Welding Fabrication Certificate

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Choose your project�Make it real

Learn all the essentials of welding, then focus on fabricating. Work in metal, from your inspiration to finished product.

The Welding Fabrication Certificate takes 2 semesters to complete. If you are an experienced welder, we can arrange for advanced standing.

What can you do with a Certificate in Welding and Fabrication Technology?

After going to school, you may start off as a welder's helper or an entry-level welder or fabricator. As you become more experienced, so does your level of responsibility. Typical job opportunities include:

cutting specialist (laser and plasma operator)
fabrication welder
heavy equipment mechanic
welder fitter
press brake operator
metal processing

Choose from one of our 7 credentials in welding�we designed them to work together for you, so you can stack them into more advanced certificates or your associate degree. Start where you want, add skills to meet a different job need and if you want, keep going.
The foundation is 1 semester that covers basic skills and safety. That semester counts as the General Welding Certificate (9 credits, 1 semester). From that foundation, you can learn additional skills, in different combinations (the first 9 credits of each certificate are the same across all programs):
- Welding Fabrication (19 credits)�add 9 credits of metalworking and metallurgy to the common base
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (23 credits)�add 12 credits of gas welding and brazing to the common base
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (23 credits)�add 3 credits of shielded metal arc welding (aka �stick welding�) to the Gas Metal Arc Welding Certificate
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (23 credits)�add 12 credits of gas tungsten welding and brazing to the common base
- Welding (45 credits)�All the welding and fabrication courses from all the certificates, plus a math class and a certification class.
- Associate in Applied Science (61 credits)�Everything in the Welding Certificate, plus a couple specialized welding courses and a handful of classes in business, communications, fine art or science.
�� has the largest welding and fabrication laboratory in Illinois located at the Advanced Technology Center (ATC). At 28,000 square feet, we are a true snapshot of what you will find in real-world facilities. The ATC features an extensive variety of arc welding equipment, laser welders and orbital welders. Other equipment include:
- 4 welding robots for tungsten inert gas (TIG) and metal inert gas (MIG) welding
- laser and plasma CNC cutters
- CNC press brakes
- lathes, mills, drill presses, iron workers and various saws
�� students won first through third place trophies in speed cutting and multiple categories of welding during the American Welding Society's "Behind the Mask" welding competition.

Recent graduate of ��, Ethan Klisch, used his Welding and Fabrication A.A.S. degree to fabricate a design that matched a client's needs. Using SolidWorks and a CNC plasma cutter, Klisch designed, shaped and welded the components for the�National Loon Center's outdoor exhibits. Maybe they'll come back as a client for his future business!

See what students love about the welding and fabrication technology program at ��. Picture yourself here:

Highlights

Metallica Scholarships

View the available heavy metal scholarships.
Advanced Technology Center (ATC)

Build career-ready skills with our state-of-the-art facilities in Gurnee, IL.
Stackable Credentials

Earn college credits and learn as you go with stackable credentials.
Credit for Prior Learning

Receive college credit for what you already know.
Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

Explore ways to pay for college (based on need/achievement).
Career Certificate

Gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills by earning a certificate in 1 year or less.
Program Length: 1 Year

Finish in 1 year as a part-time student.

*Estimated cost is based on the minimum number of credit hours to complete the program. This estimate includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees for the 2026-2027 academic year, before financial aid, including grants, loans and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at ��. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $55,452
  
  Median
  
  $101,750
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $139,699
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $26.65
  
  Median
  
  $48.91
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $67.16
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here�s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  42.74%
  
  Certificate
  
  27.04%
  
  Some college
  
  7.84%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  11.88%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  10.49%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Perform work involving the skills of two or more maintenance or craft occupations to keep machines, mechanical equipment, or the structure of a building in repair. Duties may involve pipe fitting; HVAC maintenance; insulating; welding; machining; carpentry; repairing electrical or mechanical equipment; installing, aligning, and balancing new equipment; and repairing buildings, floors, or stairs.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $36,679
  
  Median
  
  $58,254
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $84,775
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $17.63
  
  Median
  
  $28.00
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $40.75
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here�s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  26.02%
  
  Certificate
  
  62.97%
  
  Some college
  
  6.62%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  2.85%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  0.35%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  1.17%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. May install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems. Includes sprinkler fitters.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $44,272
  
  Median
  
  $89,567
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $120,752
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $21.28
  
  Median
  
  $43.05
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $58.05
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here�s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  42.78%
  
  Certificate
  
  43.26%
  
  Some college
  
  4.63%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  9.34%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Position and secure steel bars or mesh in concrete forms in order to reinforce concrete. Use a variety of fasteners, rod-bending machines, blowtorches, and hand tools. Includes rod busters.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $40,952
  
