If you are interested in a Welding Technology Certificate from EC3, you gain experience with various materials, including steel, aluminum, and stainless steel, as you advance your technical skills in shield metal arc welding (SMAW), flux core arc welding (FCAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW) – also referred to as metal inert gas welding (MIG), and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). This program is intended to lead to entry-level employment in the welding fabrication industry. Students who wish to continue their education may apply credits from this program toward the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Industrial Technology, providing a clear pathway for further skill development and career advancement.
Career Outlook
Individuals with a Welding certificate are prepared to enter the workforce with welding jobs in:
- Agriculture
- Automotive
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Robotics
- Underwater welding
Welding - Academic Certificate
Program Description
EC3’s Certificate in Welding is a one-year program designed to prepare students for entry-level careers in the welding industry. Through hands-on training and expert instruction, students develop essential welding skills that meet current industry and American Welding Society standards. In this program, students will gain practical experience with a variety of welding and cutting processes, including:
- Oxy-Fuel Cutting (OFC)
- Plasma Arc Cutting (PAC)
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW/”Stick” Welding)
- Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG)
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG)
Whether you’re launching a new career or building existing skills, EC3’s welding program provides a strong foundation for success in construction, manufacturing, fabrication, and other high-demand fields.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Identify equipment, processes, safety procedures, and materials used in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW).
- Read and interpret blueprints with basic manufacturing and welding symbology.
- Weld SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, and GTAW in various positions on steel, aluminum, and stainless-steel metals, to the standards of the American Welding Society (AWS).
| Required Courses | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| WEL 114 | Print Reading for Welding | 3 |
| MAT 107 | Technical Math | 3 |
| WEL 101 | SMAW Theory-Safety and Operation | 1.5 |
| WEL 102 | SMAW Lab 1 | 1.5 |
| WEL 103 | SMAW Lab 2 | 1.5 |
| WEL 104 | GMAW Theory-Safety and Operation | 1.5 |
| WEL 105 | GMAW Lab 1-Short Circuit Transfer | 1.5 |
| WEL 106 | GMAW Lab 2-Short Circuit Transfer | 1.5 |
| WEL 107 | FCAW Lab 1-Short Circuit Transfer | 1.5 |
| WEL 108 | FCAW Lab 2-Short Circuit Transfer | 1.5 |
| WEL 109 | FCAW Lab 3-Pulsed Spray and Gas Shielded Flux Core | 1.5 |
| WEL 110 | GTAW Theory-Safety and Operation | 1.5 |
| WEL 111 | GTAW Lab 1 | 1.5 |
| WEL 112 | GTAW Lab 2 | 1.5 |
Total for Certificate: 24
Microcredentials in Welding
EC3’s micro credentials in welding are designed for individuals looking to sharpen their skills, earn a specialized credential, or meet specific employment requirements—quickly and effectively.
Ideal for incumbent workers or those with prior welding experience, these focused training programs help participants upskill or prepare for new opportunities in the welding and fabrication industries. Whether you're seeking advancement in your current role, need a targeted credential for job placement, or just want to earn a quick skill to begin working in this field, these micro credentials offer practical, hands-on instruction aligned with industry needs and educational pathways for future development.
Each credential can typically be completed in one semester or less, allowing for fast, flexible pathways to career growth.
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW/"Stick" Welding)
