Welding & Metal Fabrication Program
Industry Description
Welding is the most common way to permanently join metal parts. Heat is applied to the pieces that are being joined; melting and fusing them together which forms a permanent bond. The welding field is so diverse that it touches just about every career choice that is available today.
A Career choice in welding offers a vast array of options for employment and continuing personal development. Welding has a direct impact on everything we see, touch or use in our daily lives. Welding plays a key role in industry production lines, laboratories, research and development, national defense, sales & service, NASCAR and Drag racing, custom motorcycle building, artwork, sculptures, pipelines, power plants, refineries, construction of all kinds and maintenance & repair to mention just a few areas. Actually, the diversification of the welding industry impacts virtually every industry around the globe. From the depth of the world's oceans to the far-reaching corners of outer space, there is a welding position in this industry for every hard working, ambitious, smart individual that is ready and willing to constantly improve him or herself while always striving for excellence.
Wages/Outlook/Advancement
Wage information is available from the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
Welders and solderers can advance to more skilled jobs with additional training and experience. For example, they may become technicians, supervisors, inspectors, or instructors. Some experienced welders and solderers open their own repair shops.
Program Description
The Welding Technology Program consists of technical courses, specifically designed to develop exceptional welding skills utilizing the major welding processes that are vital to industry. Although no prior knowledge or experience is necessary to succeed in this program, prospective students should have a high school diploma or GED, good physical health and stamina, good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity. Helpful high school classes include general math, drafting, welding, machine shop, and construction/carpentry. Students should be able to lift a 60-pound spool of wire and a 50-pound box of welding rods and should be able to pass an industrial physical examination (requirements may vary). This program not only provides students with a thorough background in welding and related theory, but also prepares students with the knowledge and skills needed to pass the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Petroleum Institute and the American Welding Society's welding code certification examinations.
IMPORTANT: Anoka Technical College requires all students seeking a diploma or A.A.S. award to meet the following requirement. New Student Assessment scores exempting students from taking Basic Math and Basic English, or Completion of Basic Math and/or Basic English courses with a "C" grade or better.
Program Essentials
Length of Program
Basic Welding Certificate 17 credits
Advanced Welding Certificate 17 credits
Fabricator Certificate 15 credits
Pipe Welder Certificate 13 credits
Start Dates
Fall Semester August
Program Contact
Wayne Theuer
Phone (763)576-4978
E-mail wtheuer@anokatech.edu
For information on how to apply or to schedule a campus tour, please contact the Admissions Office by phone at (763)576-4850
E-mail info@anokatech.edu