  Median
  
  $67,637
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $134,682
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $19.68
  
  Median
  
  $32.51
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $64.74
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here�s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  70.42%
  
  Certificate
  
  29.58%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Fabricate, assemble, install, and repair sheet metal products and equipment, such as ducts, control boxes, drainpipes, and furnace casings. Work may involve any of the following: setting up and operating fabricating machines to cut, bend, and straighten sheet metal; shaping metal over anvils, blocks, or forms using hammer; operating soldering and welding equipment to join sheet metal parts; or inspecting, assembling, and smoothing seams and joints of burred surfaces. Includes sheet metal duct installers who install prefabricated sheet metal ducts used for heating, air conditioning, or other purposes.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $38,807
  
  Median
  
  $91,645
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $119,417
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $18.65
  
  Median
  
  $44.05
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $57.41
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here�s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  56.2%
  
  Certificate
  
  43.81%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Raise, place, and unite iron or steel girders, columns, and other structural members to form completed structures or structural frameworks. May erect metal storage tanks and assemble prefabricated metal buildings.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $65,100
  
  Median
  
  $102,839
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $125,535
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $31.30
  
  Median
  
  $49.44
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $60.35
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here�s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  75.77%
  
  Certificate
  
  19.21%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  5.03%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Use hand-welding, flame-cutting, hand-soldering, or brazing equipment to weld or join metal components or to fill holes, indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $37,351
  
  Median
  
  $50,536
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $74,714
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $17.95
  
  Median
  
  $24.29
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $35.92
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here�s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  74.38%
  
  Certificate
  
  11.64%
  
  Some college
  
  11.28%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  1.75%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  0.94%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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complete the admission process
choose an academic program
enroll in first-semester classes
get access to helpful resources

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Recommended Pathway

This pathway to complete the certificate serves as a guide for students who are enrolled part time (registered in less than 12 credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, .

