Real World
Welder Training
STATE OF CALIFORNIA AND VA APPROVED SCHOOL
How to get started
Our enrollment process is designed to be simple and straightforward. Just follow these steps to review programs, explore financial aid, and secure your spot.
Step 1:
Review the programs available to you. We offer 24-week programs and 8-week courses. You can see pricing and full details in our Course Catalog (PDF).
When you are ready, complete the Interest Form.
Step 2:
If you know the program or course you want to do then simply book a meeting with us or if you’d like to explore financial aid reach out here.
24 Week Course BUndles
Bundle 1: All Around Welder
Structural and pipe. This 24-week course is the foundation for a more versatile welding career.
Bundle 2: Ironworker Welder
This 24-week course is for those who want to work primarily in steel building construction or fabrication.
Bundle 3: Process Pressure Piping Welder
This 24-week course specializes in pipe welding and fabrication for pressure vessels and low pressure piping systems
Bundle 4: Pipeline Welder
This 24-week course specializes in pipe welding for oil, natural gas, water and other pipelines.
Bundle 5: Aerospace Welder
This 24-week course specializes in TIG welding for Aerospace Applications, requiring high precision.
Bundle 6: Food & Beverage Processing Industry Welder
This 16-week course specializes in welding for hygienic/sanitary applications.
Bundle 7: Light Gage Welder (Decking & Framing)
This 24-week course specializes in welding for decking and framing.
Bundle 8: Motorsports Welder
This 24-week course specializes in welding for motorsports fabrication.
Bundle 9: I-Car Automotive Welder
This 24-week course specializes in welding for automotive applications.
Bundle 10: Underwater Welder (Dry Welder)
This 24-week course prepares you for a career as an underwater welder.
Meet the Experts

George Rolla
Lead Technical Expert & Welding Instructor
George brings over 50 years of hands-on welding experience to California Welding Institute. As an AWS Certified Welding Engineer, Senior CWI, Certified Welding Educator, and Certified Welder, he’s earned national recognition for both his technical expertise and his leadership in the welding industry. He has served as Past Chair of the AWS Los Angeles Section and was a long-time member of the AWS D17 Committee.
Mariana Ludmer
Operations Manager & Welding Instructor
With more than 20 years in the welding field, Mariana combines deep industry experience with strong academic and operational credentials. She holds AWS CWI, CWE, and CW certifications, a Bachelor’s in Economics from UC Berkeley, and an M.S. in Engineering Management from National University. Mariana is also an ASQ-certified Process Analyst and has served in multiple AWS leadership roles, including her current position as 2nd Vice Chair of the AWS LA Section.

Our Credentials at a Glance
Combined 70+ years of professional welding experience, 30+ years of teaching welders, and 20+ years of expert consulting.
Recognized with AWS Private Instructor of the Year Award, CWI of the Year Awards, and AWS Chairman of the Year Awards.
Active contributors as AWS Technical Committee Members and U.S. Delegate to the ISO Committee.
Learn from the people who continue to do the work, shape industry standards, and pass on their legacy.
