Basic Welding Training

Contact Us

Iowa Valley Business and Community Solutions
 IVBCSInfo@iavalley.edu
  641-752-4645

Central Iowa manufacturers, fabricators, and ag equipment dealers need welders — and you don't need years of school to become one. Iowa Valley Community College District offers hands-on welding training designed to get you working with real equipment, under real instruction, and out into a job faster than a traditional degree program.

Offered at two campuses:

  • Ellsworth Community College — Iowa Falls
  • Marshalltown Community College — Marshalltown
Course sections run periodically throughout the year at both locations. Contact BCS to find out what's currently scheduled and which campus fits your timeline.
 

What you'll learn:

  • Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), MIG, and TIG fundamentals
  • Reading and interpreting welding blueprints and symbols
  • Metal preparation, fit-up, and joint design
  • Welding safety and equipment operation
  • Quality inspection and defect identification

Who is this is for?

Whether you're starting a first career, changing fields, or adding a skill to work you already do — this training is built for adults ready to work with their hands and start earning sooner rather than later. No prior welding experience is required.
 

What can I do with welding training?

Graduates leave with practical, entry-level welding skills employers are actively looking for across manufacturing, agriculture equipment, fabrication shops, and construction trades in central Iowa.
 

Common questions

How long does welding training take?
Course length varies by section — contact BCS for the current schedule and time commitment.
 
Do I need experience to start?
No. This training is designed for beginners as well as those looking to sharpen existing skills.
 
Is this the same as a welding degree?
No — this is non-credit, workforce-focused training built for speed and job readiness, not a multi-year associate degree.
 
What campus should I choose?
Either — Iowa Falls (Ellsworth Community College) and Marshalltown (Marshalltown Community College) both offer this training. Choose based on location and current section availability.
 

Contact BCS to Learn More

Talk to someone who can tell you what's currently scheduled, what it costs, and how to get started — no commitment required.

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Contact Us

Iowa Valley Business and Community Solutions
 IVBCSInfo@iavalley.edu
  641-752-4645