Welding Technology

Welding technology prepares you for employment in welding and metal fabrication occupations. Specific preparation is provided in welding and metal fabrication and/or pipe and structural steel certification procedures including MIG, TIG, stick, and pipe processes.

Metal fabrication option includes instruction in the design and fabrication of metal projects by welding. Skills will be taught in design, manufacturing processes, production techniques, and material cost estimation.

Pipe and structural steel certification option includes pre-employment training for structural steel and pipe welding technicians. An emphasis is placed on developing certification code-level proficiency in the use of shielded metal arc and flux cored arc welding procedures used in the construction of components on bridges, building, and pressure vessel systems.

Throughout the program, you prepare for AWS industry certifications.

Learn about our programs

Welding Overview (0:50)

Welding Programs (3:32)

10 - Welding Fall '18 30 - Welding Fall '18 39 - Welding Fall '18 82 - Welding Fall '18 406 - Welding IMG_7994

Degrees

Welding Technology, Metal Fabrication Options (F.8371.AS)
Welding Technology, Pipe and Structural Steel Certification (F.8375.AS)

Certificates

Automated Welding Systems (F.8377.CA)
Welding Technology, Metal Fabrication Option (F.8371.CA)
Welding Technology, Pipe and Structural Steel Certification (F.8375.CA)
Welding Technology, Welding Design & Fabrication (F.8374.CA)
Welding Technology, Welding Multi-Process (F.8373.CA)
Welding and Fabrication Entrepreneurship (F.8376.CA)

Join Now

To learn more about the Welding Technology program and courses, contact an Applied Technology counselor.

Call 559.442.8273 or schedule a counseling appointment with our Tech & Trades Pathway counselors.

Counselors are available in the Applied Technology Division Office to assist students with creating a Student Education Plan for an Welding Technology Degree or Certificate.

Courses and Information

To see recommended courses, see the Catalog. To see upcoming scheduled classes, see the Schedule of Classes.

FAQs

What is the cost for certificate courses?

Tuition for the California Community College system is $46 per unit.

A student will have the option of choosing one out of four certificates available within the WELD program:

1. Automated Welding Systems - Major #8377 - Certificate of Achievement

a. Courses include:

i. WELD-3A Welding Design and Fabrication 5.0 units

ii. WELD-3B Intermediate Welding Design & Fabrication 5.0 units

iii. WELD-5A Automated Welding 3.0 units

iv. WELD-5B Advanced Automated Welding & Cutting 3.0 units

Students will need 16 units of completion for this certificate, or a total of $736 in tuition costs.

2. Metal Fabrication Option - Major #8371 - Certificate of Achievement

a. Courses include:

i. AT-10 Technical Computer Applications 3.0 units

ii. AT-21 Occupational Safety & Health 3.0 units

iii. AT-40 Preparing for Employment Opportunities 3.0 units

iv. AT-130 Industrial Mathematics 3.0 units

v. CAD-22 Mechanical Drawing 3.0 units

vi. DRAFT-12 Drafting Practices 3.0 units

vii. WELD 2A Introduction to Welding Technology 3.0 units

and

WELD-2B Advanced Mult-Process Welding

WELD-6A Shielded Metal Arch Welding Theory & Application

and

WELD-6B Semi-Automatic Wire Feed Welding

and

WELD-6C Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Theory & Application 10.5-11 units

viii. WELD-3A Welding Design & Fabrication 5.0 units

ix. WELD-3B Intermediate Welding Design & Fabrication 5.0 units

Electives - Select 1 course:

CADD-24 2D CADD II 3.0 units

CAM-10 CNC Mill Programming & Operation 4.0 units

ENGR-10 Introduction to Engineering 2.0 units

ENGR-11 Manufacturing Processes 3.0 units

WELD-56 Blueprint Reading for Welders 2.0 units

Students will need 39.5-42 units of completion for this certificate, or a total of $1817-1932 in tuition costs.

