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Program Overview
The Welding Fundamentals Certificate provides you with the fundamental skills and knowledge you need to get started in the welding industry.
With this certificate, you can pick your path based on the type of welding you’d like to do. You’ll start with classes every welder needs and then choose your area of focus.
Welding Focus Areas
Choose between Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), or Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW).
GMAW is the most common industrial welding process used in welding and metal fabrication industries. GMAW is used widely for production welding applications and is considered the easiest welding process to become proficient at performing.
With this skill, you can find employment welding in a production environment in a manufacturing setting.
SMAW is used widely in construction, pipeline and maintenance. SMAW is highly portable and requires more time to become proficient at.
Get the skills needed to enter an apprenticeship with the Ironworkers or Steamfitters. SMAW is also valuable for anyone wanting to work in the maintenance and repair fields.
GTAW is for work on specialized materials such as stainless steel, aluminum or chromoly tubing or an environment where a high degree of accuracy is needed. GTAW is considered the most challenging welding process to become proficient at performing.
You can find employment working on food processing and pharmaceutical equipment manufacturing, motorsports and custom automotive fabrication and repair, or any industry that works with specialized materials or requires high accuracy/precision.
Welding Fundamentals Certificate Details
Students studying welding can attend full or part-time.
Welding classes may be offered at the Madison College Truax, Fort Atkinson, and Portage campuses.
Welding Careers
Earning your Welding Fundamentals certificate will prepare you for a variety of entry-level jobs, such as:
- Entry Level Welder
- Production Welder
- Maintenance Welder
- Ironworker Apprenticeship
- Structural Welder
After completing the Welding Fundamentals Certificate, you'll have the skills needed to pass American Welding Society (AWS) and State of Wisconsin Structural Steel Welding Certification.
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Curriculum and Experience
Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2024-2025 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.
Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:
- Progress toward your specific requirements
- Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements
If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.
Required Courses:Select one of the following:Select one welding option: -
Admission
Earning a certificate is a great way to expand your skill set and add professionalism to your resume. Applications are always open, so apply today!
To Apply
There are no admission requirements for this certificate. Simply submit your application by the deadline for each term.
International students who wish to apply for, maintain, or transfer their F-1 student visa status to Madison College are required to complete the International Admission Process.Spring Application Dates
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is March 15, 2025
Fall Application Dates
- Application available on February 1, 2025
- Application completion deadline is October 15, 2025
Additional Notes
- Certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid
- Class capacity is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis
- Students who have already completed the certificate coursework at the time of application will receive the certificate diploma at the end of the term of application
After Acceptance
Once you are admitted into your program, review the Start of Semester Checklist to prepare for your first day of classes at Madison College.
Questions?
Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Welding Fundamentals career.
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Career Outcomes
Technical Welding Skills
Demonstrate knowledge, set-up and correct operation of commonly used welding equipment.Safety Awareness
Apply and demonstrate safe working practices and techniques that comply with all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements, local requirements and established industry safety practices.Basic Blueprint Reading Skills
Read, interpret and apply information commonly found on blueprints used in the welding industry. Correctly interpret dimensions, welding symbols and other information commonly found on blueprints used in the welding industry.Employability Skills and Practices
Demonstrate abilities that contribute to employment by displaying flexibility, self-motivation, time efficiency, effective written and oral communication, and contributing to work team success.Career Advancement Skills and Personal Initiative
Demonstrate career advancement skills by engaging in problem solving, time management and shop management practices.
