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Printed on 5/21/2025

Welding/Metal Fabrication

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31-457-1 Technical Diploma (TD) Part Time, Full Time 29 Credits Financial Aid Eligible Locations*: Appleton, Oshkosh

*If general education courses are required, they may be available at multiple locations.

Learn the skills you need for a great career in metal fabrication and welding. With this program, you’ll work with a variety of metals and will learn to produce and assemble structural metal products for machinery, ovens, tanks, pipes, stacks and parts for buildings. You’ll also learn the physical properties of metals and how to read job orders and blueprints. Your training covers how to set up and use equipment to cut, shear and saw, form, roll and bend metals. You will learn about the physical properties of metal and be able to figure the stock allowances for thickness. You’ll be ready for a career in a construction firm, equipment manufacturing company or small fabrication shop.

COURSE LIST

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Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

    Occupational Specific (26 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Early College Credit Options
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • SMAW Techniques 1
    10-442-121
    2Credit
    72
    36

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10442121
    • Credits: 2.00

    Covers the process commonly known as stick welding. Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to weld in all positions, read some basic weld symbols, and have a basic understanding of written welding procedures.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ANY of the following options:

    • METALS 10621105 - Weld/Metal Fab Intro & Safety

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
  • GMAW Techniques 1
    10-442-123
    2Credit
    72
    36

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10442123
    • Credits: 2.00

    Demonstrates welding on steel sheet metals and plates. Emphasis is placed on axial spray, pulse spray and short circuit mode of transfer. Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to weld in all positions, read basic weld symbols, and have an understanding of written welding procedures.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ANY of the following options:

    • METALS 10621105 - Weld/Metal Fab Intro & Safety

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
  • GMAW Techniques 2
    10-442-124
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10442124
    • Credits: 2.00

    Teaches students to weld on stainless steel and aluminum sheet metal and plate. The student will be able to differentiate, select proper electrodes, shielding gases, and properly adjust parameters. Emphasis is placed on axial spray, pulse spray and short circuit mode of transfer depending on base metal. Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to weld in all positions, read some basic weld symbols, and have a basic understanding of written welding procedures.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • METALS 10442123 - GMAW Techniques 1

    • METALS 10621105 - Weld/Metal Fab Intro & Safety​
  • FCAW Techniques
    10-442-125
    2Credit
    72
    36

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10442125
    • Credits: 2.00

    A study and operation of primarily flux cored arc welding. The student will learn about the different types of electrodes, fluxes and shielding gases used in these processes. Students will be able to weld in all positions, read some basic weld symbols, and have a basic understanding of written welding procedures.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ANY of the following options:

    • METALS 10621105 - Weld/Metal Fab Intro & Safety

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
  • GTAW Techniques
    10-442-126
    2Credit
    72
    36

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10442126
    • Credits: 2.00

    A study and operation of primarily gas tungsten arc welding on some mild steel, with the majority of work on stainless steel and aluminum. The student will learn about the different types of electrodes and shielding gases used in these processes. Students will be able to weld in all positions, read some basic weld symbols, and have a basic understanding of written welding procedures.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ANY of the following options:

    • METALS 10621105 - Weld/Metal Fab Intro & Safety

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
  • Robotic Arc Welding, Basic
    10-442-127
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10442127
    • Credits: 2.00

    Provides a survey of multiple robot programs, safety and safety systems, learning maintenance, and program editing. Students will work with robot fixtures using the GMAW process.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ANY of the following options:

    • METALS 10442123 - GMAW Techniques 1

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
  • Pipe Welding Techniques
    10-442-128
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10442128
    • Credits: 2.00

    Teaches students how to weld pipe using welding processes including GMAW, FCAW and GTAW. The students will be able to interpret a written welding procedure. Emphasis will be placed on ASME Section 9. Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to weld pipe in all positions.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • METALS 10442123 - GMAW Techniques 1

    • METALS 10442125 - FCAW Techniques

    • METALS 10442126 - GTAW Techniques

    • METALS 10621108 - Weld Print Reading

    • METALS 10621114 - Weld Symbols
  • Manufacturing Enterprises for Fabrication
    10-457-131
    3Credit
    108
    54
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 108
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10457131
    • Credits: 3.00

    Covers the methods and process involved in manufacturing production parts. The course is set up to operate like a production fabrication facility where the student fabricates a product based on customer's specification. Products that are developed must meet customer's quality expectations.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ANY of the following option:

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • METALS 10457160 - Manufacturing Processes

    • METALS 10457161 - Cutting Processes

    • MATH 10804107 - College Mathematics
  • Manufacturing Processes
    10-457-160
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10457160
    • Credits: 2.00

    Covers punching, drilling, rolling, bending and forming. Sub-assembly parts are produced using various types of equipment. The parts may be joined, by welding, to complete an assembly. Students work in a team environment to complete an assignment. It is recommended that the student have an ACCUPLACER Arithmetic score of 65 or greater or successful completion of equivalent Program Prep course or College Technical Math 1A (10-804-113) or College Technical Math 1 (10-804-115).

