Get the in-demand training you need to further your career or to prepare for your next one. From AutoCAD to Welding, we have you covered.

Skilled professionals looking to advance in their career will find courses in Construction Project Management, Home Inspection, and prep courses for the Wisconsin Journeyman Electrician exam.

welding lab at Madison College

Upcoming Courses and Training

Home and Shop Courses

Build Your Own Container Garden | $74
Grow fresh vegetables and herbs—even if you don’t have a yard. In this hands-on workshop, you will learn how to create a self-contained container garden using affordable materials such as 5-gallon buckets or storage bins. You will drill, assemble, and customize your container to support healthy plant growth while exploring different design options. You might create a companion-planted bucket with strawberries growing from the sides and a tomato or herb plant on top, or build a self-watering bin system with a built-in water reservoir and PVC fill tube to help maintain consistent moisture. These space-saving designs are perfect for patios, decks, and small spaces. You will leave with a completed container and the knowledge to continue growing more plants at home.
#12144, Truax-North Building, 5/27, Wednesday, 5-8 PM Instructor: John Pickelmann
Build a Table-Style Raised Bed Garden | $119
Start growing your own vegetables, herbs, or flowers with a raised garden bed you build yourself. In this hands-on workshop, you will construct a compact, table-style raised garden bed designed to fit easily in your vehicle so you can take it home the same day. As you build, you will measure, assemble, and secure the structure using quality materials while learning practical woodworking skills along the way. This raised bed is ideal for patios, small yards, or for anyone who wants a manageable gardening space. To keep transport simple and mess-free, soil and planting will be completed at home. You will leave with a finished garden bed and the confidence to continue building and growing on your own.
#12143, Truax-North Building, 5/30, Saturday, 10 AM-2 PM Instructor: John Pickelmann
Use Power Tools & Build Stuff | $385
In this hands-on experience you will learn how to use power tools to build a couple of projects. This class will focus on safe use of circular saws, jigsaws, table saws and miter saws. You will also learn about drills and drivers. You will learn how to lay out and build a small 2x4 stud wall, and then learn how to measure, cut and build a step stool/tool carrier, which you get to take home.
#11103, Truax-North Building, 6/1-7/27, Monday, 6-9 PM Instructor: Fiona Stoner
$11105, Truax-North Building, 6/6-8/1, Saturday, 9 AM-12 PM Instructor: Ross Christianson
Basics of Automotive Maintenance | $49
This course is intended to help you feel more confident in understanding a variety of vehicle systems. The class will be presentation followed by hands-on lab time. You will learn topics including fluids, tires, brakes and more, so that you may do it yourself when needed. This course will also help prepare you to discuss issues when your vehicle needs to be repaired.
#11095, Truax-Main Building, 6/4, Thursday, 5-8 PM Instructor: Marty Prew

Construction and Electrical Courses

Intermediate SketchUp for Carpenters and Builders | $249
Elevate your SketchUp skills by modeling a complete residential build from start to finish. Designed specifically for construction professionals, this 6-week course focuses on the practical application of SketchUp for planning, framing, and detailing. You will learn to organize complex models, solve framing geometry problems, and produce detailed construction documents using LayOut. Each session will be recorded for review or to catch up if you miss a class. SketchUp Pro access is provided in the computer lab, with additional open lab time available. Students enrolled in this class are also eligible to access a SketchUp Pro educational license for one year for $55.

Prerequisite: Completion of an introductory SketchUp class or experience using SketchUp.
#66235, Truax North Building, 4/1-5/6, Wednesday, 5:30-8:30 PM Instructor: Eric Donovan
Intro to AutoCad | $191
This is an introduction to Computer Aided Design using the industry-standard software Autodesk AutoCAD and will cover document setup, customizations, two-dimensional drawing, modifications, dimensioning, and document layout for printing. Competency in Windows operating system is required.
#11943, Portage Campus, 7/8-8/12, Wednesday, 5:30-8:30 PM Instructor: Ben King
Dwelling Contractor Initial Qualifier Course | $99
Our Dwelling Contractor Initial Qualifier course meets all the State of Wisconsin education requirements for getting your DCQ license. This course can be done at your own pace. This course covers an overview of Wisconsin's construction laws, an introduction into Uniform Dwelling Code and required content of best construction business practices.
Self-paced, Online Course, 12 Hours Instructor: Steve Rewey
Dwelling Contractor (for license RENEWAL) Continuing Education Course | $99
Our Dwelling Contractor Continuing Education course meets all the State of Wisconsin education requirements for 12 hours of Continuing Education for renewing your DCQ license for a 2 year term. This course is done at your own pace. This course covers an overview of Wisconsin's construction laws, and introduction into Uniform Dwelling Code and required content of best construction business practices.
Self-paced, Online Course, 12 Hours Instructor: Steve Rewey

