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The Welding Certificate prepares students for entry-level careers in the welding and metal fabrication industries. Through classroom instruction and extensive hands-on laboratory experiences, students develop the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to work as production, maintenance, and shop welders.
Students receive training in oxy-acetylene welding and brazing, shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW/MIG), fabrication techniques, print reading, and welding symbol interpretation. Coursework also introduces students to related topics such as layout, estimating, metallurgy, and repair processes.
Graduates are prepared to enter the workforce with the technical skills and industry knowledge needed for employment in manufacturing, construction, transportation, agriculture, and other industries that rely on skilled welding professionals. Students who complete this certificate will earn credit toward completion of the Welding Technology Diploma. Graduates of this program are awarded a certificate.
Program Highlights
Fast-Track Training: Complete the certificate in as little as one semester and quickly enter the workforce.
Extensive Hands-On Training: Gain practical welding experience in laboratory environments that simulate real-world applications.
Multiple Welding Processes: Learn oxy-acetylene welding and brazing, shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), and gas metal arc welding (GMAW/MIG).
Fabrication Skills Development: Develop skills in fabrication, layout, fitting, and metalworking techniques.
Blueprint and Symbol Interpretation: Learn to read prints and interpret welding symbols used throughout the industry.
Industry-Standard Equipment: Train using equipment and technologies commonly found in professional welding environments.
Career-Ready Preparation: Develop technical, problem-solving, and workplace skills valued by employers.
Experienced Industry Faculty: Learn from instructors with real-world welding and fabrication experience.
High-Demand Career Preparation: Prepare for careers in industries experiencing strong demand for skilled welding professionals.
Pathway to Advanced Training: Build a foundation for continued education and advancement in welding and fabrication careers.
Job Outlook
1,234 Jobs (2025)
-2.5% Change from 2024-2025
Wage and employment data are from Lightcast (Q2 2026 data set), timeframe 2024–2025.
What will you do
Graduates may:
- Perform welding operations using multiple welding processes and techniques.
- Read and interpret blueprints, welding symbols, and fabrication drawings.
- Fabricate, repair, and maintain metal structures and components.
- Utilize hand and power tools commonly used in welding and fabrication industries.
- Measure, cut, fit, and prepare materials for welding operations.
- Apply safe welding practices and industry standards.
- Perform basic layout and estimating procedures.
- Inspect completed welds for quality and compliance with specifications.
- Assist with equipment maintenance and repair activities.
- Work effectively in manufacturing, construction, maintenance, and fabrication environments.
- Build foundational skills necessary for advancement into specialized welding careers.
Wages
Entry: $21.34
Average: $23.53
Experienced: $26.58
Wage and employment data are from Lightcast (Q2 2026 data set), timeframe 2024–2025.
First Semester | ||||
| WEL 149 - Fundamentals of Shielded Metal Arc Welding | 3.0 Credit(s) | |||
| WEL 233 - Print Reading and Welding Symbol Interpretations | 3.0 Credit(s) | |||
| WEL 256 - Gas Metal Arc Welding | 4.5 Credit(s) | |||
| WEL 103 - Oxy-Acetylene Welding & Brazing | 1.0 Credit(s) | |||
| WEL 208 - Introduction to Fabrication | 2.0 Credit(s) | |||
| MAT 743 - Technical Math 1 | 3.0 Credit(s) | |||
Semester Total: 16.5 Credits | ||||
Total Semester Hours Required: 16.5 | ||||
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Program Outcomes
Upon the successful completion of the program students will:
- Interpret welds and welding symbols in all sections of a blueprint.
- Employ welding techniques to create a qualifiable weldment.
- Assess the quality of completed welds using inspection tools.
- Fabricate projects using blueprints and layout methods and tools.