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Tulsa Welding School (TWS) Houston is advancing its mission of providing hands-on, career-focused education by launching two new technical programs with a focus on Advanced Industrial Maintenance this summer. These additions will replace the 16-week version of the Professional Welder program, which will no longer enroll new students after June 1, 2025.
Beginning this summer, students can now enroll in:
- Advanced Industrial Maintenance Technology (AIMT) — a 7-month diploma program that combines electrical, mechanical, and facility maintenance training.
- Associate in Applied Science in Welding Inspection and Quality Management (AASWI) — a 14-month associate degree that builds on TWS’s core welding curriculum with advanced inspection and quality control training.
These new offerings reflect the growing demand for skilled professionals who can do more than just weld—they need to maintain systems, meet safety codes, and lead quality assurance initiatives. Here’s a detailed look at what’s changing and what students can expect.
Phasing Out: The 16-Week Professional Welder Program
For years, the accelerated 16-week version of the Professional Welder program offered a fast-track path into the welding field. However, as the needs of employers and industries evolve, TWS Houston is retiring this condensed format to make room for more versatile and comprehensive programs.
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The final enrollment period for the 16-week welder track ends June 1, 2025. Students looking for a welding-focused path now have the option to continue with the standard 7-month Professional Welder program or pursue the more advanced AASWI degree.
Advanced Industrial Maintenance Technology (AIMT)
Program Overview
The AIMT program is designed for students who want to work in environments such as manufacturing, energy production, and large-scale facility maintenance. This 30-week program includes 700 contact hours and 27.5 semester credit hours, leading to a diploma.
Curriculum Highlights
The AIMT curriculum consists of seven courses covering:
- Electrical and mechanical systems (DC/AC applications, 3-phase power, PLCs)
- Industrial safety and compliance (OSHA standards, PPE, LOTO)
- Fabrication techniques and inspection (measuring tools, materials processing)
- Facility operations (boilers, CMMS systems, robotics basics)
Each course blends classroom theory with practical lab training. Students graduate ready to support complex systems that keep industrial operations running.
Schedule and Flexibility
Classes are delivered in a hybrid format, combining online learning with on-campus labs. Students can choose from:
- Morning classes: 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Monday–Friday)
- Evening classes: 6:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. (Monday–Friday)
Tuition and Fees
Standard pricing:
- Tuition: $18,000
- Materials, gear, registration, and insurance: $1,875
- Total: $19,875
Military pricing:
- Tuition reduced to $16,200
- Total: $18,075
Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.
Associate in Applied Science in Welding Inspection and Quality Management (AASWI)
Program Overview
The AASWI program is an advanced associate degree that builds on the core welding skills from TWS’s existing Professional Welder program. In total, the program spans 60 weeks, includes 62.5 semester credit hours, and prepares students for roles in welding inspection, nondestructive testing (NDT), and quality assurance.
Curriculum Structure
The AASWI program is divided into two academic years:
- Year 1: Students complete the 7-month Professional Welder program (25 credit hours).
- Year 2: Students advance into specialized inspection and quality management coursework (37.5 credit hours).
Focus areas include:
- Destructive and nondestructive testing (NDT): visual, ultrasonic, eddy current, liquid penetrant, radiographic
- Metallurgy and materials analysis
- Fabrication reading and inspection
- Quality management principles and documentation
- General education courses: English, humanities, math, interpersonal relations (offered online)
Flexible Schedule Options
Courses run four days a week in either:
- Morning sessions: 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Evening sessions: 6:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
The second academic year begins after completing the Professional Welder portion and can be started on a rolling basis throughout the year.
Tuition and Fees (Second Academic Year Only)
Standard pricing:
- Tuition: $18,000
- Additional fees and materials: $5,725
- Total: $23,725
Military pricing:
- Tuition reduced to $16,200
- Total: $21,925
How These Programs Can Advance Your Career
Both the AIMT and AASWI programs reflect a larger trend in the skilled trades: employers want technicians who are adaptable, safety-conscious, and comfortable with both mechanical and digital tools. These roles span multiple industries, from aerospace and manufacturing to commercial building maintenance and energy.
Graduates of these programs may pursue careers such as:
- Industrial maintenance technician
- Welding inspector or QA/QC specialist
- NDT technician
- Facilities maintenance technician
- Automation support technician
Both programs were designed with input from industry stakeholders and prioritize job-readiness.
Enrollment Now Open
TWS Houston is now enrolling for both programs, with AIMT starting on June 11, 2025, and AASWI sessions launching shortly after. With hybrid learning, morning and evening options, and tuition plans for military and civilian students, these programs are structured to meet students where they are—and take them where they want to go.
