What Does Ridge Technical College Offer for Welding Students?
Ridge Technical College in Winter Haven, Florida offers a certificate in welding through its Welding Technology program. Tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $3,930 for a full-time year (in-state). The school awarded 16 welding credentials in 2024–25. It runs evening classes. Best for working adults who need evening classes.
Class Schedule and Certification Testing at Ridge Technical College
Schedule. Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM; Tuesday-Thursday evening (page lists '5:30 AM - 9:00 PM').
Testing. After successfully completing this program, students are eligible to test for the American Welding Society (AWS) certification.
Ridge Technical College Welding Tuition: $3,930 a Year
- Tuition and fees
- $3,930 in-state, 2024–25
- Out of state
- $10,530 2024–25
- Books and supplies
- $1,500 2024–25 estimate
- Welding certificates awarded
- 16 2024–25
- Graduation rate
- 99% school-wide, Fall 2021 cohort
- Students enrolled
- 407 school-wide, Fall 2024
Tuition and fees are for a full-time year. Awards count welding credentials conferred. Graduation rate and enrollment cover the whole school. Source: NCES College Navigator.
The Ridge Technical College Welding Certificate
| Award | Type | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Welding Technology | Certificate | 1050 clock hours |
As listed on Ridge Technical College's welding program page, reviewed September 25, 2026.
What you'll Learn in Ridge Technical College's Welding Program
Run through Polk County Public Schools' shared technical-college site, the program appraises welds against AWS and AISI standards and offers both day and evening sections.
- Stick (SMAW)
- MIG (GMAW)
- TIG (GTAW)
- Flux-cored (FCAW)
- Oxy-fuel and plasma cuttingoxyacetylene
- Fabrication and blueprint reading
Where you'll Train: Ridge Technical College
- Ridge Technical College7700 State Road 544
Check start dates, admission steps and the current course list on Ridge Technical College's own site.
Visit techcolleges.polkschoolsfl.comWhat Welders Earn Around Lakeland
Welders in the Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL metro area earn a median $48,520 a year. Across Florida, the median welder wage is $50,640 a year, from $39,200 at the 10th percentile to $70,390 at the 90th, with 16,420 welders employed. The national median is $53,750. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
5 More Welding Schools Within 34 Miles of Winter Haven
- Traviss Technical College16 mi
- Osceola Technical College24 mi
- Southern Technical College (Orlando)30 mi
- Orange Technical College-South Campus31 mi
- Orange Technical College-West Campus34 mi
Straight-line distance between campuses. All welding schools in Florida
Ridge Technical College Welding FAQ
Does Ridge Technical College Have a Welding Program?
Yes. Ridge Technical College offers a certificate in welding at Ridge Technical College. Training covers stick (SMAW), MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), flux-cored (FCAW), oxy-fuel and plasma cutting.
How Much Does Welding School Cost at Ridge Technical College?
Ridge Technical College's 2024–25 tuition and fees were $3,930 for a full-time year (in-state) and $10,530 out of state, with books and supplies estimated at $1,500. Welding students also pay for tools, gear and lab fees.
How Long Is the Welding Program at Ridge Technical College?
Welding Technology: 1050 clock hours.
Does Ridge Technical College Offer Night or Weekend Welding Classes?
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM; Tuesday-Thursday evening (page lists '5:30 AM - 9:00 PM').
Can You Get Welding Certified at Ridge Technical College?
After successfully completing this program, students are eligible to test for the American Welding Society (AWS) certification.
How Much Do Welders Make in Florida?
The median welder wage in Florida is $50,640 a year, and the middle half earn between $46,460 and $60,600 (BLS, May 2025).
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