3. Pipe and Structural Steel - Major #8375 - Certificate

a. Courses include:

i. AT-10 Technical Computer Applications 3.0 units

ii. AT-21 Occupational Safety & Health 3.0 units

iii. AT-40 Preparing for Employment Opportunities 3.0 units

iv. AT-130 Industrial Mathematics 3.0 units

v. DRAFT-12 Drafting Practices 3.0 units

vi. WELD 2A Introduction to Welding Technology 3.0 units

and

WELD-2B Advanced Mult-Process Welding

WELD-6A Shielded Metal Arch Welding Theory & Application

and

WELD-6B Semi-Automatic Wire Feed Welding

and

WELD-6C Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Theory & Application 10.5-11 units

vii. WELD-4A Heavy Plate, Structural Steel & Welding 5.0 units

viii. WELD-4B Pipe, Tube Welding & Certification 5.0 units

Electives - Select 2 courses:

CADD-14 2D CADD I 3.0 units

CADD-24 2D CADD II 4.0 units

ENGR-10 Introduction to Engineering 2.0 units

ENGR-11 Manufacturing Processes 3.0 units

WELD-56 Blueprint Reading for Welders 2.0 units

Students will need 38.5-41 units of completion for this certificate, or a total of $1771 - $1886 in tuition costs.

4. Welding and Fabrication Entrepreneurship - Major #8376 - Certificate

a. Courses include:

i. BA-51 Business Planning & Venture Launch 1.5 units

ii. BA-52 Introduction to Entrepreneurship 3.0 units

iii. WELD-3A Welding Design and Fabrication 5.0 units

and

iv. WELD-3B Intermediate Welding Design and Fabrication

v. WELD-4A Heavy Plate, Structural Steel and Welding Certification

and

vi. WELD-4B Pipe, Tube Welding and Certification 10 units

Students will need 14.5 units of completion for this certificate, or a total of $667 in tuition costs.

5. Welding Design & Fabrication - Major #8374 - Certificate

a. Courses include:

i. AT-10 Technical Computer Applications 3.0 units

ii. CADD-22 Mechanical Drawing 3.0 units

iii. WELD-3A Welding Design and Fabrication 5.0 units

iv. WELD-3B Intermediate Welding Design & Fabrication 5.0 units

Students will need 16 units of completion for this certificate, or a total of $736 in tuition costs.

6. Welding Multi-Process - Major #8373 - Certificate

a. Courses include:

i. AT-130 Industrial Mathematics 3.0 units

ii. DRAFT-12 Drafting Practices 3.0 units

iii. WELD-2A Introduction to Welding Technology 3.0 units

and

iv. WELD-2B Advanced Multi-Process Welding

WELD-6A Shielded Metal Arch Welding Theory & Application

and

WELD-6B Semi-Automatic Wire Feed Welding

and

WELD-6C Gas Tungsten Arc Theory & Application 10.5-11 units

Students will need 16.5 - 17 units of completion for this certificate, or a total of $759 - $782 in tuition costs.

Financial Aid, if available to the student, can cover tuition. Review our Financial Aid website for further information.

How much will course textbooks and/or materials cost me?

There are no required textbooks for this program, however there are recommended textbooks that are a good reference as well as some free” open educational resources” required for some courses.

1. Automated Welding Systems:

a. WELD-3A:

$153.89 Metal Fabrication A Practical Guide, Fourth edition, ISBN: 9781881113133 (amazon.com)

b. WELD-3B: No Textbook

c. WELD-5A: No Textbook

d. WELD-5B: No Textbook

2. Metal Fabrication:

a. AT-10: No Textbook

b. AT-21:

$116.00 (digital) / $144.95 Safety and Health for Engineers, third edition, ISBN: 9781118959459 (FCC Bookstore)

c. AT-40:

$73.50 / $93.50 Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, Fourth edition, ISBN: 9780321959447 (FCC Bookstore)

d. AT-130:

$91.75 (digital) / $240.00 Mathematics for the Trades, Eleventh edition, ISBN: 978-0134756967 (FCC Bookstore)

e. CADD-22: No Textbook

f. DRAFT-12:

$69.00 (Recommended) Technical Drawing with Engineering Graphics, Fourteenth edition, ISBN: 9781292029183 (amazon.com)

g. WELD-2A:

$26.00 Fresno City Custom Lab Manual for Welding, Second edition, ISBN: 9780840177049 (FCC bookstore)

and

WELD-2B:

$26.00 Fresno City Custom Lab Manual for Welding, Second edition, ISBN: 9780840177049 (FCC bookstore)