Home Inspector Courses

Becoming a Home Inspector 1 | $329
An initiation into the residential inspection process and the first of two classes to prepare you for taking the State of Wisconsin Home Inspector exam. Includes soils, foundation, exterior roofing, venting and insulation and construction of a new home.
Future offerings posted here
Becoming a Home Inspector 2 | $329
Second and final course preparing the student to take the State exams needed to become licensed. The course deals with various elements of a home including plumbing, electrical and heating systems.
Future offerings posted here

Real Estate Courses

WI Real Estate Biennium CE | $199
According to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), all real estate licensees must complete 18 hours of continuing education in each biennium. Madison College provides licensees with the opportunity to earn 18 CEUs in this single, self-paced, online course.
#11925, Online, 5/18-8/14, Instructor: Anne Blood

Welding Courses

Basic Gas Metal Arc Welding 1 | $289
Students develop manipulative skills on all types of joints in the flat, horizontal and vertical up and down position using short circuiting transfer. Students will perform gas metal arc welding techniques using 1/8" to 1/2" structural fabricated parts, as per AWS code standards. Emphasis is placed on operating gas metal arc welding equipment in a safe manner and determining machine set-up for metal thickness, wire size and speed. Part 1 of 2.
Fall 2026
Basic Gas Metal Arc Welding 2 | $289
Students build on skills from Part 1 as you further your GMAW skills and techniques.
Future offerings posted here
Basic Welding | $649
In this course, you will build foundational knowledge and safety skills in multiple welding processes, including welding stainless steel and aluminum. You’ll develop both hands-on and theoretical understanding of Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). Through guided instruction and applied practice, you will strengthen your manual welding skills by completing a variety of weld joints on carbon steel in the flat and horizontal positions. All welding activities will use the Short Circuit Mode of Metal Transfer. Your work will be evaluated using American Welding Society (AWS) Structural Steel Welding Code visual inspection standards, helping you understand industry expectations and quality requirements.
#67611, Portage Enterprise Center, 3/23-4/27, Monday, 10 AM-2 PM Instructor: Shaun Walker
Basic Gas Tungsten Arc Welding 1 | $289
Part 1 of 2: Introductory course designed to provide the learner with a basic theoretical understanding of the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding process. Emphasis is placed on welding safety, equipment set-up/adjustment and developing manipulative skills using the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Process. Welding skills are developed by performing a variety of weld joints in the flat and horizontal position on mild steel and stainless steel. Welding electrode identification, applications and shielding gasses are also addressed.
#66099, Truax-Main Building, 3/23-4/8/26, Monday and Wednesday, 6-9 PM Instructor: Shaun Walker
Basic Gas Tungsten Arc Welding 2 | $289
Students build on skills from Part 1 as you further your GTAW skills and techniques.
#66101, Truax-Main Building, 4/13-4/29, Monday and Wednesday, 6-9 PM Instructor: Shaun Walker
High School - Intermediate Welding | $167
Elevate your welding skills in this 4-week intermediate course designed for high school students. Perfect for those with basic welding experience, this class focuses on advanced techniques, real-world applications, and project creation. Class will include Advanced SMAW (Stick Welding) techniques, mastering precision and out-of-position welds, GMAW (MIG Welding) with thicker materials, multi-pass welds, and troubleshooting and TIG Welding on stainless steel and aluminum, emphasizing finesse, control, and high-quality welds. You will apply your skills to functional and artistic projects.
#64984, Truax-Main Building, 3/28-4/18, Saturday, 9 AM - 12 PM Instructor: Nick Castillo

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Professional Aeronautics Certification

Fast-Track Airline Pathway Program!

Madison College is partnering with Wisconsin Aviation to launch the new professional aeronautics program. The professional aeronautics certification (PAC) is a noncredit, accelerated program that includes ground courses and flight training for private-pilot certification, instrument-flight rating, commercial-pilot licensure, and flight instructor certification.

Now taking applications for private, instrument and commercial pilot for 2026.

Learn More and Register at Wisconsin Aviation

Cirrus SR20 N814 aircraft