Icon Key

Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
�� 120	�� 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.	2	Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
WFT 113	WFT 113 Welding Blueprint Reading Class Description This course will cover the study and development of blueprint reading skills as they apply to the metals/welding fabrication trades. Skill and proficiency in understanding the make-up and interpretation of prints will include the study of associated materials, processing, dimensioning, weld joint designs and symbols, as well as fundamental drawing abilities. NOTE: Student must furnish basic required equipment.	3	Credit for prior learning available Dual credit options available
WFT 170	WFT 170 General Welding Class Description This course is designed to introduce students to common welding processes and the associated industry. A general and basic knowledge of common arc welding processes, safety and operation are studied and practiced. In addition to welding fundamentals; measuring, materials and plasma cutting as they pertain to industry are also studied and practiced. Primary and essential skills regarding safe and proper operation will be developed and practiced. Development of welding skill and technique is secondary to understanding safety and knowledge of welding processes and associated equipment. Note: Student must furnish basic required PPE.	3	Credit for prior learning available Dual credit options available
WFT 270	WFT 270 General Welding II Class Description This course is a continuation of WFT170. Additional welding theory in GMAW, SMAW, GTAW are studied and practiced. FCAW is introduced, studied and practiced. Additional thermal cutting processes including oxy-fuel and carbon-arc are also introduced, studied and practiced. Lab times are dedicated to developing techniques used on low carbon steel alloys in the flat position. Both qualitative and quantitative testing and inspection is introduced and practiced following AWS code and standards. Note: Student must furnish basic required PPE.	3	Dual credit options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	�� 120
Course Title	�� 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
Credits	2
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	WFT 113
Course Title	WFT 113 Welding Blueprint Reading Class Description This course will cover the study and development of blueprint reading skills as they apply to the metals/welding fabrication trades. Skill and proficiency in understanding the make-up and interpretation of prints will include the study of associated materials, processing, dimensioning, weld joint designs and symbols, as well as fundamental drawing abilities. NOTE: Student must furnish basic required equipment.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	WFT 170
Course Title	WFT 170 General Welding Class Description This course is designed to introduce students to common welding processes and the associated industry. A general and basic knowledge of common arc welding processes, safety and operation are studied and practiced. In addition to welding fundamentals; measuring, materials and plasma cutting as they pertain to industry are also studied and practiced. Primary and essential skills regarding safe and proper operation will be developed and practiced. Development of welding skill and technique is secondary to understanding safety and knowledge of welding processes and associated equipment. Note: Student must furnish basic required PPE.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	WFT 270
Course Title	WFT 270 General Welding II Class Description This course is a continuation of WFT170. Additional welding theory in GMAW, SMAW, GTAW are studied and practiced. FCAW is introduced, studied and practiced. Additional thermal cutting processes including oxy-fuel and carbon-arc are also introduced, studied and practiced. Lab times are dedicated to developing techniques used on low carbon steel alloys in the flat position. Both qualitative and quantitative testing and inspection is introduced and practiced following AWS code and standards. Note: Student must furnish basic required PPE.
Credits	3
Dual credit options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
WFT 117	WFT 117 Applied Welding Fabrication I Class Description This course enables the student to study supplemental skills required in the weldment fabrication industry. Students will gain experience on various machine tools including: drill press, horizontal saws, vertical saws, pan/box brake, press brake, rollers, shears and punch. Students will continue the study and application of welding blueprints as well as measurement, layout and fixturing procedures. The identification of various types of ferrous and non ferrous structural materials and classifications will also be studied. Final inspection of both welds and weldment dimensions are stressed along with metal finishing processes . Note: Student must furnish basic required equipment.	3
WFT 217	WFT 217 Applied Welding Fabrication II Class Description This course is a continuation of WLD117-Applied Welding Fabrication I. Study and practice is continued in various metal forming and machining techniques including bending, rolling, turning and milling. Emphasis on blueprint reading, advanced measuring, layouts and assembly will be practiced. An introduction to machine programming will allow students to execute projects from idea to completed fabricated and welded assemblies. Advanced quality control, inspection and analysis will be studied and practiced. Supplemental post-fabricated processing will also be studied and practiced including metal conditioning and finishing. Note: Student must furnish required PPE.	3
PMT 140	PMT 140 Metallurgy for Metalworking Class Description This course develops familiarization with the various ferrous and non-ferrous metals used in the metalworking industry. This is a study of metals and their properties, metallurgical concepts, steel numbering system, Iron-Carbon diagrams, various heat-treating procedures, Isothermal Transformation diagrams, and destructive and non-destructive testing. Students will prepare metallurgical samples for investigating grain structure and study how physical, chemical, and mechanical properties affect and impact metals when welded and machined. Practical application will provide experience in the use of laboratory equipment and methods for heat treating and studying and reporting microstructures of ferrous, non-ferrous and specialty materials.	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	WFT 117
Course Title	WFT 117 Applied Welding Fabrication I Class Description This course enables the student to study supplemental skills required in the weldment fabrication industry. Students will gain experience on various machine tools including: drill press, horizontal saws, vertical saws, pan/box brake, press brake, rollers, shears and punch. Students will continue the study and application of welding blueprints as well as measurement, layout and fixturing procedures. The identification of various types of ferrous and non ferrous structural materials and classifications will also be studied. Final inspection of both welds and weldment dimensions are stressed along with metal finishing processes . Note: Student must furnish basic required equipment.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	WFT 217
Course Title	WFT 217 Applied Welding Fabrication II Class Description This course is a continuation of WLD117-Applied Welding Fabrication I. Study and practice is continued in various metal forming and machining techniques including bending, rolling, turning and milling. Emphasis on blueprint reading, advanced measuring, layouts and assembly will be practiced. An introduction to machine programming will allow students to execute projects from idea to completed fabricated and welded assemblies. Advanced quality control, inspection and analysis will be studied and practiced. Supplemental post-fabricated processing will also be studied and practiced including metal conditioning and finishing. Note: Student must furnish required PPE.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	PMT 140
Course Title	PMT 140 Metallurgy for Metalworking Class Description This course develops familiarization with the various ferrous and non-ferrous metals used in the metalworking industry. This is a study of metals and their properties, metallurgical concepts, steel numbering system, Iron-Carbon diagrams, various heat-treating procedures, Isothermal Transformation diagrams, and destructive and non-destructive testing. Students will prepare metallurgical samples for investigating grain structure and study how physical, chemical, and mechanical properties affect and impact metals when welded and machined. Practical application will provide experience in the use of laboratory equipment and methods for heat treating and studying and reporting microstructures of ferrous, non-ferrous and specialty materials.
Credits	2

Total Credit Hours

19

Welding and Fabrication Technology at ��: Get the bigger picture

A Welding Fabrication Certificate is just one possible way to study Welding and Fabrication Technology. Get the bigger picture�degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the Welding and Fabrication Technology program overview

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Complete the application form to begin your program.

After you apply, a Career and College Navigator (CCN) will reach out to answer your questions, guide your next steps and help you get enrolled. Explore steps to apply at ��.