WELD-6A, 6B, 6C: No Textbook

Electives:

h. CADD-24: No Textbook

i. CAM-10: No Textbook

j. ENGR-10:

$37.50 Studying Engineering, Fifth edition, ISBN: 9780979348723 (FCC Bookstore)

k. ENGR-11:

$104.00 (digital) Manufacturing Engineering & Technology (RRPHE), ISBN: 9780136671656 (FCC Bookstore)

l. WELD-56: No Textbook

3. Pipe and Structural Steel Certification

a. AT-10: No Textbook

b. AT-21:

$116.00 (digital) / $144.95 Safety and Health for Engineers, third edition, ISBN: 9781118959459 (FCC Bookstore)

c. AT-40:

$116.00 (digital) / $144.95 Safety and Health for Engineers, third edition, ISBN: 9781118959459 (FCC Bookstore)

d. AT-130:

$91.75 (digital) / $240.00 Mathematics for the Trades, Eleventh edition, ISBN: 978-0134756967(FCC Bookstore)

e. DRAFT-12:

$69.00 (Recommended): Technical Drawing with Engineering Graphics, Fourteenth edition, ISBN: 9781292029183 (amazon.com)

f. WELD-2A:

$26.00 Fresno City Custom Lab Manual for Welding, Second edition, ISBN: 9780840177049 (FCC bookstore)

and

g. WELD-2B:

$26.00 Fresno City Custom Lab Manual for Welding, Second edition, ISBN: 9780840177049 (FCC bookstore)

h. WELD-6A, 6B, 6C: No Textbook

i. WELD-4A & 4B:

$45.00 Welding Skills Workbook, Fifth edition, ISBN:9780826930859, (amazon.com)

Electives:

j. CADD-14: No Textbook

k. CADD-24: No Textbook

l. ENGR-10:

$37.50 Studying Engineering, Fifth edition, ISBN: 9780979348723 (FCC Bookstore)

m. ENGR-11:

$104.00 (digital) Manufacturing Engineering & Technology (RRPHE), ISBN: 9780136671656 (FCC Bookstore)

n. WELD-56: No Textbook

4. Welding and Fabrication Entrepreneurship

a. BA-51:

$92.00 (digital) / $324.50 Small Business Management, Eighth edition, ISBN: 9781259538988 (FCC Bookstore)

b. BA-52:

$92.00 Entrepreneurial Small Business (RRMCG), Sixth edition, ISBN: 9781260260540 (FCC Bookstore)

c. WELD-3A:

$153.89 Metal Fabrication A Practical Guide, Fourth edition, ISBN: 9781881113133 (amazon.com)

and

d. WELD-3B:

$153.89 Metal Fabrication A Practical Guide, Fourth edition, ISBN: 9781881113133 (amazon.com)

e. WELD-4A and WELD-4B:

$45.00 Welding Skills Workbook, Fifth edition, ISBN: 9780826930859, (amazon.com)

5. Welding Design and Fabrication

a. AT-10: No Textbook

b. CADD-22: No Textbook

c. WELD-3A:

$153.89 Metal Fabrication A Practical Guide, Fourth edition, ISBN:9781881113133 (amazon.com)

d. WELD-3B: No textbook

6. Welding Multi-Process

a. AT-130:

$91.75 (digital) / $240.00 Mathematics for the Trades, Eleventh edition, ISBN: 978-0134756967 (FCC Bookstore)

b. DRAFT-12:

$69.00 (Recommended): Technical Drawing with Engineering Graphics, Fourteenth edition, ISBN: 9781292029183 (amazon.com)

c. WELD-2A:

$26.00 Fresno City Custom Lab Manual for Welding, Second edition, ISBN: 9780840177049 (FCC bookstore)

and

d. WELD-2B:

$26.00 Fresno City Custom Lab Manual for Welding, Second edition, ISBN: 9780840177049 (FCC bookstore)

e. WELD-6A, 6B, 6C: No Textbook

What other fees are involved?

