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A student welds in the welding lab

Welding - Technical Diploma

As a Welding graduate, you can build and repair metal components using major welding processes used by industry. You have knowledge of blueprints, metallurgy and layout, and can weld to AWS and ASME codes. Typical careers include maintenance welders, qualified welders, structural welders, welder/fabricators and pipe welders. Other career opportunities include construction trades welder, ironworker trades welder, millwright, sheet metal trades welder, and pipe trades welder.

Program Code: 314421
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Home » Academics and Training » Welding
Area of Study: Manufacturing

Program Costs & Financial Aid

See costs of tuition, books, and supplies.

This program is partially eligible for financial aid.

Estimates based on in-state residency. Learn more about tuition and fees.

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Offered At:

Follow Your Path

Career Pathway Bridge available for students needing additional support to meet program entry requirements.

Delivery

  • Day
  • Evening
  • Full-time

How do I get started in this program?

Requirements for Program Entry

  • Apply at www.nwtc.edu/apply.
  • Submit the following to transcripts@nwtc.edu: High school transcript (or GED/HSED transcript) College transcript
  • If your cumulative GPA is below 2.6, complete or submit a placement evaluation.
  • Tip! Our admission advisors will assist you through every step. Have questions? Connect with NWTC Admissions at start@nwtc.edu or 920-498-5444.

What are my courses?

Curriculum

Students following the study plan below will complete the Welding technical diploma in the number of semesters shown.

First Semester

8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Semester Total 17

Second Semester

8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Semester Total 15
Total Credits 32
  • Curriculum Note: Students must earn a "C" or better in 31-804-304, Vocational Math A to enroll in 31-804-305, Vocational Math B.

Program Outcomes

  • Be successfully employed in the welding industry.
  • Perform procedures using plasma, carbon arc, oxyacetylene processes.
  • Perform procedures using the Shielded Metal Arc Welding process (S.M.A.W).
  • Perform procedures using the Gas Metal Arc Welding process (G.M.A.W).
  • Perform procedures using the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding process (G.T.A.W).
  • Perform procedures using the Flux Core Arc Welding process (F.C.A.W).
  • Perform procedures using the Submerged Arc Welding process (S.A.W).
  • Perform welding procedures using the Metal Core process.
  • Interpret mechanical drawings.
  • Fabricate projects from blueprints and sketches.
  • Perform basic mathematical computations.
  • Identify various ferrous and non-ferrous materials.
  • Communicate with co-workers and supervisors.

What careers are in my future?

81%

Graduate Employment

with 66% in field

$45,760.00

Median Starting Salary

Source: NWTC Graduate Outcome Survey

Employment Potential

A graduate of the program will have the potential for employment as a Maintenance Welder, Qualified Welder, Structural Welder, Welder/Fabricator, and Pipe Welder. In these jobs, the graduate will build and repair metal components using basic knowledge of blueprints, metallurgy, and layout while applying the major welding processes used by industry; and will be trained in code welding according to the AWS (American Welding Society) and ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) with testing provided on campus. Other positions might include Construction Trades Welder, Ironworker Trades Welder, Millwright, Sheetmetal Trades Welder, and Pipe Trades Welder. People in many apprenticeship programs are required to take welding classes as part of their training.

Employment opportunities with additional education

  • Journey Level Welder
  • Welding Inspector
  • Welding Supervisor
  • Journey Level Welder/Fabricator

What else do I need to know about the program?

Note

  • Students are responsible for purchasing their own Personal Protective Equipment. Details will be provided at orientation. Students are eligible for discounts.

Industry Credentials

Students will be trained in code welding according to the AWS (American Welding Society) and ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) with testing provided on campus.

Study Abroad Opportunities

The International Programs staff continually seeks opportunities for students to travel abroad for educational experiences that may be offered in association with program courses.

Learn more about upcoming study abroad opportunities.

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Online

Classes wherever you have an internet connection. 

  • An in-person career experience, such as an internship, practicum, or credit for prior learning, may be required.
  • Some online courses may be held at specific dates/times.
Day
Classes between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Evening
Classes between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
Weekend
A combination of online classes and Saturday and/or Sunday classes.
Full-time
12 or more credits per term.
Part-time
Fewer than 12 credits per term.