301, United States |
Phone | +1 623-934-7273 |
Undergraduate tuition and fees | 23,900 USD |
Average annual cost for students receiving federal aid | 30,642 USD |
Average salary after attending undergrad | 35,300 USD |
Founded | 1968 |
Website | https://www.aai.edu |
The Refrigeration School, Inc
The Refrigeration School was founded in 1975 to provide students with top-quality technical instruction and job placement assistance within the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. This school is approved by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
The classroom curriculum provides students with all necessary information regarding refrigerant recovery, safety; SOP’s (Standard Operating Procedures); troubleshooting; compressor analysis; performance testing equipment for gauges/recovering equipment/and leak detection equipment. In addition to classroom study, students will also receive hands-on training in a lab setting.
Type | Trade school |
Address | 4210 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85034, United States |
Phone | +1 480-676-5843 |
Average cost after aid | 23,000 USD |
Household Income | 48,000 – 75,000 USD |
Course Length | 5 months – 18 months |
Founded | 1965 |
Website | https://www.rsi.edu |
GateWay Community College
Gateway Community College is one of the largest community colleges in Arizona and has been empowered to award certificates, diplomas, associate degrees and transfer credits up to the baccalaureate level. GateWay offers both full-time and part-time programs for students seeking an automotive education.
Some of the different courses provided by this college are; engine machining; engine repair; auto collision refinishing; brake systems; manual drive train/axles; automatic drive train/transmissions; advanced electronic systems (including computer networks), HVAC (heating ventilation, air conditioning); emergency medical care technician; heavy equipment maintenance mechanic; refrigeration heating & air conditioning; and welding.
Type | Community college |
Address | 20 Church St, New Haven, CT 06510, United States |
Phone | +1 203-285-2000 |
Average cost after aid | 6,900 USD |
Household Income | 48,000 – 75,000 USD |
Website | https://www.gatewayct.edu |
Universal Technical Institute
Universal Technical Institute (UTI) began in 1975 and has since grown to nearly twenty-five different campuses within the United States, including a campus located in Phoenix, AZ. The education offered by this institute is a hands-on training that focuses on automotive technology or similar programs. Students who graduate from UTI receive both a diploma/certificate of completion and an Associate of Applied Science degree.
Students can enroll in courses such as AC/Refrigeration Systems Technology, Brake Systems Technology, or Engine Performance & Driveability Certification at their Phoenix location. With all these options available, students have many chances to find a program that’s right for them at Universal Technical Institute.
Type | College |
Address | 10695 West Pierce Street, Avondale, AZ 85323 |
Phone | +1 623-245-4600 |
Average cost after aid | 20,000 USD |
Household Income | 48,000 – 75,000 USD |
Course Length | 3 weeks – 2 years |
Founded | 1965 |
Website | https://www.uti.edu |
West-MEC
West-MEC has been in operation for over sixty years and provides training to students of all ages. This school is part of the Automotive Training & Education center located in Mesa, AZ, including Universal Technical Institute (UTI). West-MEC offers courses that are both ASE/NATEF certified and AMT (Automotive Management Technology) recognized.
➤ Read Also: Top Ten Best Welding Schools in Texas
Some courses provided by this institute include AC/R Systems Technician; Electronics Service Specialist; AC/R Technician; Steering Suspension & Alignment Specialist; Automatic Transmission Servicing Specialist; Fabrication Training Specialists; Transmission Repair Technician; Diagnostic Trouble Code Certification IV. These programs can be taken full-time or part-time by individuals who wish to gain the skills and knowledge to become successful automotive technicians.
Type | CTE (Career & Tech Center) |
Address | 5487 N. 99th Avenue Glendale, AZ 85305, United States |
Phone | +1 623-738-0022 |
oscar.olivas@west-mec.org | |
Household Income | 50,000 – 70,000 USD |
Course Length | One Year |
Founded | 2002 |
Website | https://west-mec.edu |
East Valley Institute of Technology
This school has over thirty years of training expertise and has recently expanded its facility to support more students. The institute provides different areas of study to individuals interested in learning specific aspects of the automotive field. Some courses offered are Diesel Engine Specialist; Racing Engine Specialist; Advanced Diagnostic & Performance Specialist; Brake System Specialists; Gasoline Engine Specialist; Automotive Service Management (ASM), and others. All programs at East Valley Institute of Technology (EBIT) include hands-on experience and classroom-based instruction that is ASE/NATEF approved and AMT recognized.
