IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — In recognition of National Welding Month this April, College of Eastern Idaho is spotlighting its Welding Program, and the vital role skilled trades play in strengthening the local workforce and community.

The American Welding Society (AWS) established National Welding Month to recognize the professionals behind the infrastructure, energy systems, and manufacturing that power everyday life. This year, the 30th anniversary of the observance is marked by the theme “Celebrating Welding Since 1996,” highlighting both the legacy of the trade and the growing demand for the next generation of skilled workers.

At College of Eastern Idaho, that next generation isn’t waiting—they’re already in the shop.

CEI’s Welding Program is built around immersive, hands-on training that prepares students for high-demand careers across eastern Idaho and beyond. From day one, students are actively working with industry-standard processes like Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), and Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), along with advanced cutting techniques used in real-world fabrication environments.

“Our welding program is intentionally designed to be well-rounded, giving students hands-on experience across multiple processes, positions, and metal thicknesses,” said Bradley Huntsman, Welding Program Lead. “Students advance through the program by earning their way, working from drawings, following WPSs, and laying out both sheet metal and pipe connections. By the time they complete the program, they’re not just familiar with industry standards; they’re fully prepared to step directly into the demands of our local workforce.”

Students in the program spend more than four hours each day in hands-on lab training, complemented by classroom instruction in blueprint reading, welding mathematics, fabrication, safety, and theory. With a 9:1 student-to-teacher ratio and instruction from certified professionals, including an ASME Certified Instructor and two AWS Certified Welding Inspectors (CWI), CEI ensures students receive both technical expertise and individualized support.

The program offers multiple pathways, including an Associate of Applied Science degree and technical certificates that can be completed in as little as two semesters—making it an accessible and flexible option for students looking to enter the workforce quickly or advance their skills.

Graduates leave the program with approximately 1,700 hours of experience and step directly into careers with manufacturing companies, metal and steel fabrication shops, and agricultural operations. Over the past five years, the program has maintained an average positive placement rate of more than 82%, reflecting both strong outcomes and strong demand.

National Welding Month not only celebrates the craftsmanship behind the trade—it highlights the opportunity. For more information about CEI’s Welding Program, visit cei.edu/program/welding-technology.

###

About the College of Eastern Idaho
College of Eastern Idaho offers associate degrees, select bachelor’s degrees, technical certificates, and workforce training programs to help students achieve their educational and career goals. With a focus on affordability, accessibility, and student success, CEI is dedicated to providing high-quality education and training to the residents of eastern Idaho—redefining what comes next. Visit cei.edu for more information.