Description
Course Duration
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Total Hours: 300–400 hours (varies by institution)
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Duration: 3–6 months (full-time or part-time options available)
Entry Requirements
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Basic knowledge of welding (prior certification or experience preferred)
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High school diploma or equivalent
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Physical fitness for handling heavy materials and equipment
Course Modules
1. Advanced Welding Techniques
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Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
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Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG)
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Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG)
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Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
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Submerged Arc Welding (SAW)
2. Structural Fabrication
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Reading engineering drawings and blueprints
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Material selection and preparation
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Cutting and shaping metal (plasma, oxy-fuel, laser)
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Assembly and fitting techniques
3. Metallurgy and Material Science
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Properties of metals and alloys
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Heat treatment and distortion control
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Weld defects and prevention
4. Welding Codes and Quality Control
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AWS (American Welding Society) standards
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ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) codes
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Non-destructive testing (NDT) methods (X-ray, ultrasonic, dye penetrant)
5. Safety and Best Practices
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Personal protective equipment (PPE)
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Hazard identification and risk mitigation
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Workplace safety regulations (OSHA compliance)
Certification & Assessment
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Practical welding tests
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Written exams on welding theory and codes
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Final project: Fabrication of a structural component
Career Opportunities
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Certified Welder (AWS Certified Welder)
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Structural Steel Fabricator
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Pipe Welder (Oil & Gas, Power Plants)
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Marine Welder (Shipbuilding & Repair)
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Aerospace Welding Technician
Training Facilities & Equipment
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Modern welding booths with advanced machinery
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CNC cutting and bending machines
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Simulation software for weld training
Certification Body Recognition
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Accredited by the American Welding Society (AWS) or equivalent national welding bodies
Fee Structure
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Varies by institution (typically $2,000–$5,000, including materials and certification fees)
Enrollment Process
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Submit application form
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Provide proof of prior welding experience (if required)
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Attend an orientation session