Welding/Maintenance & Fabrication

Welding/Maintenance & Fabrication

Technical Diploma

This industry recognized credential provides the skills necessary to entry-level employment in the field. All competencies apply to the welding technical diploma degree.

  • welder up close
  • welding sparks

    Program Outline

    Term 1
    Course # Course Title Credits
    1044210300 Print Reading
    Description

    Students will develop print interpretation skills needed in metal fabrication. Learners study orthographic projection, dimensioning, and bill of materials. Learners apply concepts in hands-on activities, practicing basic layout skills and safe operation of saws, shears and drills. Corequisites: 3180410100 Math Skills, 3180410200 Geometry Skills.

    3.00
    1044215700 Thermal Cutting
    Description

    Develops skill in thermal cutting and gouging processes. Learners practice manual and machine oxy-fuel cutting, plasma cutting and gouging and air carbon arc gouging. Prerequisite: 1044217200 Safety in Manufacturing (C or better).

    2.00
    1044215800 Shielded Metal Arc Welding on Carbon Steel
    Description

    Develop skills in shielded metal arc welding. Learners use 6010 and 7018 "stick" electrodes to complete fillet and groove welds in all positions. Weld quality is assessed per AWS D1.1 Structural Steel Code. Prerequisite: 1044217200 Safety in Manufacturing (C or better).

    2.00
    1044215900 Gas Metal Arc Welding on Carbon Steel
    Description

    Develop skills in gas metal arc welding. Learners use the “mig” process in all positions on carbon steel. Required welds include fillet and groove welds with short circuit, spray and pulsed spray transfer. Weld quality is assessed per AWS D1.1 Structural Steel Code. Prerequisite: 1044217200 Safety in Manufacturing (C or better).

    3.00
    1044216300 Weld Inspection and Testing
    Description

    Emphasizes measurement of weld defects and assessment of weld quality conformance to common welding codes. Learners conduct etch tests, bend tests and break tests on welds. The process of procedure and welder qualification is explored through group activities.

    1.00
    1044217200 Safety in Manufacturing
    Description

    Prepares learners for safe operation of work site equipment. Procedures regarding welding machines, band saws, shears, drill presses, punches, grinders, oxy fuel equipment and an array of hand tools are practiced. Crane and forklift operation are introduced. Corequisite: 3144215600 Welding Metallurgy.

    1.00
    3144210100 Weld Symbols
    Description

    Students will develop print interpretation skills needed in metal fabrication. Learners study prints containing section views, detail views, and weld symbols. Learners apply concepts in hands-on activities, print interpretation skills, calculating dimensions, identifying and interpreting weld symbols.

    1.00
    3180410100 Math Skills
    Description

    Develops skills in using mathematics principles, essential to the technical service and production workplace, through applied learning contexts. Content includes whole numbers, fractions, percent, graphs, and fundamentals of algebra. Corequisite: 1044210300 Print Reading.

    1.00
    3180410200 Geometry Skills
    Description

    Develops skills in using mathematics principles, essential to the technical service and production workplace, through applied learning contexts. Content includes geometry and trigonometry, and tools and techniques for precision measurement. Corequisite: 1044210300 Print Reading.

    1.00

    At A Glance

    How You'll Learn

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    On Campus

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    Online Classes

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    Multiple Start Dates

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    Flexible Pace

    Spring/Summer 2025 Start Dates

    January 13March 10
    May 19June 16

    Fall 2025 Start Dates

    August 25October 20

    What is Competency-Based Education?

    Competency-Based Education (CBE) is learning at your own pace by mastering competencies through demonstration. Once all competencies for a program have been assessed and mastered, students will earn a certificate, diploma, or degree.

    Program Tuition*

    $3,214

    Books & Supplies*

    $387

    *Total cost for degree completion is estimated by current course requirements, books, and supplies. Tuition and fees are set by the Wisconsin Technical College System and subject to change.

    You may experience these additional costs, not charged by Nicolet, estimated based on length of program.

    Transportation
    $1,150
    Food/Housing
    $1,144
    Personal Expenses
    $1,146

    Student Equipment

    Students are required to purchase welding kits through the college bookstore or obtain the minimum tools and equipment listed to be able to successfully complete coursework and performance assessments in the welding lab.

    • Safety glasses
    • Welders gloves MIG and TIG
    • Chipping hammer
    • Welding beanie
    • 8-way welder pliers
    • Soapstone holder
    • Triple flint spark lighter
    • Tape measure
    • Weld fillet gauge
    • Mag tool
    • Material handling gloves
    • Backhand pad
    • Tool bag
    • Welder pencils
    • Auto darkening helmet
    • Lens cover
    • Welding jacket

    What You'll Learn

    • Demonstrate industry-recognized safety practices
    • Interpret welding drawings
    • Produce gas metal arc welds (GMAW)
    • Produce shielded metal arc welds (SMAW)
    • Perform cutting operations

    Your Potential Careers

    • Welder
    • Cutter
    • Solderer
    • Brazer

    Median Annual Salary

    $41,739 $46,044 $43,508
    Local State National

    EMSI 2022.1

    Get Started

    Your application can be submitted online, it takes just a few minutes to complete.

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