> peaked my interest

Nope.

It “piqued” your interest.

https://www.vocabulary.com/articles/chooseyourwords/peak-peek-pique/

my bad, thank you.

To answer your question:

Open Bench Project

Or

Local community college.

New England school of metalwork in auburn is the first thing that came to mind. They do welding and blacksmithing

Yes, New England School for Metalwork in Auburn And CMCC- Central Maine Community College does welding and had a free class that started in August…

As a fallback, see if there's a makerplace around you with a metal shop - they often teach welding. But these schools sound much more likely.

I've taken two classes at New England School of metal work. Both mine were black smith and they were top notch. Price for each course was about 500$. They do certifications there as well. It's in auburn so it'd be great for you.

Maine OXY used to be right behind it as well so you could pick up a tank after taking a class. Not sure if it still is.

TIL.....

Taking a peek from the peak of Katahdin has piqued my interest.

Sanford SCAE adult Ed was doing classes

Not to toot our own horn, but here at New England School of Metalwork we offer great welding programs designed to fit your needs and your budget.

We have twice weekly night classes for those looking to pick up a new skill while still working full-time, as well as a full-time, 13 week comprehensive course during the day. We also offer a variety of financial aid and payment options.

We have everything from old-fashioned stick machines to the most advanced robotic welders on the market, and we’re conveniently located in Auburn, Maine, right by the Lewiston line.

If you’d like to learn more just click the link in our bio here, or send us a message, we hope to see you soon!

I would personally recommend NESM ;)

We sure do! We not only offer full time comprehensive welding courses and night time classes, but also wonderful blacksmithing and bladesmithing programs.

Thanks for recommending us!

It sure is! And all of our students get discounts at the MaineOxy retail store!

Thanks for this recommendation! We strive to provide the absolute best eduction and training to our students, whether they’re forging or welding.

Right now our twice weekly welding night classes are $530 per month. 24 hours of training at just about $22 an hour, 6-9p Mondays and Wednesdays.

Which classes did you take?

Eastern Maine Community College

I took intro to blacksmithing and tool making. Both were with Dan Glaser (butchering the last name sorry!) Thoroughly enjoyed both classes! Would recommend anyone to try it out!

Bam, how can you go wrong!

Yea NESM is your best bet and they're right across the river.

People’s Inclusive Welding - SoPo

Nailed this last name, but I think you likely meant Dereck* Glaser, our founder and director. He’s pretty amazing at forging steel, I learned from him as well and I see him teach pretty frequently, never fails to impress.

Hope you come back some day!

If you’re under 25 check out the Penobscot job Corp great opportunity and free!

If you’re ages 16-23 you can join Job Corp and learn it there.

SMCC in South Portland offers 4 or 5 different classes.

Hah! I knew something wasn't right. Thank you. Yes Dereck Glaser is a great teacher! I'll be back some wintery month for sure.