Workshops for Warriors

What Workshops for Warriors does

Workshops for Warriors is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit vocational training organization founded in 2008 by Hernán Luis y Prado, a U.S. Navy veteran, and headquartered in San Diego, California. The organization delivers accelerated 16-week (640-hour) training programs in two core tracks — CNC Machining (Levels 1–3) and Welding (Levels 1–3) — to veterans, transitioning service members, military dependents, and civilians. Programs culminate in nationally-recognized credentials accredited by NIMS (machining) and AWS (welding), with an on-site AWS Accredited Test Facility authorized to administer Certified Welder examinations. Curriculum is delivered on industry-standard equipment from manufacturers including Haas, Amada, Flow, Snap-on, Renishaw, and Kennametal, with CAD/CAM instruction in SolidWorks and Mastercam.

The business model blends earned revenue and contributed revenue. Earned streams include tuition (funded substantially through GI Bill benefits and DoD SkillBridge), AWS welding certification testing and booth rental fees, and ancillary housing/meal payments. Contributed revenue comes from individual donations, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and an annual Forging Futures Gala. Roughly 87% of donations are reported as going directly to programs. Distribution is direct-to-student via online application and in-person training in San Diego, with graduate placement supported by three annual employer career fairs and a network of defense, aerospace, and industrial employers including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, Ford, and Reliance Steel.

The organization reports 1,714+ students trained and 21,650+ credentials earned since 2008, with a 97% job placement rate cited for 2022. In August 2025, WFW and VetPowered opened the 25,000-square-foot Veterans Advanced Manufacturing Training and Accelerated Apprenticeship Center (VAMTAC) in Barrio Logan, expanding capacity to 360+ veterans per year. WFW is institutionally accredited by ACCET (granted 2025), BPPE-approved in California, and holds multiple nonprofit transparency ratings (Charity Navigator 4-Star, GuideStar Platinum).

Name

Workshops for Warriors

Legal name

Workshops for Warriors

Website

https://wfw.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Workshops for Warriors is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in San Diego providing accelerated 16-week CNC machining and welding training programs for veterans, transitioning service members, and civilians, leading to NIMS- and AWS-accredited credentials and supported by employer placement services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Manufacturing Training

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519), Apprenticeship Training (611513)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Search & Rescue (SAR) & Technical Rescue Training (EDAOAMAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Firearms, Range Safety & Less-Lethal Weapons Training (EDAOAMAN)

Keywords

• Veteran manufacturing training
• CNC machining education
• Welding certification programs
• Advanced manufacturing skills
• Vocational trade school

Headquarters

HQ city

San Diego

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Training Fees: Tuition-based revenue from accelerated 16-week CNC machining and welding programs. Students pay tuition directly or through VA education benefits (Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Chapter 31 VR&E, Chapter 35 DEA). Payment plans available with full balance due within 180 days of enrollment period.
2. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Tax-deductible donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations. 87% of all donations go directly to programs. Corporate sponsors fund scholarships, equipment, and facility improvements. Planned giving program through UBS Dawson Wealth Management Group.
3. Welding Certification Testing: AWS Accredited Test Facility charges fees for welding performance certification tests (AWS D1.1 and B2.1), practice sessions, and booth rentals. Testing available to students, alumni, veterans, and civilians.
4. Housing and Ancillary Fees: Optional housing assistance and meal programs for eligible students. Registration fees, tuition payments, loan payments, and rent processed through online payment portal.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Workshops for Warriors is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit school that delivers accelerated 16-week (640-hour) hands-on training programs in CNC Machining and Welding for veterans, transitioning service members, and civilians. Programs lead to nationally recognized industry credentials (NIMS, AWS, SolidWorks, MasterCAM, NC3) and include on-site AWS Accredited Test Facility certification testing plus career placement services.

