Grand Prairie sits at the center of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, surrounded by one of the busiest industrial construction markets in America. North Texas led the nation in industrial permits in late 2025, driven by massive data-center campuses and manufacturing expansion across the region.
Every one of those projects needs welders — for structural steel, piping, and fabrication. Regional manufacturers like Trinity Industries and the metro's dense network of fabrication shops add steady shop-floor demand.
Texas projects more than 56,000 welding job openings between 2022 and 2032, and DFW accounts for a major share of that opportunity.
Imagine America has partnered with Lincoln Tech in Grand Prairie, TX, to train welders for the North Texas market. The Welding and Fabrication Technology with Pipe program runs at Lincoln Tech's dedicated trades facility on Arkansas Lane, featuring more than 60 welding booths and an American Welding Society student chapter.
About Imagine America Foundation (IAF)
The Imagine America Foundation (IAF) is a nonprofit organization supporting students pursuing career-oriented education at recognized trade schools and career colleges across the U.S. Since 1982, the Foundation has helped students navigate the financial aspects of technical and vocational training.
IAF provides scholarship programs including the Imagine America High School Scholarship for graduating seniors, the Adult Skills Education Program (ASEP) for adult learners, and the Military Award Program (MAP) for veterans. The Foundation also offers financial literacy guidance, career exploration tools, and resources for choosing the right program.
Over $10 million in tuition assistance is provided annually to students attending career and technical colleges nationwide.
Start Your Welding Technology Career with Lincoln Technical Institute
Lincoln Tech's Welding and Fabrication Technology with Pipe program teaches the four major arc welding processes plus pipefitting fundamentals — a combination built for Texas's construction, energy, and manufacturing employers.
- Four welding processes: SMAW (stick), GMAW (MIG), FCAW (flux-cored), and GTAW (TIG)
- Pipe welding and pipefitting fundamentals included
- NCCER Level One exam preparation built into the program
- AWS SENSE Certificate of Completion available across process modules
What You'll Learn
Students develop technique across stick, MIG, flux-cored, and TIG processes in more than 60 welding booths, progressing into pipe welding applications. Training covers joint configurations, weld positions, and the fabrication skills employers test for during hiring.
Certifications and Credentials
Graduates earn a diploma and prepare for the NCCER Level One exam, a nationally recognized construction industry credential. Students can also earn AWS SENSE Certificates of Completion in SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, or FCAW modules, supported by the campus's American Welding Society student chapter.
A Dedicated Trades Facility
Welding and HVAC training run at Lincoln Tech's Arkansas Lane location in Grand Prairie, purpose-equipped for skilled trades instruction, while the Alouette Drive campus covers automotive and diesel — together forming one of the largest trade-training footprints in DFW.
Career Outlook in North Texas
With 56,000+ projected welding openings in Texas from 2022 to 2032 and DFW's industrial construction boom, graduates can pursue structural, fabrication, and pipe welding roles, with experienced welders advancing into inspection and supervision.
Training Services
- Stick Welding (SMAW)
- MIG Welding (GMAW)
- Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
- TIG Welding (GTAW)
- Pipe Welding & Pipefitting Fundamentals
- Welding Joint Configurations & Positions
- Fabrication Techniques
- NCCER Level One Exam Preparation
Specialized Training
- AWS SENSE Certificate Modules (SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, FCAW)
- American Welding Society Student Chapter
Take the First Step Toward Your Career Today
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Start Your Welding Career TodayFrequently Asked Questions
What welding processes does Lincoln Tech Grand Prairie teach?
The program covers the four major arc welding processes — stick (SMAW), MIG (GMAW), flux-cored (FCAW), and TIG (GTAW) — plus pipe welding and pipefitting fundamentals.
What certifications can I earn?
The program prepares students for the NCCER Level One exam, and students can earn AWS SENSE Certificates of Completion in individual welding process modules.
Where does welding training take place?
Welding runs at Lincoln Tech's dedicated trades facility on Arkansas Lane in Grand Prairie, equipped with more than 60 welding booths.
Are scholarships available for Lincoln Tech welding students?
Yes. Imagine America Foundation scholarships are available to qualifying high school seniors, adult learners, and military members attending Lincoln Tech. Create a free profile to get matched.
