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Program Overview
As a student in the Welding program at Madison College, you will:
- Develop welding skills using common manual and semi-automatic arc welding processes.
- Gain skills and knowledge in industrial safety, blueprint reading, metallurgy, basic metal fabrication and career exploration/employability.
- Prepare for all welding positions using a variety of plate and sheet metal, including pipe welding.
- Complete welding projects following American Welding Society (AWS) codes and procedures.
- Prepare for a variety of entry-level positions in the welding, metal fabrication, construction and manufacturing industries.
Welding Program Details
Students in the Welding program can attend full-time or part-time based on program availability.
Welding classes may be offered at the Madison College Truax, Portage and Fort Atkinson campuses.
Welding Careers
Earning your One-year Technical Diploma in the Welding program at Madison Area Technical College prepares you for valuable work as a:
- Maintenance Welder
- Qualified Welder
- Structural Welder
- Welder/Fabricator
- Production Welder
- Ironworker Apprentice
- Steamfitter Apprentice
With additional education and/or work experience, graduates may find employment as:
- Welding Apprentice
- Welding Foreman
- Welding Inspector
- Welding Supervisor
Metal Fabrication Double Diploma!
After completing your Welding diploma, you can earn a Metal Fabrication diploma with eleven more credits. Contact tandt@madisoncollege.edu for more information.
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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.
Pre-Program Course31-442-100Catch the Spark - Welding Program Management
Catch the Spark is a preparatory class for incoming students to the Madison College Welding program. The purpose of the class is twofold: (1) to get incoming students oriented with the Welding Program, the program curriculum, the faculty/staff, and the instructional facilities; and (2) to cover the topics of Welding Safety, General Shop Safety, an introduction to the common Arc Welding Processes (including hands-on activities), program expectations, and the required equipment that students will need to secure before starting the remaining program classes. All Welding program students must complete this class.1 creditFirst Semester10-606-200Interpreting 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 credits31-442-312Oxy Fuel Welding and Thermal Cutting
Perform manual and semi-automatic cutting and gouging using Oxy-Fuel and Plasma Arc Cutting processes. Course covers Oxy-Fuel Welding, braze welding, and soldering. Oxy-Fuel and Plasma Arc Cutting safety, Oxy-Fuel Welding safety, and proper handling of cylinders is addressed. Applications will be to English and Metric dimensions.2 credits31-442-314Arc Welding Theory
Emphasizes welding theory, safe use of welding equipment, hand and power tools, oxy-fuel and plasma arc cutting, AWS joint, weld procedures, and defects and their causes. Electrical applications, effects of welding machine power sources, electrode selection and welding symbols will also be covered.2 credits31-442-315Basic Arc (SMAW)
Students in this course will develop manipulative skills on all types of joints in the flat position using shielded metal arc welding electrodes on mild steel. Welding techniques used for structural, pipe and maintenance welding will be developed.2 credits31-442-318Gas 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 credits31-442-323Basic 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 credits31-457-301Fabrication 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 credits31-457-309Math 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 creditSecond Semester10-449-100Safety 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 credit31-442-320Welding Occupational Development
The Welding Occupational Development class is designed to help students entering the welding and metal fabrication industry in the development of the necessary documents, attitudes and insights needed to find and secure employment. The course includes resume building, cover letters and follow-up documents, job searches, interviewing, workplace ethics and responsible employee behaviors. The course also includes information on Apprenticeships, career and financial planning and exploration of local businesses. This course requires the use of computer technology and assignments will be submitted in both a hard copy and electronic format.1 credit31-442-321Arc Welding (SMAW) Vertical
This course is a continuation of the Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welding course. Students work to develop manipulative welding skills on all types of joints in the vertical up and down positions, using E7018 and E6010 shielded metal arc welding electrodes on mild steel. Students will also develop welding techniques used for fillet and groove weld competencies to AWS D1.1 structural steel welding code.2 credits31-442-322Advanced Welding Techniques
Develops manipulative skills on all types of joints in the overhead and/or pipe positions using E7018 & E6010 shielded metal arc welding electrodes on mild steel. Develop welding techniques used for fillet and groove weld competencies to AWS D1.1 structural steel welding code. Course also includes air carbon arc gouging (ACC), repairs, and other advanced welding processes and applications for related trades.2 credits31-442-326Flux 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 credits31-442-328Gas 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 credits31-442-390Fundamentals 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 credits31-457-302Fabrication 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 -
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:
- Portage campus: 13 spots each Fall
- Truax campus: 36 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 2026
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2026
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 waitlist:
- Out-of-state residents (except Minnesota residents*) are not eligible for admission consideration to this program
- 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
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 Welding career.