Product overview

Workshops for Warriors is a nonprofit vocational training institution offering a portfolio of accelerated 16-week training programs in two core tracks: CNC Machining (Levels 1, 2, and 3) and Welding (Levels 1, 2, and 3). These programs provide veterans and transitioning service members with nationally recognized credentials in advanced manufacturing. The institution also provides AWS Accredited Test Facility services for welding certification testing and Career Services for job placement support. All programs are delivered in-person at the San Diego, CA facility with state-of-the-art equipment.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• CNC Machining 1 Foundational 640-hour CNC machining program covering Immerse to Learn orientation, SolidWorks CAD, MasterCAM CAM, CNC milling, and CNC lathe operation, leading to nationally recognized NIMS and SolidWorks credentials.
• CNC Machining 2 Intermediate 640-hour CNC machining program covering multi-axis machining operations, advanced CAD/CAM integration, and metrology/quality control using coordinate measuring machines.
• CNC Machining 3
• Welding 1 Entry-level 640-hour welding program covering Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), and Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) with blueprint reading and welding symbols courses.
• Welding 2 Intermediate 640-hour welding program focused on Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) on carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum in various positions.
• Welding 3 Advanced 640-hour welding and fabrication program covering advanced GTAW, GMAW, hydraulic press brakes, shears, band saws, water jet, orbital welding, and portable pipe machining equipment.
• Career Services
• AWS Accredited Test Facility (ATF)

Quantifiable outcome

• 1,714+ veterans and civilians trained since 2008
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

38 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.

• VetPoweredcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 August 2025Veteran-owned advanced manufacturing company and SBA 2020 Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year. Jointly operates 25,000 sq ft VAMTAC facility for veteran training and apprenticeships supporting defense industrial base.
• Foley EquipmentminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 21 July 2025Caterpillar dealer donating $20 to WFW for every customer's first online order during 'Parts with Purpose' campaign (July-Nov 2025) supporting veteran training.
• Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor corporate partner supporting WFW's mission to train veterans in advanced manufacturing. Provides funding, equipment, and employment opportunities for graduates.
• Haas AutomationcoreTechnology or IntegrationLeading CNC machine tool manufacturer. Peter Zierhut, VP of Outside Operations at Haas, serves on WFW Board of Directors. Haas equipment used for educational purposes across HTEC program with 2,000+ institutions.
• Ford Motor CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFord supports advanced manufacturing training for veterans and women warriors at WFW through funding and workforce development partnerships.
• American Welding Society (AWS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAWS provides welding certification standards and accreditation for WFW's welding program. WFW hosts an AWS Accredited Test Facility for certification testing.
• National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerANSI-accredited developer of precision manufacturing skill standards. Provides accreditation for WFW's CNC Machining Program with credentials covering 24 operational areas.
• SolidWorks (Dassault Systèmes)coreTechnology or IntegrationWorld leader in 3D CAD software. WFW recognized as SolidWorks West Coast Center of Excellence. Students earn SolidWorks CSWA certification.
• MastercamcoreTechnology or IntegrationMarket leader in CAD/CAM software. Students receive Mastercam University training and certifications for CNC programming.
• BoeingmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor aerospace and defense contractor. Supports veteran training and employs WFW graduates in manufacturing roles.
• BAE SystemsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDefense contractor supporting veteran workforce development. Employs WFW graduates in defense manufacturing.
• Northrop GrummanmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAerospace and defense technology company. Partners with WFW for veteran training and recruitment.
• San Diego Food BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides monthly food distribution program for WFW students and Barrio Logan neighbors since July 2020 during COVID-19 pandemic.
• 3MmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDiversified technology company supporting advanced manufacturing training with equipment, materials, and corporate funding.
• AmadamajorTechnology or IntegrationCNC laser and press brake manufacturer. Provides AMADA FOM2 Laser and CNC Press Brake equipment for advanced training programs.
• Marathon PetroleummajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor sponsor of Forging Futures Gala and supporter of veteran manufacturing training programs.
• Dassault SystèmesmajorTechnology or IntegrationParent company of SolidWorks. Provides 3D design software and CAD/CAM training technology for student certifications.
• Lockheed MartinmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVice Admiral Mike Shoemaker, Ret. serves on WFW Board of Directors. VP of Strategic Planning at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.
• San Diego Regional Economic Development CorpcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKevin Graney serves on WFW Board of Directors. Former President of General Dynamics NASSCO and National Steel & Shipbuilding Co.
• QualcommminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnology company with employees serving on WFW Advisory Board supporting technology workforce development.
• National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevelops industry-recognized portable certifications. WFW provides Starrett precision measuring instrument training through NC3 curriculum.
• USS Midway MuseumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for annual Forging Futures Gala. Partners with WFW for events celebrating veteran success stories.
• AT&TminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTelecommunications company supporting veteran workforce development through corporate partnerships.
• CMCminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommercial metal manufacturer supporting WFW through equipment donations and employment opportunities for graduates.
• DAV (Disabled American Veterans)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVeterans service organization referring members to WFW training programs and recognized as Veterans Honor Roll supporter.
• Dowding IndustriesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrecision manufacturing company supporting veteran training through employment and apprenticeship programs.
• Fish & RichardsonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIntellectual property law firm with Ken Hoover on WFW Advisory Board providing governance and legal guidance.
• Steel DynamicsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSteel manufacturer supporting WFW through equipment donations and employment of trained graduates.
• Triumph MotorcyclesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMotorcycle manufacturer supporting veteran training through partnerships and employment opportunities.
• Stater Bros.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional grocery chain supporting WFW through corporate donations and community partnerships.
• SDGE (San Diego Gas & Electric)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUtility company supporting WFW through corporate partnerships and workforce development initiatives.
• SD Promise ZonecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal designation supporting economically distressed communities including Barrio Logan where WFW is headquartered.
• City of San DiegocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHUD CDBG funds provided to City of San Diego support WFW programs. Mayor Todd Gloria's vision includes veteran workforce integration for Barrio Logan.
• Searing IndustriesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMetal fabrication company supporting WFW through equipment and employment partnerships.
• Magellan CorporationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerManufacturing company supporting WFW through corporate partnerships.
• GOVXminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVeteran-focused commerce platform supporting veteran discounts and awareness for WFW programs.
• KH SalesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGala sponsor supporting Forging Futures Gala. Helps fund scholarships and student support services.
• Practical MachinistminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIndustry publication and community platform. Gala sponsor raising awareness and promoting WFW to manufacturing professionals.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Hire Heroes USA: Nonprofit providing free job search and career coaching to military members, veterans, and spouses. Comparable in veteran-focused employment mission and employer network development, though focused on job placement services rather than skills training.
• National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER): Industry credentialing body that develops and accredits construction and maintenance craft training. Comparable as an industry-credentialing organization adjacent to WFW's NIMS/AWS credentialing approach, though focused on construction rather than manufacturing.

