Welding and Fabrication Technology, AAS

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The Welding and Fabrication Technology curriculum is designed to provide students training and experience in welding and fabrication as it pertains to assembly, manufacturing, energy, robotics, 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. Upon completion of this program, students will

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 is commonly found throughout Fabrication Shops; and
Develop and schedule the sequence to complete a fabrication project from start to finish including blueprints, estimating, quality control, and any coating requirements.

Required Courses

First Year- Fall Semester

EWLD 110 - Introduction to Nondestructive Testing Credit(s): 3
M 114 - Extended Technical Mathematics Credit(s): 3 *
OR
M 152M - Precalculus Algebra Credit(s): 3 *
WLDG 100 - Introduction to Welding Fundamentals Credit(s): 2
WLDG 111 - Welding Theory I Practical Credit(s): 3
WLDG 117 - Blueprint Reading and Welding Symbols Credit(s): 3
WLDG 145 - Fabrication Basics I Credit(s): 2 *

First Semester Total: 16

Spring Semester

COMX 115C - Introduction to Interpersonal Communication Credit(s): 3
DDSN 114 - Introduction to CAD Credit(s): 3
OR
DDSN 135 - Solidworks Credit(s): 3
WLDG 122 - Welding Theory III Practical Credit(s): 4 *
WLDG 146 - Fabrication Basics II Credit(s): 3 *
WLDG 185 - Welding Qualification Test Preparation Credit(s): 3 *

Second Semester Total: 16

CAS Total Credits: 32

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

Second Year

Fall Semester

BMGT 205C - Professional Business Communication Credit(s): 3 * ¹
OR
WRIT 101W - College Writing I Credit(s): 3 * ¹
COLS 115 - Workforce Preparation for Occupational Trades Credit(s): 1
WLDG 119 - Welding Certification II Credit(s): 2 *
WLDG 210 - Pipe Welding Credit(s): 4 *
WLDG 220 - Welding Fabrication I Credit(s): 4 *

First Semester Total: 14

¹WRIT 101 is the preferred course.

Optional Course Offerings

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

Spring Semester

ELCT 105 - Electrical Circuitry Credit(s): 2
EWLD 125 - AWS D1.1 Code Book Credit(s): 2 *
WLDG 136 - GMAW/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: 16

AAS Total Credits: 62

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

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 Certificate of Technical Studies (CTS) in Welding Technology that will give students the minimum welding skills needed to be employable, including at least two AWS certifications: Welding Technology, CTS .

Program Information

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

AWS D 1.1 in 3/8” Plate 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 FVCC Student Support Center.

Student Support Center Advisor
Will Richards
OT 204
(406)756-4862
wrichards@fvcc.edu