Welding and Fabrication Technology, AAS

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The Welding and Fabrication Technology curriculum provides students training and experience in welding and fabrication as it pertains to assembly, manufacturing, energy, and structural construction. The program provides education and training in common cutting and welding processes; CNC plasma cutting; OXYFUEL, SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and FCAW processes; structural and pipe and plate welding; blueprint reading; communications; and quantitative problem solving.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to

Describe and demonstrate safe use of each type of welding equipment;
Select and demonstrate various joining processes;
Estimate type, quantity, cost, and weight of a welded fabrication from blueprint information;
Demonstrate proper setup, adjustment, and use of typical cutting and welding equipment;
Demonstrate proficiency in OXYFUEL, SMAW, GMAW, and FCAW processes;
Visually inspect and document proper applications of welding processes;
Demonstrate techniques and devices for minimizing part distortion during welding;
Apply advanced fabrication techniques, including design, layout, fixturing and production welding that are commonly found in fabrication shops; and
Develop and schedule the sequence to complete a fabrication project from start to finish including blueprints, estimating, quality control, and coating requirements.

Required Courses

First Year

Fall Semester

DDSN 113 - Technical Drafting Credit(s): 3
M 114 - Extended Technical Mathematics Credit(s): 3 * ^R
WLDG 110 - Welding Theory I Credit(s): 2
WLDG 111 - Welding Theory I Practical Credit(s): 3
WLDG 145 - Fabrication Basics I Credit(s): 3 *

First Semester Total: 14

Spring Semester

COMX 115C - Introduction to Interpersonal Communication Credit(s): 3 ^R
DDSN 114 - Introduction to CAD Credit(s): 3
OR
DDSN 135 - Solidworks Credit(s): 3
WLDG 117 - Blueprint Reading and Welding Symbols Credit(s): 3
WLDG 122 - Welding Theory III Practical Credit(s): 3 *
WLDG 146 - Fabrication Basics II Credit(s): 3 *
WLDG 185 - Welding Qualification Test Preparation Credit(s): 3 *

Second Semester Total: 18

CAS Total Credits: 32

^R Indicates Related Instruction requirement.

*Indicates prerequisite and/or corequisite needed. Check course description.

Second Year

Fall Semester

COLS 115 - Workforce Preparation for Occupational Trades Credit(s): 1 ^R
WLDG 123 - Welding Certification II Credit(s): 2 *
WLDG 210 - Pipe Welding Credit(s): 4 *
WLDG 220 - Welding Fabrication I Credit(s): 4 *
WRIT 104W - Workplace Communications Credit(s): 3 * ¹ ^R

First Semester Total: 14

Spring Semester

EWLD 125 - AWS D1.1 Code Book Credit(s): 2 *
WLDG 136 - GTAW Welding and Certification Credit(s): 4 *
WLDG 222 - Welding Fabrication II Credit(s): 4 *
WLDG 280 - Weld Testing Certification Credit(s): 4 *

Second Semester Total: 14

AAS Total Credits: 60

¹BMGT 205 and WRIT 101 are pre-approved substitutions.

^R Indicates Related Instruction requirement.

*Indicates prerequisite and/or corequisite needed. Check course description.

Recommended Courses:

Students receiving financial aid or veteran’s benefits should check with the Financial Aid Office before registering for recommended courses.

MCH 132 - Introduction to Engine Lathes Credit(s): 4
MCH 134 - Introduction to Mills Credit(s): 4

Note:

While the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is the preferred path to a successful career in Welding and Fabrication, students may earn a 20-credit Welding Technology, CTS that provides the minimum welding skills needed to be employable, including at least two AWS certifications.

Admission Guidelines

Proof of a score of 55 (Level 1) or higher in Intro/Beginning Algebra on the FVCC math Placement OR an official transcript proving “C-” or better in M065, its equivalent, or higher math course. For more information visit www.fvcc.edu/student /placement-.

Program Information

After completing the program, students should be qualified for the following certifications:

AWS D 1.1 in Limited Thickness Certification
AWS D 1.1 in Unlimited Thickness Certification
AWS D 1.1 Pipe Certification

Fees for this program are higher than average. Please see the program director for more details.

Opportunities after Graduation

Career opportunities offer a wide range of possibilities as a welding technician in the fabrication and manufacturing industries, steel construction, nondestructive testing and weld inspection, mining, energy, petroleum, bridge construction and other production areas.

Advising Information:

For more information about this program, contact the advisor.

Academic Advisor
Gabe Dillon
OT 131
(406) 756-3893
gdillon@fvcc.edu