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American welder

AWL

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American Welding Laboratories

Fort Smith's Premier Welding Academy

AWL

Are you ready to embark on a rewarding and in-demand career in welding? Our comprehensive welding program is your gateway to mastering the art and science of welding. This program is designed for individuals of all skill levels, from beginners looking to start a new career path to experienced welders aiming to enhance their expertise.

 

We place a strong emphasis on hands-on training. You'll have the opportunity to work with a wide range of welding techniques and equipment in a state-of-the-art welding lab.

Learn from industry-experienced instructors who are passionate about teaching and dedicated to your success. They'll guide you through the intricacies of welding processes, safety measures, and quality standards. 

We prepare you for industry-recognized welder certifications.  Our program equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to pass welder qualification tests to excel in your welding career.

Whether you decide to work in construction, manufacturing, aerospace, the oil field, or any industry that relies on skilled welders, our program provides the foundation you need to weld your way to a bright future.

 

Welding Instructor teaching welding techniques

Welcome to AWL

American Welding Society

PROUD MEMBER

AWL is licensed and regulated by the Arkansas State Board of Private Career Education

Arkansas Division of Higher Education
Better business bureau accredidation

Accredited by the Better Business Bureau 

2023 & 2024 Gold winner for Best Vocational School in the River Valley

Best of River Valley
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Steel beams

Welders are in high demand!

According to the American Welding Society 330,000 new welding professionals are projected to be needed by 2028

Enrolling now!

The majority of AWL students qualify for grants, ask us how today!

NOW ACCEPTING G.I.BILL

Welding student learning to use a cutting torch
Registered trademark

Performance Statistics

82.3%

Percentage of people employed immediately after graduation

96.3%

Percentage of people employed within 3 months 

89.6%

Percentage of people who obtained a credential before graduating

Courses offered

Welding School
Trade School
Stick welding on a structure

SMAW

Shielded Metal Arc Welding

Arc or stick welding, known as SMAW, is one of the earliest and most widely used welding processes in the world, making some of the most common jobs in this field construction, pipeline, and agriculture. 


 

GMAW/FCAW

Gas Metal Arc Welding
Flux-Cored Arc Welding

Did you know MIG welding with steel is a major cornerstone of the construction industry? 3 of the most common jobs for MIG welders include automotive, construction and high production manufacturing.

MIG welder
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GTAW

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding

TIG welding can be performed with or without filler metal, and it can be used to make very small and precise welds on even the thinnest of metals. TIG welders specialize in this process, and they can work in manufacturing, automotive, and robotics, among other industries.

Combo Pipe Welding

Combination Pipe Welding is a specialized process that is in high demand and utilized in the petrochemical sector. Combo welders often work on a construction or job site, and their skills are applicable across a broad range of welding jobs. They can find work upgrading aging infrastructures, such as bridges and roadways, as well as constructing new green energy facilities.

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OUR PARTNERS

AWL has many options to help you pay for your training.  From state, federal and tribal grants and scholarships to loans and payment plans.  Contact us with any questions.

Cherokee Nation

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Western Arkansas Planning and Development District

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Arkansas rehibilitation services

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Choctaw Nation

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LOAN OPTIONS

Arkansas rural endowment fund

Student loan 

AREF was created as a private, nonprofit entity with the sole purpose of making affordable loans to rural Arkansans. Since that time, AREF has helped thousands of Arkansans attain higher education to pursue their dreams

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Meratize loan program

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Student loan 

We want to build a better future. That’s why we enable students to fund their skills-based careers with non-traditional lending methods.

We believe in skills-based education. That’s why we work to finance motivated students looking for tangible skills that will lead to a meaningful career.

Our Services

We Offer a Range of Services to Meet Your Needs, from inspection and consulting to welder qualifications and employer specific training.

welded iron plate which is cut for bending test
grinder sitting on a welding table

Who We Are

About Our Company

American Welding Laboratories began in 2021 by husband and wife team Danny and Angela Cobb.   

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