Direct peers

• Helmets to Hardhats: National nonprofit placing military veterans into skilled construction trades apprenticeships. Directly comparable as a veteran-to-trades workforce pipeline serving transitioning service members with structured training and employer placement.
• NPower: Nonprofit providing free technology and job-placement training to veterans and underrepresented adults. Comparable in mission, nonprofit funding model, GI Bill/SkillBridge utilization, and employer-paid outcomes focus, though focused on IT rather than manufacturing trades.

Emerging players

• Year Up: Workforce development nonprofit providing training, credentials, and corporate placement to young adults from low-income communities. Comparable in nonprofit mission, employer-paid training model, and intensive skills training with placement outcomes.
• Per Scholas: National nonprofit providing tuition-free technology and skilled-trades training to low-income adults with employer-paid tuition model. Comparable in mission-driven workforce development, employer relationships, and outcomes focus.

Broad incumbents

• ECPI University: For-profit university with hands-on programs in technology, nursing, and skilled trades. Comparable in offering accelerated, employer-aligned technical training with industry certifications across multiple U.S. campuses.
• Universal Technical Institute: For-profit public vocational school offering CNC machining, welding, and other skilled-trade programs. Comparable curriculum and credentials (industry certifications, employer placement) but operates at national scale as a public, for-profit institution.
• Lincoln Tech: For-profit vocational school chain offering welding, CNC, and industrial training with employer placement services. Comparable training programs and credentialing approach; operates nationally with multiple campuses and public-company funding.
• Penn Foster: Accredited online career school offering vocational certificates in trades, industrial, and technical fields. Comparable in industry-recognized credentialing and career services, but competes via online/distance learning rather than in-person shop training.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/workforwarriors
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/workshopsforwarriors
• Facebookfacebook.com/WorkshopsforWarriors
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/workshops-for-warriors
• Instagraminstagram.com/workshopsforwarriors
• TikToktatrck.com/h/0Hu30uVO0x7R?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40workshopsforwarriors

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Workshops for Warriors