Great Plains Welding Academy
Your customized training facility located in the heart of the Black Hills!
Join us at GPWA and embark on a journey towards becoming a skilled and confident welder!
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Anne Roghair
When we got home I watched my son show his sisters his certificate, and his sweatshirt, mug and cap! He is SO proud! We could not be more happy with our experience at GP Welding Academy! Thank you guys a million!!!!!
Anne Roghair
Nope! You don't need a GED or diploma to attend our program. We recommend that you be at least 16 years old (with parental consent) if you plan to complete the program while still in high school.
Our curriculum is based off the AWS D1.1 Structural Steel in GMAW (MIG) and SMAW (Stick) welding techniques. Once you successfully pass your D1.1 certification plates, you will then gain some knowledge in some TIG and flux core.
Our curriculum is based on a 240 credit hour course that can be completed on either a full-time or part-time basis. For full-time students, the program takes just 6 weeks, and classes run from 8 am to 4 pm. Part-time students can complete the course in just 12 weeks, with either a morning shift (8 am to 12 pm) or an afternoon shift (12 pm to 4 pm). This flexibility allows students to tailor their learning experience to best fit their schedule and commitments.
This is a part of the customization process we talk about. We don't have set start dates; instead, we tailor our program to your schedule. If there's an available booth slot, it's yours to take. Ready to begin right away? With all paperwork submitted, you can start the following week. It's all about customizing to fit your needs and timeline. We operate year round.
We don't offer housing at the moment. Many of our students arrange their own temporary housing, such as staying at campgrounds, temporary rental options, or Airbnb. We're exploring options for future housing solutions.
Alongside the tuition cost, which covers your certifications, the only additional expense would be for your tools and gear. We provide a tool list before your start, and everything can typically be purchased for $250 or less. Our program is designed to be incredibly affordable, ensuring you can kickstart your welding journey without breaking the bank.