Welding Fabrication Technology

Certificate

64 Units

The Welding Fabrication Technology Certificate program provides training in all aspects of welding and fabrication operations, including blueprint reading, planning operation sequence, applying geometry, heat effects and metal properties, layout, positioning, fitting, welding and material handling. This program prepares students to pass welder certification tests through the Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO). This program is full-time only. We don’t offer a part-time option.

Completion of this certificate opens doors to a huge spectrum of career opportunities. Please see some of the exciting careers available to you in the “Career Opportunities” tab below.

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College Application Steps

Visit our Steps to Enroll to learn more about how to apply (the application is always free).

Additional Program Specific Steps

English and Math placement is required to ensure language and computational skills are sufficient for program success. Advisors are available to support you.

Program Tours

Schedule a tour for this program by emailing southproftech@seattlecolleges.edu.

Info Sessions

Watch a Welding Fabrication Technology Info Session.

College Tuition

Learn more about the tuition and fees to attend college.

Save money at South. Tuition and fees at a two-year college are significantly lower than a four-year college or university.

Extra Cost

Please contact 206.934.5394 or email SouthProfTech@seattlecolleges.edu for the most current information on equipment fees in this program.

Financial Aid

It's time to apply for Financial Aid for next year by completing either the FAFSA or the WASFA.

Need help paying for college?

To apply for financial aid, including grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back, visit our Paying for College page for details. Part-time and full-time students can qualify for financial aid funds.

Workforce Funding

This academic plan may be eligible for additional funding through Workforce Education. Students in this program may be eligible for:

  • Basic Food Employment And Training
  • Work First
  • Worker Retraining
  • Opportunity Grant

Visit Start Next Quarter to see what funding you could receive.

Introductory Welding Fabrication Technology (WFT) courses are offered in fall, winter, and spring quarters.

Program Information

The Welding Fabrication Technology pathway can lead to various career opportunities.

Examples include:

Career titles and data are supplied by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For current employment and wage estimates, please visit O*NET OnLine.

A Bachelor's degree or higher may be required for some careers listed above.

This certificate is for students focused on learning a skill or technology for immediate employment in the welding industry.

Credits earned in certificate programs are generally applicable toward an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) or Associate in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) degree.

Math and English placement are required. Use South’s free Math and English Directed Self Placement tools to establish placement.

Eligibility for MATH 110 or higher placement

Eligibility for ENGL 107 or higher placement

64 Units

Core Requirements

Complete 9 courses. 2.0 minimum grade.

Click course row to read description.
Course Course Title Units
WFT 100 Welding Theory 5
WFT 105 Print Reading and Welding Symbols 5
WFT 111 Materials and Testing 5
WFT 120 Intro to Welding OxyAcetylene/Shielded Metal Arc 6
WFT 121 SMAW Shielded Metal Arc Welding 6
WFT 124 Gas Metal Arc Welding 6
WFT 125 FCAW Flux Core Arc Welding 6
WFT 127 Gas Tungsten Arc Welding 6
WFT 128 Fabrication Carbon Arc / Plasma Arc Cutting 6

Related Instruction

Complete 1 course. 1.0 minimum grade.

Click course row to read description.
Course Course Title Units
HDM 171 Lift Truck Operator 2

General Education Requirements

Complete 1 course from each of the following groups. 1.0 minimum grade.

Click course row to read description.
Course Course Title Units
Composition Choose a course 5
Computation Choose a course 5
Human Relations Choose a course 5

Units

The sample schedule and quarterly to-do list below will help you explore courses and complete tasks on time. The sample schedule assumes a fall quarter start, but you can begin in any quarter and start at any placement level. Some courses are offered in a variety of formats including online (e-learning), in-person, and hybrid. Available formats vary by quarter. Please work with your advisor to create a customized education plan that meets your goals.

Before you begin:

Quarter 1, 20 Units

Click course row to read description.
Course Course Title Units
WFT 100 Welding Theory 5
WFT 120 Intro to Welding OxyAcetylene/Shielded Metal Arc 6
WFT 121 SMAW Shielded Metal Arc Welding 6
MATH 110 Applied Math for Technicians 3

Quarter 2, 24 Units

Click course row to read description.
Course Course Title Units
WFT 105 Print Reading and Welding Symbols 5
WFT 124 Gas Metal Arc Welding 6
WFT 125 FCAW Flux Core Arc Welding 6
ENGL 107 Applied Composition 5
HDM 171 Lift Truck Operator 2

Quarter 3, 22 Units

Click course row to read description.
Course Course Title Units
WFT 111 Materials and Testing 5
WFT 127 Gas Tungsten Arc Welding 6
WFT 128 Fabrication Carbon Arc / Plasma Arc Cutting 6
Human Relations Course Choose a course 5
  • Use equipment and tools properly.
  • Take personal responsibility for skills, safety and production.
  • Take responsibility for one's own development of skills, observe safety procedures and produce workmanship samples.
  • Diagnose and cure common welding defects.
  • Demonstrate safe operation of oxyacetylene equipment.
  • Communicate and work in groups to complete minimum skills activities.
  • Tack, production weld, and finish as required for assigned activities.
  • Demonstrate consistent safe work habits including citizenship.
  • Demonstrate consistent quality workmanship per industry standards.
  • Formulate and communicate a plan of action for assigned fabrication and maintenance projects.
  • Speak and write effectively to communicate formulated action plans for activities and projects.
  • Select and demonstrate various joining processes.
  • Identify and demonstrate common power tools, and accessories.
  • Read and interpret fabrication blueprints using a systematic process.
  • Perform basic layouts using template paper and patterns.
  • Estimate type, quantity, costs, weight, of a welded fabrication from information on a blueprint.
  • Describe and demonstrate safe and proper use of each type of welding equipment.
  • Identify major parts, set up and adjust the press brake for a variety of forming operations.
  • Demonstrate proper transport, set up, adjustment and use of GTAW and oxyacetylene equipment.
  • Demonstrate techniques and devices-for controlling heat effect during welding.
  • Recognize, inspect and document proper applications of welding processes.
  • Demonstrate proficiency of maintenance and repair operations using welding and joinery procedures.
  • Describe employer expectations for employees within the welding industry.
  • Use current industry technology to test and repair welding related equipment.

Program data from ctcLink:

  • Academic Plan: WETWFC45
  • Degree: CERT
  • Plan Transcript Description: Certificate - Welding Fabrication Technology
  • Academic Plan Currently Offered: Yes
  • Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP): 48.0508

New or Prospective Students: Please connect with the Welcome Center to discuss South’s program options and for help navigating the Steps to Enroll.

Welcome Center
RSB 72
southwelcomecenter@seattlecolleges.edu
206/934-7943

Current Students: Please connect with Advising to create an education plan and discuss specific class offerings for your program.

Advising Center
RSB 02
advisorsouth@seattlecolleges.edu
206/934-5387

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