Welding and Metal Fabrication
Program Description
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Long considered an art form, metalworking is a hands-on creative learning experience where you solve problems with your mind and body. Minneapolis College's Welding and Metal Fabrication program provides you with the technical knowledge and hands-on skills needed to gain entry-level employment in manufacturing, construction and various other industries.
Advantages
- This is a short-term, flexible program––you can earn your 30-credit welding certificate in just one year by taking either day or evening classes!
- Small class sizes provide lots of one-on-on attention from instructors and hands-on learning experiences.
- Minneapolis College's Welding and Metal Fabrication program is an excellent stepping-stone for further education in the manufacturing and engineering fields with the capacity for advancement.
- Welder certifications are available to students in multiple processes to American Welding Society Standards.
- Students participate in Behind the Mask and Skills USA welding competitions each year.
- American Welding Society scholarships are available.
- The program encourages creativity; you plan and fabricate your own projects for course credit.
Program Details
Award Requirements and Course Descriptions & Outlines
Please select the award below to view the degree options and requirements in the college catalog.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Perform welder qualification tests to industry standards.
- Understand and safely utilize arc welding equipment and be able to perform SMAW, GMAW-S, GMAW-Spray transfer and GMAW-P, FCAW-S, FCAW-G and GTAW to industry standards.
- Understand and safely utilize manual and automated shop fabrication equipment and be able to use tools and equipment to fabricate parts.
- Interpret blueprints and welding symbols.
- Perform basic math and geometry, understand measurement fundamentals and be able to read measuring instruments including tape measures, machinists rule, caliper, squares and micrometers.
- Understand safety related to Oxy/Acetylene equipment and be able to perform BW and OFC-A and PAC.
What You Will Learn
- This program will introduce you to current welding and metal fabrication processes widely used in a great variety of work environments.
- You will learn about shop safety and safe work practices, blueprint reading, applied math and general fabrication methods.
- In addition, you will learn about welding steel, stainless steel and aluminum with the GMAW (wirefeed) and GTAW processes.
- The second semester shop fabrication class includes use of computer controlled plasma cutter, press brake and robotic welding systems.
Beyond-the-Classroom Opportunities
You will have the opportunity to participate in Behind the Mask and Skills USA welding competitions each year.
Occupational outlook
The job outlook for people with these skills is strong. An iSeek search conducted in September 2014 showed Welding (SOC code 51-4121) has a projected growth above the Minnesota statewide average with a median wage of $18.95 per hour.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports that prospects should be good for welders trained in the latest technologies. Plus, with the retirement of the “Baby Boomer” generation, there are many skilled jobs openings and wages for those jobs continue to climb. A certificate in this field is an excellent stepping-stone for further education in the manufacturing and engineering fields with the capacity for advancement.
Potential job titles
- Welder
- Solderer
- Metal Fabricator
- Plumbers or Pipefitter
- General Construction Worker
- Machine Operator
Where you could work
- Manufacturing shops
- Metal fabrication companies
- Your own business