Welding Fabrication and Manufacturing Technology (AAS)

Program Objective

The Associate of Applied Science in Welding Fabrication and Manufacturing Technology builds on the certificate program in which students learn about safety, hand tools, oxyacetylene torches, plasma arc, shielded metal arc welding (stick), gas metal arc welding (MIG), gas tungsten arc welding (TIG), flux cored arc welding, metallurgy, print reading, and weld symbols. The second year of the program focuses on fabrication and pipe welding, two high-demand areas in the welding industry.

Work Environment 

Graduates work as welders, welder/fabricators, maintenance welders, fitters, ornamental metal sculptors, and welder helpers. Typical employers include the Boilermakers union, departments of transportation, structural steel fabricators, custom metal shops, industrial contractors, shipyards, pipe and pressure vessel fabricators, and retail welding sales.

Career Opportunities

• Welder
• Pipefitter
• Ironworker
• Maintenance Technician

Program Learning Goals

Goal 1: The Welding program will prepare the student for entry level employment in welding.

Student Learning Outcomes – Students will:

• Demonstrate safe welding practices
• Perform basic welding skills in SMAW (stick), GMAW (MIG), GTAW (TIG), and oxyfuel cutting procedures
• Perform basic maintenance on welding machines
• Interpret basic welding symbols

Goal 2: Graduates will possess the skills necessary to obtain entry-level fabrication positions.

Student Learning Outcomes – Students will:

• Demonstrate safe fabricating practices
• Perform basic welding techniques in uphill pipe welding
• Perform basic metal cutting techniques
• Perform the skills needed in fabrication and manufacturing environments

Goal 3: Graduates will understand the importance of professional behavior within the welding industry.

Student Learning Outcomes – Graduates will:

• Communicate with internal and external stakeholders in a professional and appropriate manner
• Demonstrate professional skills as they relate to timeliness, accountability, and reliability

2025-2026 Program Scope

2025-2026 Program Sequence