- Program capacity:
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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.
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Career Outcomes
MATC Welding program graduates are prepared to enter the workforce with effective job skills.
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.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.Technical Welding Skills
Demonstrate knowledge, set-up and correct operation of commonly used welding equipment.Basic Metallurgy and Properties/Identification of Metals
Understand and apply metallurgy concepts and principals to common welding and metal fabrication processes.Technical Metal Fabrication Skills
Understand and demonstrate basic metal fabrication functions.-
Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2023 2024 2025 Number of Program Graduates 34 42 39 Number of Surveys Sent 34 42 39 Number of Surveys Returned 19 20 26 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 15 14 21 Percent Available for Employment 78.9% 70.0% 80.8% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 21.1% 30.0% 19.2% Available for Employment
2023 2024 2025 Graduates Employed 12 14 19 Percent of Graduates Employed 80.0% 100.0% 90.5% Employed in Related Occupation 12 10 16 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 100.0% 71.4% 84.2% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 0 3 3 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 0.0% 21.4% 15.8% Employed - No Response 0 1 0 Percent Employed - No Response 0.0% 7.1% 0.0% Seeking Employment 3 0 2 Percent Seeking Employment 20.0% 0.0% 9.5% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 3.7 3.7 3.5 Number of Satisfaction Responses 15 15 24 Very Satisfied (4) 10 11 11 Percent Very Satisfied 66.7% 73.3% 45.8% Satisfied (3) 5 4 13 Percent Satisfied 33.3% 26.7% 54.2% Unsatisfied (2) 0 0 0 Percent Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Number of Primary Reason Responses 19 20 26 Preparation for Getting a Job 11 8 13 Percent Preparation for Getting a Job 57.9% 40.0% 50.0% Career Change 2 6 1 Percent Career Change 10.5% 30.0% 3.8% Improvement of Existing Skills 1 1 4 Percent Improvement of Existing Skills 5.3% 5.0% 15.4% Preparation for Further Education 4 5 5 Percent Preparation for Further Education 21.1% 25.0% 19.2% Personal Interest 1 0 3 Percent Personal Interest 5.3% 0.0% 11.5% Other 0 0 0 Percent Other 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% When Employment was Obtained
2023 2024 2025 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 12 13 19 Before Enrollment 1 3 1 Percent Before Enrollment 8.3% 23.1% 5.3% While Attending the College 2 1 2 Percent While Attending the College 16.7% 7.7% 10.5% After Training at the College 9 9 16 Percent After Training at the College 75.0% 69.2% 84.2% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2023 2024 2025 Number of Employment Location Responses 12 14 19 In College District 9 12 12 Percent In College District 75.0% 85.7% 63.2% In Wisconsin, Not in District 3 1 3 Percent of In Wisconsin 25.0% 7.1% 15.8% Outside of Wisconsin 0 0 2 Percent Outside Wisconsin 0.0% 0.0% 10.5% Employer Location Unknown 0 1 2 Percent Location Unknown 0.0% 7.1% 10.5% Salary Trend 2023 2024 2025 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count 10 10 14 Average Monthly Wage $4,274 $4,187 $4,315 Average Hourly Wage $24.85 $24.34 $25.09 Average Work Hours per Week 44.9 43.2 44.3 Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count 0 Average Hourly Wage Average Work Hours per Week 9.0 -
Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2025 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions Arcforce Welding Welder Brainerd MN Custom Fabricating and Repair (CFR) Road Crew Installer Marshfield Dan Demont Welder/Metal Fabricator Pardeeville Drm Diversafab Welder Baraboo Electronic Theatre Controls Inc Welder Middleton Food Process Systems Waterjet Operator Lodi Foremost Buildings Inc Welder Jefferson Graber Manufacturing Welder Waunakee Integrated Process Engineers & Constructors Tig Welder/Fabricator Fort Atkinson La Crosse Sign Co Fabricator La Crosse Lyco Manufacturing Welder Columbus Ross Bumpers & Custom Welding Welder Fitchburg Sievert Crane & Hoist Overhead Crane Technician Forest Park IL Simply Manufacturing Welder Prairie Du Sac * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.
** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.
*** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu
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