A. Required Fees:

Health fee ($21 per semester, $13 if off campus/online per semester)
Associated Student Body fee ($2 per semester, but opportunity to waive the fee at time of registration if the student so chooses)

Optional fees:

Parking pass ($30 per semester)
- Fall 2022 semester: Parking is waived
- Spring 2023 semester: Parking is waived
Student ID Card ($5)

B. Some courses require additional materials fee for the following courses:

WELD-2A: Welding Materials fees $31.00
WELD-2B: Welding Material fee $43.00
WELD-3A: Welding Material fee $91.00

Some Courses require additional materials what will be required or recommended to ensure that you are successful in the program.

Cost: Materials/supplies:

$6.87 Safety Glasses, clear type with side shields (Z 87.1 required)

$29.99 Welding respirator suggested type LPR-100^TM Half Mask Respirator, ML00895 by Miller

(the welding supply stores will have this and other types.

No matter what you need to have a face always covering on while on campus

$15.00 Goggles, rectangular style with a number five filter plate, suggested Jackson WR 600 or similar.

Must be able to go over your safety glasses.

$6.98 Striker with extra flint

$10.00 Pliers to carry hot metal (NOT MIG WELDING ONES)

$8.97 Soapstone, or silver metal marking pencil, a few pieces and a holder if you wish

$21.49 Coveralls, shop coat with long sleeves, high cotton content

$5.98 Tip cleaner (SHORT STYLE)

$32.00 Light leather (TIG type), MIG gloves, SMAW and FCAW Gauntlet type gloves

$34.47 Leather boots or shoes (no open toed footwear)

$47.98 Helmet with a number 10, and 11 filter plate. *Suggest build in flip front with extra clear lenses.

$9.98 Chipping or slag hammer suggested "hoe" type to remove slag.

$3.98 Mild steel wire brush for SMAW and FCAW

$7.98 Measuring tape twenty foot in length is a good size

$12.97 12" combination square (2B, 3A, B, C)

$16.98 Lineman's pliers (wire cutters) or MIG pliers (for welding 2A, B and 3A, B)

$7.96 Two small (the size of a big toothbrush) stainless steel brushes for GTA welding.

For 2A/B recommend the wooden handle ones

$29.00 3/32 collet, collet body, #5 and 7 gas cup and long back cap for 20 series TIG torches. If you have

the funds, you can purchase this same equipment but with a gas lens setup for better coverage when GTAW welding.

$3.88 Welding cap that covers your ears

Total Estimated for fees and materials: $477.46

*Materials can be purchased through other vendors if available. Instructors will review items during the first week of classes and will expect all students to have them ready by the second week of classes.

C. Vendor Recommendations:

The Welding Technology certificate requires all students to have their materials prepared and purchased by the second week of classes. The following vendors are some examples where students may be able to purchase materials.

Fresno Oxygen
West Air
Air Liquide
Sierra Airgas

D. Technology Requirements:

A Dell Precision laptop (or equivalent) or Desktop (8 GB and 500 GB storage) with Microsoft Windows 10 Operating Systems:
- Windows 10
- Mac: MacOS 10.12 and above, must be able to run Windows 10 or above
- iOS: 11.0 and above (iPad only) Must have a compatible LMS integration
Memory:
- Windows: 75 MB permanent space on the hard drive
- Mac: 120 MB permanent space on the hard drive
Additional Equipment:
- High Speed Internet
- Mouse with mouse wheel
- A cloud-based file storage platform, such as iCloud, Google Drive, DropBox, or similar

Fresno City Library offers the opportunity for students to use the computer lab or to check out a laptop if available. For additional information and hours of operations.

How can I pay for this certificate?

A student can pay in one or a combination of ways:

Pay in person: Fee Payments or Tuition, Business office Holds, Refunds/Fee Reversals, Financial Aid Payments/Repayments, Billing, Parking Permits
Business Office: Location OAB 151A (Old Administration Building)
Pay online (directly using a credit card): You may pay online in Self-Service or follow the steps about making a payment.
through a grant (review our Financial Aid website for grant information)
or with a scholarship or fee waiver through partner programs such as California's Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) which provides employment training resources for adults and dislocated workers. For more information about how to qualify for ETPL.

What kind of job can I get if I complete the program?

The Welding Technology certificates have the potential for entry-level and mid-level job placement as Welders, Solderers, Cutters, Brazzers, Sheet Metal Workers and Industrial Machinery Mechanics. A potential resource for investigating jobs in the Welding and Fabrication field is: O*Net Online or Career Coach.

