Metal Fabrication Technical Diploma

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Metal Fabrication

Program Number: 314572

Your Degree: Technical Diploma

Estimated Time to Complete: 31 Credits | Finish diploma in 1 year

Delivery Method: 100% In Person

Area of Study: Construction, Manufacturing and Maintenance

Estimated Program Cost: $7,474.97

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Program Overview
Metal fabrication involves a variety of processes that take raw material, such as sheet metal, and convert it into a usable structure through layout, cutting, bending, assembling and a range of other processes. The Metal Fabrication program at Madison College will give you a strong grounding in these processes, preparing you for career success as a metalworker. As a Metal Fabrication student, you will:
Learn the basics of cutting, forming and joining common manufacturing materials.
Use a variety of manual and programmable equipment, techniques and processes.
Get hands-on training to learn fundamental concepts of safety, measurement, layout, forming, joining, assembly, finishing and production.
Develop your technical knowledge of blueprint reading, layout metal fabrication and welding.
Produce fabricated assemblies and detailed drawings that conform to industry quality-control methods and standards.
Metal Fabrication Program Details
Students in the Metal Fabrication program can attend full-time or part-time based on program availability.
Metal Fabrication program classes are offered at Madison College Truax and Fort Atkinson campuses..
Welding Double Diploma!

After completing your Metal Fabrication diploma, you can earn a Welding diploma with nine more credits. Contact tandt@madisoncollege.edu for more information.
Program News

Madison College Fort Atkinson's Metal Mania moves to Oct. 9
March 24, 2025
The event features the Fort Atkinson's state-of-the-art welding and metal fabrication space where students can earn two degrees in just one year.

Madison College Fort Atkinson Crowns Champs of Metal Mania Competition
May 19, 2024
Madison College's Fort Atkinson, with its newly renovated welding and metal fabrication space, hosted the annual Metal Mania. The event highlighted the college's Metal Fabrication with Welding Bolt-on program where students earn two degrees in one year.
Program Courses

Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
First Semester
10-449-100
Safety for Industry
This course reviews basic safety standards as outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Designed for workers going into industrial occupations, it focuses on the hazard recognition and control process. Those who successfully complete the requirements set forth by OSHA will receive an OSHA 10-Hour General Industry completion card. Students may still pass the class without earning an OSHA card.
1 credit
10-606-200
Interpreting Engineering Drawings
Focuses on the basic principles of engineering drawings and manufacturing processes. Through interpretation and sketching, students learn to visualize the part, section or assembly views. Students study isometric and orthographic views on a drawing. The student will also use drawings pertinent to the trades with examples in GD&T, welding, facilities, piping, sheet metal, equipment manuals, electrical symbols, and fluid power symbols.
2 credits
32-420-349
Basic Metrology (Part A)
This course introduces the principles of basic dimensional measurement, layout techniques for machines, use of direct and indirect measuring tools as well as the use of length standards relative to calibration of measuring instruments and the basic operation of the Coordinate Measuring Machine.
1 credit
31-442-332
Oxy-Fuel Cutting 1
The Oxy-Fuel Cutting 1 course will introduce the students to manual cutting using a handheld torch. The students will also be introduced to the plasma cutting process. Oxy-fuel and plasma cutting safety with proper handling of cylinders is covered.
1 credit
31-442-318
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding 1 (GTAW/TIG)
Emphasis is placed on gas tungsten arc welding (TIG) techniques of carbon steel, stainless steel, and Aluminum. Development of skills and techniques on all types of joints in flat and horizontal positions.
2 credits
31-442-323
Basic Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG)
Students in the Basic Gas Metal Arc Welding class concentrate on developing solid manipulative skills and a theoretical understanding of the GMAW and FCAW processes. Manual skills will be developed welding a variety of weld joints made of mild steel in the flat and horizontal positions. Theoretical understanding of the GMAW and FCAW welding processes will be gained through lecture, discussions, and tests/quizzes. Weld competencies using the GMAW process will be performed using Short Circuit, Globular, Axial Spray, and Pulsed Spray Modes of Metal Transfer, as well as one competency using the Flux-Core Arc Welding (FCAW) process. All welding competencies will be evaluated using American Welding Society (AWS) D1.1 Structural Steel Welding Code visual inspection criteria.
2 credits
31-457-301
Fabrication 1
In Fabrication 1 students will be introduced to the fundamentals of metal cutting and forming. Students will create assemblies from industrial drawings conforming to industry standards. Emphasis will be placed on the safety, basic layout techniques, bending calculations, and operation of manual and mechanical cutting/forming equipment.
2 credits
31-457-302
Fabrication 2
In Fabrication 2 students will translate the competencies established in Fabrication 1 to programmable forming equipment. Students will create assemblies from industrial drawings conforming to industry standards. Emphasis will be placed on safe operation procedures, the selection of tooling, and calculations required to properly operate programmable forming equipment.
2 credits
31-457-305
CNC Operation
The CNC Operation course will develop student’s ability to operate Computerized Numerical Control cutting equipment. Students will be trained in safety, program selection, operational procedures, editing and the basic maintenance of the equipment. Students will be introduced to programing methods applicable to each OEM manufacturer.
2 credits
31-457-309
Math For Metal Fabrication
Metal Fabrication Math is a review of basic mathematics that consists of an introduction to using a scientific calculator, order of operations, fractions, decimals, use of percentage, units of measurement including the metric system, the reading of analog instruments for length measurement, and practical plane geometry.
1 credit
Second Semester
31-442-326
Flux Cored & Advanced Gas Metal Arc Welding (FCAW/GMAW)
Continuation of development of skills and techniques on all types of joints in the flat, horizontal and vertical up and down positions, using short circuiting and spray arc transfer. Students will also learn flux-cored gas shielding and self shielding welding techniques. Mild steel, stainless steel and aluminum (1/16" to 1" thickness) are the metals used in welding joint assemblies, as per AWS code standards.
2 credits
31-442-328
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding 2 (GTAW/TIG)
Students develop manipulative skills on all types of joints in the flat, horizontal, vertical, over head and pipe positions. Gas tungsten arc welding of stainless, aluminum, and steel welding techniques will be covered using 1/8" to 1/32" (11 ga to 20 ga) structural fabricated parts, pipe, repair welding and for other related trades, as per AWS and ASME welding code standards.
2 credits
31-442-390
Fundamentals of Metallurgy
Introduction to metallurgy with emphasis on applications, selection, identification methods and alloy influences. Properties are studied utilizing testing, micro-structure interpretation and heat treatment processes. Tool steels, weld heat effects, failure analysis as well as machinability variations in cast iron, alloy steels and non-ferrous materials are covered in detail.
2 credits
31-457-303
Fabrication 3
Fabrication 3 builds upon the competencies established in the prior Fabrication courses. Students will create assemblies from industrial drawings conforming to industry standards. Emphasis will expand upon operational safety, tooling types and selection, multiple types and combinations of bending, as well as assembly techniques.
2 credits
31-457-304
Fabrication 4
The Fabrication Capstone course utilizes all the program competencies learned and combines them into final projects. Students will choose from established projects and create material lists, operational procedures, fabricate components, assemble, join, and finish. All assembles must be inspected per industry standards.
2 credits
31-457-306
CNC Programming
The CNC programing class students will develop ability to generate component programs utilizing computer software. Students will generate shape geometry, create parts, develop nests and cut parts.
2 credits
31-457-307
Jig and Fixture Development
Students will develop the concepts of design and building simple to intermediate jigs and assembly fixtures. Students will use computer software and metal fabrication equipment to build jig and fixtures for projects used in the class.
2 credits
31-457-308
Metal Fabrication Occupational Development
Applications of metal fabrication terminology, use of forms, contracting, professional ethics and employment relations are studied. Specific topics germane to the metal fabrication field in decision-making, responsibility and preparation for the metal fabrication career are covered.
1 credit
How to Apply
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.
Apply Now – Limited Seats Available!
This program has limited capacity and may reach maximum enrollment quickly. Applying early gives you the best chance of securing a spot.
Program capacity: 35 spots each Fall
Estimated Wait Time: 0-1 year
Submitting your application now ensures you're considered as soon as space becomes available. If the program reaches capacity, a waiting list will be used to manage additional qualified applicants.
Learn more in the After You Apply section on this page.
Application Dates
Fall 2027
Application available on October 15, 2026
Application completion deadline is August 31, 2027
Admission Requirements
All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.
1. Admission Application
The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
2. Education Completion
Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
GED/HSED completion
College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript
All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.
3. Residency Requirement
Per Wisconsin Statute TCS-10 because this program has a limited capacity:
Non-district state residents
May only be considered after January 1 for the upcoming fall term
*Minnesota residents are considered non-district state residents for admission purposes
Out-of-state residents (except Minnesota residents*) are offered a place in the program after district and state residents, if there are still spots available. Acceptance into the program is on hold until a month before the semester begins to determine if there is space in the program. Out-of-state residents are not eligible for admission to a program that has a waiting list.
Additional Notes
Individual courses may have prerequisites to enroll. Admission into a program or waiting list does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses. See the Curriculum section for the list of courses for the program.
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 Metal Fabrication career.
It's Free to Apply
After You Apply
This program uses a waiting list to manage program admission due to capacity limitations and high program demand. This means there are typically more applicants than there are open seats in the program.
A waiting list helps us manage applications in a way that is fair and transparent.
Students on the waiting list receive priority in future terms based on the date they complete all application requirements.
Priority does not guarantee a spot in the program.
You may remain on the waiting list if you continue to follow the steps to notify Madison College of your continued interest.
Learn more about waiting lists and Admission to Programs with Limited Capacity.
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at enrollmentservices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.