Frequently asked questions

With a Welding Fabrication Certificate, you gain the following skills.
General knowledge:
- basic math: adding and subtracting fractions and decimals, geometry
- material knowledge: types of materials, material properties, material recognition, metal limits
- measure using the metric system
- basic metallurgy
- safety requirements
- blueprint reading
- read a tape measure
- understand welding terminology and symbols
- industry codes
- finishes
- basic layout
- tolerances
- machine knowledge
- safety certifications
- learn welding certifications
Safety regulations and requirements:
- inspect personal protective equipment
- wear personal protective equipment
- maintain safe work area
- provide for work area ventilation
- identify a confined space
- apply confined space safety practices
- follow Hot Work safety requirements
- monitor environment for safety hazards
- participate in safety briefing
- inspect equipment for safety hazards
Prepare welding materials:
- interpret prints, drawings, sketches and welding procedure specifications (WPS)
- gather welding materials
- select welding equipment
- certify welding equipment per job specifications
- perform minor repairs on welding equipment and accessories
- measure welding parts and materials
- drill or bore holes in parts and materials
- shear metal parts and materials
- bend or form metal parts and materials
- cut, bevel, deburr or pierce metal parts and materials
- de-scale welding materials
- fit up parts or assemblies
- confirm materials according to the welding procedure specifications
- set up jigs and fixtures
Perform cutting, brazing and gouging:
- prepare job layout
- cut and bend with oxy-fuel equipment
- cut metal with arc-air equipment
- cut metal with plasma arc welding equipment
- cut metal using hand tools
- cut metal using power tools
- select material preparation method
- clean thermal affected area (remove slag)
Perform oxy-fuel cutting, brazing and welding:
- prepare job layout for oxy-fuel process
- setup oxy-fuel equipment
- confirm filler material and oxy-fuel
- verify flux for brazing
- check annealing requirements for brazing
- weld using oxy-fuel process (all positions) on common carbon steel, low alloy steel, sheet metal
- cut using oxy-fuel process (all positions) on common carbon steel, low alloy steel, sheet metal
- braze using oxy-fuel process in flat, inclined, or horizontal position on common carbon steel, low alloy steel, sheet metal
- clean oxy-fuel welds, cuts and brazes
- measure oxy-fuel welds, cuts, and brazes for conformance to acceptance criteria
- perform required finish operations
- store oxy-fuel welding materials
Perform sub-arc welding:
- prepare job layout for sub-arc welding
- setup sub-arc equipment
- confirm filler material and flux
- preheat base metal to required temperature
- weld using sub-arc process on common carbon steel, low alloy steel, sheet metal
- clean sub-arc welds (remove slag)
- measure sub-arc welds for conformance to acceptance criteria
- perform finishing operations
- store sub-arc welding material
Employers who offer these types of jobs in Lake County include:
- AbbVie Inc.
- Geremarie Corporation
- JST
- Larsen Manufacturing LLC
- Ludlow Manufacturing
- S & C Electric Company
- Sargent & Lundy
- Wabtec Corporation
- MacLean-Fogg Company
- Waukegan Steel
- William M. Meyer & Sons
You have the opportunity to earn and credentials.
The Welding and Fabrication Certificate is 19 credit hours and takes an average of 1 year to complete when enrolled part time.
Some of the skills you need to be successful in this program are:
- ability to work with your hands
- work both independently and as a team player
- ability to prioritize
- organizational skills
- attention to detail
- self-motivated
- critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- comfortable using technology and hand tools
- ability to write clearly
The cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours. It includes in-district tuition and fees. It does not factor in the cost of books and materials. It does not account for financial aid (grants, loans, scholarships) that you may receive.
View current tuition and fees
Some courses in this program are subject to variable tuition and course fees because they provide specialized experiences, instruction or technology/equipment.
View courses with variable tuition and fees
Many opportunities exist at �� to get financial aid. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

What students say about ��

Kyle Thorne
Graduate
"While I love the space and equipment, it was the instructors that kept me at ��. They helped make sure I learned the right way, and I had fun doing it."
Kyle took welding and fabrication classes at the �� Grayslake campus and Advanced Technology Center in Gurnee. He then started his own mobile welding business.
Explore ways to build the future
Ebony Williams
Graduate
�The program opened my eyes to the world of trades. Welding is just the tip of the iceberg for me. I�m excited to see what other skills I can learn next.�
Ebony earned a General Welding Certificate at �� with help from a workforce grant.
Explore financial aid options
Ian Velasquez
Graduate
�At �� I learned all the skills I need to enter the welding and fabrication industry one step ahead of everyone else. The teachers were attentive and helpful throughout my time in the program.�
Ian earned a General Welding Certificate at ��. A workforce grant paid for his education so he can start a career in a high-demand field.
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What can you do with a Certificate in Welding and Fabrication Technology?

Earn while you learn with stackable credentials

Learn at the ATC: The largest in Illinois

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Highlights

Metallica Scholarships

Advanced Technology Center (ATC)

Stackable Credentials

Credit for Prior Learning

Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

Career Certificate

Program Length: 1 Year

Career Outlook

First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Maintenance and Repair Workers, General

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Sheet Metal Workers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Structural Iron and Steel Workers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

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Semester 1 11 Credits

Semester 2 8 Credits

Total Credit Hours

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Frequently asked questions

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