Type | High School |
Address | 1601 W Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201, USA |
Phone | 1 480-461-4000 |
Average cost after aid | 9,000 USD |
Household Income | 48,000 – 75,000 USD |
Course Length | 2 hours – 3 years |
Founded | 1991 |
Website | https://www.evit.com |
Vocational Training Institute
Vocational Training Institute is located in Mesa, AZ, and offers five major programs to students. These programs are Automotive Service Technology; Diesel Technician; Industrial Electricity/Electronics; Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC); and Refrigeration & Mechanical Systems Technology. Each program offered lasts six months or longer and included a hands-on approach to learning in the automotive field.
Type | Technical school |
Address | 2101 W Alice Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85021, United States |
Phone | +1 602-243-9926 |
admissions@hvactechschool.com | |
Course Length | 1 month – 5.6 months |
Founded | 2010 |
Website | https://myvocationaltrainingaz.com |
Northland Pioneer College
Northland Pioneer College is located in northeastern Arizona and provides specialized education for aspiring automotive technicians. Professionals can attend the day, evening, or weekend classes to get the specific knowledge needed for this career path at Northland Pioneer College. The college offers courses such as Engine Performance Specialist; Manual Drive Train/Axle Specialist; Automatic Drive Train/Transmission Specialist; AC/Refrigeration Systems Specialist; AC/R Controls & Diagnostics Specialist; Brake System Specialist; Steering & Suspension Specialist.
Type | Community college |
Address | 1001 W Deuce of Clubs, Show Low, AZ 85901, United States |
Phone | +1 928-532-6111 |
Average cost after aid | 8,444 USD |
Household Income | 30,000 – 48,000 USD |
Course Length | 2.2 months to 10 months |
Founded | 1974 |
Website | http://www.npc.edu |
Arizona Western College
Arizona Western College also resides in Arizona and provides education programs to individuals of all ages. The career training offered at this institute can be taken full-time or part-time, so students have the flexibility to work around their current schedule. Programs available are Diesel Technology Technician ASE Certification; Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification; AutoCAD Professional II; Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC); Heating and Cooling Systems (HVAC); Engine Performance for High Tech Vehicles (HEAVE); Engine RepairENGRA).
Type | Community college |
Address | 2020 S Ave 8 E, Yuma, AZ 85365, United States |
Phone | +1 928-317-6000 |
Average cost after aid | 11,000 USD |
Household Income | 48,001–75,000 USD |
Course Length | 2 hours – 2 years |
Founded | 1963 |
Website | https://www.azwestern.edu |
Mesa Community College
The automotive training program offered at Mesa Community College includes Auto Technology, Fabrication Technician; Auto Technology Apprentice; and AutoCAD. All programs can be completed in as little as one semester, and CERTIFICATION is available upon completion of the coursework. Students who enroll in this education full-time can complete all required coursework and internship within eighteen months.
The college also offers an apprenticeship through the student union that provides students with eight to twelve weeks of paid on-the-job training and a weekly stipend to show their employers they are taking steps towards a successful career.
Type | Community college |
Address | 1833 W Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85202, United States |
Phone | +1 480-461-7000 |
Average cost after aid | 7,717 USD |
Household Income | 48,001–75,000 USD |
Course Length | 6 weeks – 3 years |
Founded | 1965 |
Website | https://www.mesacc.edu |
Conclusion
Welding is a skill that will always be in demand, and the welding schools in Arizona offer you an opportunity to learn this trade. The process of learning how to weld doesn’t have to be overwhelming, especially when there are so many great programs available for your convenience.
➤ Read Also: Best Welding Boots For 2022
Arizona is an excellent choice for anyone interested in welding, with many schools across the state. The welding industry is thriving, and there are plenty of opportunities for welders. For those looking to get into the field, find a good school to help you acquire skills in this growing industry.



Hi, this is Antonio. I’m a welder. I Love welding and writing blogs about welding. I know, choosing the best welding tools is very difficult. That’s why I have created this blog to teach people the basics of welding, what the best welding tools are, and where they can find it at a cheaper price.