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • Accuplacer Arithmetic 263+ OR HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACT Math 18+ OR Arithmetic Level 2 Coursework

    • METALS 10442123 - GMAW Techniques 1

    • METALS 10621108 - Weld Print Reading

    • METALS 10621114 - Weld Symbols

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • MATH 10804107 - College Mathematics
  • Cutting Processes
    10-457-161
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10457161
    • Credits: 2.00

    Covers shearing, sawing, laser cutting, abrasive water jet cutting, oxy-fuel cutting, plasma arc cutting and air-carbon arc cutting. Individual parts are produced using computerized and manual equipment. The parts may be joined, by welding, to complete an assembly. Students work in a team environment to complete an assignment.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following: 

    • Accuplacer Arithmetic 263+ OR HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACT Math 18+ OR Arithmetic Level 2 Coursework

    • METALS 10442123 - GMAW Techniques 1

    • METALS 10621108 - Weld Print Reading

    • METALS 10621114 - Weld Symbols

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ANY of the following options:

    • METALS 10621129 - 2D/3D CAD Modeling for Welders

    • METALS 10621133 - Welding Shop Drawings
  • Welding/Metal Fab Intro & Safety
    10-621-105
    1Credit
    27
    27
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10621105
    • Credits: 1.00

    Provides instruction in welding and metal fabrication safety. Students will identify environmental work and personnel hazards common with the industry and proper personal protection methods. Students will also perform common tasks essential to utilization of the welding and metal fabrication lab.

  • Weld Print Reading
    10-621-108
    1Credit
    27
    27

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10621108
    • Credits: 1.00

    Provides practice in reading shop drawings. Topics include orthographic projection, auxiliary views, revolved sections, surface and centerline relationships, isometric drawings, scale drawing and tolerances.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • METALS 10621105 - Weld/Metal Fab Intro & Safety​
  • Weld Symbols
    10-621-114
    1Credit
    27
    27

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10621114
    • Credits: 1.00

    Teaches students to interpret detailed weld symbols using the American Welding Society standard.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ANY of the following options:

    • METALS 10621105 - Weld/Metal Fab Intro & Safety

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
  • 2D/3D CAD Modeling for Welders
    10-621-129
    2Credit
    54
    54
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10621129
    • Credits: 2.00

    Provides instruction and practice in using current computer automated drafting and modeling software. Each student will develop a detailed drawing on the CAD system, complete with weld symbols and a modeled representation of a product design suitable for production.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • METALS 10621108 - Weld Print Reading

    • METALS 10621114 - Weld Symbols

    Occupational Supportive (3 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Early College Credit Options
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • College Mathematics
    10-804-107
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10804107
    • Credits: 3.00

    This course is designed to review and develop fundamental concepts of mathematics in the areas of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, measurement and data. Algebra topics emphasize simplifying algebraic expressions, solving linear equations and inequalities with one variable, solving proportions and percent applications. Geometry and trigonometry topics include; finding areas and volumes of geometric figures, applying similar and congruent triangles, applying Pythagorean Theorem, and solving right triangles using trigonometric ratios. Measurement topics emphasize the application of measurement concepts and conversion techniques within and between U.S. customary and metric system to solve problems. Data topics emphasize data organization and summarization skills, including: frequency distributions, central tendency, relative position and measures of dispersion. Special emphasis is placed on problem solving, critical thinking and logical reasoning, making connections, and using calculators.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ANY of the following options:

    • Accuplacer Arithmetic 263+ OR HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACT Math 18+ OR Arithmetic Level 2 Coursework

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
×

Expected Competencies

For more information visit our Credit For Prior Learning page.
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Eligible Dual Credit Course

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.


  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.
  • Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

Process:

As part of the annual course planning, students and families should meet with their High School Guidance Counselor to discuss future college and career goals. This conversation will help identify Dual Credit courses that best align with specific pathways.

×

Recommended Start College Now Course

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

×

Eligible Dual Credit & Recommended Start College Now Course:

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.

  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.

**Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

×

N/A

This course is not available for Dual Credit or Start College Now due to factors such as course rigor, necessary equipment, and prerequisite requirements.