IWCC Welding Technology — Certificate (1 Semester) & Diploma (Council Bluffs + Regional Campuses)

About This Opportunity

Iowa Western's Welding Technology program is one of the most accessible vocational options for Council Bluffs and Southwest Iowa residents who want to enter the welding trade. The Certificate is 16.5 credits — completable in a single semester — which means you can enter the workforce with a credential faster than virtually any other skilled trade program. The full Welding Technology Diploma provides more comprehensive training for students who want deeper skill development. The program covers the four fundamental welding processes used across all sectors of industry: GMAW (MIG welding, the most common industrial process), SMAW (Stick welding, used in construction and maintenance), GTAW (TIG welding, the high-precision process used in aerospace, pipe, and specialty metals), and Oxy-Acetylene (cutting and brazing). A key advantage: IWCC's welding program is offered not only at the Council Bluffs main campus, but also at satellite locations in Clarinda and Harlan — which means Southwest Iowa residents who cannot easily commute to Council Bluffs may have a local option. Iowa residents pay $214/credit. The 16.5-credit certificate costs approximately $3,535 in tuition — one of the lowest-cost credentialed welding pathways in the metro. Iowa E2E may eliminate cost for eligible residents.

Who Can Apply

High school diploma, GED, or HiSET required. Iowa residents: $214/credit. Nebraska residents: $219/credit. Iowa E2E free tuition available for eligible Iowa residents. FAFSA financial aid available. Contact IWCC admissions: 712-325-3277 or admissions@iwcc.edu. Program offered at Council Bluffs, Clarinda (Southwest Iowa Community College partnership area), and Harlan campuses.