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More than just a weld school

KWI exists to close the gap between welding education and what industry actually demands — and to send people out job-ready, not just school-trained.

Student to teacher

15:1

7 CWS's on staff

INDUSTRY CREDENTIALS

28+

AWS, NCCER, NCCCO, OSHA 30, MSHA, ASHI CPR/First Aid, TWIC, Basic Plus, CCS Drug Toxicology Card

Job placement

100%

Certified Pipe Welder, 2024 and 2025

Accredited Testing Facility

10+

AWS ATF since 2015

Director of Training

Blake Hawkins — First KWI Graduate, 2016

Dear prospective student

My goal as Director of Training is to become your mentor. The skills and knowledge I have accumulated over the last 10+ years will become your asset and prove invaluable.

Today, I have the privilege of passing what I’ve learned in the field on to you. Becoming a successful welder takes more than passing a weld test. Work ethic, accountability, safety, and being someone your crew can depend on are just as important as the skill itself. Your relationship with KWI doesn’t end at graduation. We’re here for brush-ups, continuing education, re-certification, and job placement assistance throughout your career. I know firsthand where this training can take you, and my goal is to prepare you to make the most of it.

KWI students and staff posing together in front of the Ark Encounter

Our mission

Faithful stewards. Ready welders.

The mission of Kentucky Welding Institute is to glorify God by being faithful stewards of all that He has entrusted to us. To have a positive impact on students we train, ensuring they are ready to enter the workforce and become contributing members of society.

Unmatched learning experience

15 students to one instructor

Full-time instructors can spend up to eight weeks each year back on the job, while a rotating group of part-time instructors comes directly from industry between projects. Students learn from welders who are actively doing the work they're teaching.

7

CWI

Certified Welding Inspectors

7

NCCER Instructors

Industry-Credentialed Training

5

NCCCO Proctors

Crane & Rigging Credentials

KWI student Cody Cooley welding a pipe in a welding booth, with sparks and a glowing red safety curtain behind him

Come see the shop

The fastest way to understand KWI is to stand in it while it's running.