Would I be able to apply for a 4-year degree program and get credit for these courses?

Yes! The Welding Technology certificate is stackable — the units count —toward an associate degree in Welding Technology, Metal Fabrication and Welding Technology, Pipe and structural Steel or can be used as undergraduate coursework toward the transferring to a 4-year institution of higher education.

Every 4-year college accepts coursework differently, however, Fresno City College has a partnership with Fresno State’s Industrial Technology program, where they accept all this coursework as electives for undergraduate work.

What does “stackable” certificate mean?

The Welding Technology certificate is a “stackable” certificate meaning that your successful completion of this certificate can be used to apply for additional fabrication-related certificates and/or of two Welding Technology associate degrees.

Can I use this certificate of achievement towards a bachelor’s degree or additional certificates in manufacturing-related field of study?

The Welding Technology certificate is a “stackable” certificate meaning that your successful completion of this certificate can be used as valuable training in conjunction with other fabrication-related certificates such as Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM), or Electrical, Industrial Maintenance Mechanics. When the student applies for a bachelor’s degree program, the 4-year institution of higher education would make the decision as to which courses are fully transferable. Consult with a college counselor to discuss these opportunities.

How do I get more information and/or register?

This Welding Technology program uses the same registration system as all California Community Colleges. A student must apply through CCCApply, if not already a California Community College student, in order to receive a student identification number. Once you have a student identification number, we can arrange for a counselor appointment to discuss the program and/or assist with registration through Self Service.

For more assistance with applying to Fresno City College, please access one or more of the resources below:

Initial Steps

Information to FCC Apply Now (Admissions & Aid)

If you are a first-time student, transfer student, high school student, graduating senior, or returning student, and would like to apply to become a Fresno City College student, start the enrollment process with the application, portal and email, orientation, advising, financial aid, and registration. Or feel free to join a Live Help via Zoom Session and find out more.

Extreme Registration (In person):

January 3rd, 2023: 1pm-6pm at Fresno City College Library

January 4th, 2023: 1pm-6pm at Fresno City College Library

For Extreme Registration

If you are interested in dropping in for some academic counseling support, have registration questions, need financial aid assistance, or have questions about fees and payment, please join in one of the Extreme Registration activities listed above, or call 559-442-8226 during event hours to get placed in the queue or they can sign up through the virtual Kiosk. The Kiosk is closed until the day and time of the event.

RAM Ready

January 3rd, 2023: Virtual

January 4th, 2023: Virtual

RAM Ready is our New Student Welcome event designed to help students navigate their first week and semester of college. The virtual experience will consist of presentations, campus tours, information about on campus resources available for students.

If you have any questions about Ram Ready, please contact the College Relations Office by phone at 559.442.8225 or email at collegerelations@fresnocitycollege.edu and use the subject line “Ram Ready Question”. You can also visit the website to get further information.

New Student Registration Resources

Link for New Student Registration Resources

FCC offers live assistance on Zoom to assist students in filling out the online application, logging into the Student Portal, accessing Canvas and Self-Service, and more. Use the link below to view available support times and register to attend a live workshop.

To make an appointment via zoom.

Student Services

For additional support and guidance about starting at Fresno City college you may visit or contact the Student Services office. The office supports campus wide efforts to improve service delivery, communication, collaboration and the social/personal development of students within the division and the campus as a whole.

Please visit the website to discover the additional student services that are available to support you as a student.

What will my schedule look like?

Each Welding and Fabrication certificate is designed to deliver 3-4 courses for a total of 12- 15.5 units, over a period of nine to eighteen weeks for each course. Typical this can occur over a two-semester period.

Will I be prepared to take industry exams when I complete required courses?

The Welding Technology Certificate will help to prepare you to take the NC3 Lincoln Electric industry certification test after completing all welding and cutting process courses (Weld 2A/2B, 3A/3B). In Welding 4A/4B students prepare to take the AWS, ASME, and/or API qualification test which can result in a huge savings if taken while completing the program.

Is there any form of job placement assistance or paid internships available in this program?

The Welding Technology certificate instructor(s) can assist with job placement opportunities. In the second semester you could choose to take a course, AT-19, for a paid or unpaid work experience to build your resume and begin working in your field of study.