Become a Welder in 12 or 24 Weeks

Danica enrolled in a hobby course through Butler Community College, which introduced her to welding. After discovering she enjoyed the trade, she decided to deepen her knowledge of welding fundamentals, fabrication, and blueprint reading. Danica has since then got indentured into a union and worked in power plants as big as Duke Energy in Owensville, Indiana and as small as Alliant Energy in Ottumwa, Iowa

“I chose HWA because they taught me skills beyond welding—like pipe fitting and rigging—which are valuable in the workforce. That additional training made it easier to adjust to the work environment because I already had a basic understanding of the tasks I’d be doing in the field. It gave me the confidence to stay teachable and show initiative in the field. I also would have never imagined to be confident enough to enter into a common arc with 19 different companies to visually inspect your weld.”

Mireya transitioned from healthcare to corrections before deciding to pursue a career in welding. She wanted to invest in herself by learning a skill she could continue to build on—using it as a stepping stone toward earning her Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credential. Mireya graduated and joined a union and has gained experience in the industrial side of welding. Without Heartland Welding Academy’s input into the precision that goes into the industry of industrial welding it would have never been possible. She has worked in plants such as Mid-American Energy in Sioux City, Iowa and Duke Energy in Owensville, Indiana that continuously love how the trades are inclusive with more women each and everyday.

“I chose Heartland Welding Academy over community college because I was a little older than most students starting college, and I wanted a faster, hands-on path into welding. Heartland Welding Academy focuses on real-world skills and training. The program is intense, but it gets you job-ready sooner. Heartland also takes a more industrial approach and provides the foundational knowledge you need to understand the industry.”

Kamryn relocated from Missouri to find a welding program that would help him stand out in the field. He was looking for hands-on training, a self-paced learning environment, and an affordable path into the trade.

“I chose Heartland because I wanted a strong learning experience before I entered the trade, and I’m glad I did—it put me a step ahead of most new workers. Heartland Welding Academy is a well-run school. The instructors and staff are knowledgeable, and they’ll do whatever it takes to help you succeed if you put in the time and effort. I wouldn’t be where I am today as a tube welder in the power industry if it wasn’t for Heartland.”

Dexter is a U.S. military veteran who set out to build a long-term career in the skilled trades. He is now a Boilermaker with Boilermakers Local 83.

“I chose Heartland Welding Academy because of the professionalism and dedication I saw from every staff member. The instructor-to-student ratio was ideal for me, and the program gave me the knowledge and opportunity to advance my welding career. It also helped me earn the opportunity to join Boilermakers Local 83. I recommend Heartland Welding Academy to anyone who asks how my life has changed for the better. Heartland doesn’t just teach welding—they emphasize professionalism and offer a dedicated class focused on building a successful career in a high-demand trade.”

Ariana attended our welding competition, enrolled at our trade school, and earned a $1,000 scholarship. From the beginning, she knew welding was the trade for her. Today, she’s chasing her dreams with grit, confidence, and the belief that nothing in this industry is out of reach. With Heartland Welding Academy as the foundation of her journey in the trades, Ariana has been able to stay local while building her career full-time with Metal Arts LLC. Since attending Heartland Welding Academy, her initiative, confidence, and drive to be proactive in her career have grown tremendously.

“Choosing HWA was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my future and personal growth. From the moment I toured the school, I knew it was the right place for me. Heartland is more than a school — it’s a community that truly cares about helping students succeed. During my time at Heartland, I gained confidence, built meaningful relationships, and discovered strengths I didn’t know I had. The instructors and staff were always supportive and encouraging, and the positive environment helped me stay focused on my future.I would highly recommend HWA to anyone looking for a school that invests in its students and helps them grow both personally and professionally.”

Christian walked into Heartland with a dream so big he could never have imagined where it would take him. Coming from the small town of Eureka, Kansas, Christian was a determined kid with a mindset to keep his head down, work hard, and get the most out of his time at school. Today, he is a tube welder for a local union, earning a premium wage along with great benefits and a pension. Christian knew that Heartland could help him break into the industry where he truly belonged — and he turned that opportunity into a successful career.

“I chose Heartland Welding Academy because I wanted a hands-on career. Heartland provided me with the skills needed to become a welder. My instructor, Brandon, pushed me to improve every day. While attending Heartland, I learned about a job opportunity, and with the help of the school and my instructor, I was able to land the job. Without Heartland, I wouldn’t have gotten nearly as far as I have today. I would encourage anyone who wants to become a welder to attend HWA.”