ArcLabs Welding School — Columbia Branch

The 900-hour Advanced Welding program combines 860 welding and lab hours with 40 classroom hours and can be completed in about 26 weeks full time. Students learn MIG in short-circuit, spray and pulse-spray modes, Flux-Core, Stick and TIG on carbon-steel plate; oxy-fuel, plasma and air-carbon-arc cutting; metal preparation, weld quality, inspection, symbols and detail drawings; and employment readiness. Students complete a structural project or eligible internship, earn OSHA-10, and advanced students may take a TIG pipe elective.

The 1,300-hour Master Welder program combines 1,240 welding and lab hours with 60 classroom hours and takes about 36 weeks full time. Its first 900 hours cover structural welding on carbon-steel plate using MIG, Flux-Core, Stick and TIG, plus cutting, preparation, inspection, drawings and employment readiness. Students then choose an advanced structural track using carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminum, or an advanced pipe track using MIG, Flux-Core, Stick and TIG on carbon-steel and nonferrous pipe. A structural or pipe project or eligible internship and OSHA-10 are included.

A 70-hour hands-on continuing-education seminar for beginners exploring welding for personal use, hobby work or initial skill development. After a safety orientation, students focus on one chosen process—Stick, MIG, Flux-Core or TIG—under instructor supervision. No high-school diploma or GED is required, no testing is required, and at least 90% attendance is required for successful completion.

A 70-hour hands-on continuing-education seminar for experienced welders or employers seeking to develop employee skills. After safety orientation, instruction focuses on one chosen process—Stick, MIG, Flux-Core or TIG—with practice in procedures and techniques. Welds are visually inspected and evaluated for quality against applicable procedures or codes. No testing is required, and at least 90% attendance is required for successful completion.