Fabrication Welding
Fabrication welding careers are in demand as they are needed in all sorts of trades — from construction to the energy field.
The Associate of Applied Science in fabrication welding prepares you with the entry-level cutting and welding skills to work in operations in using oxyacetylene cutting and welding, plasma arc cutting, carbon arc cutting, shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding and gas tungsten arc welding on metals that range from heavy plate and pipe to thin-gauge sheet metals. Various steels and aluminum metals are used. As a graduate of this program, you will be prepared to attempt one of the limited thickness Welder Qualification tests under American Welding Society D1.1 Structural code for certification in SMAW, GMAW and GTAW. You will also be prepared to enter positions as production, fabrication, or construction welders.
With the economy on the rebound, many construction projects are looking to hire new employees, with an average salary ranging from $13 to $40 per hour, depending on your experience. Many industries and job possibilities exist for welders throughout the country and Colorado.
CCD currently has 13 female students in advanced manufacturing courses, a number that is continuing to grow with each semester. "The women in the program are engaged and challenged," says Janet Colvin, CCD's manufacturing programs navigator. "They are constantly learning and eager to show the team their machining and welding projects."
In an effort to help prove to females that "You can do it," CCD has developed Project Do It Yourself (DIY), a summer camp funded by the Women's Foundation of Colorado. It focuses on increasing the interest of high school grade girls and engaging them to pursue advanced manufacturing and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) careers. In the summer of 2017, 26 students from five local high schools completed one-week camps in which they gained hands-on experience in engineering graphics/CAD, 3D printing, machining, welding, and architecture. Fittingly, the camp themes were "We Can Do It" and "Do It Yourself!"
"Women in welding are typically skilled with fine motor skills," says Matthew Sweeney, director of CCD's Advanced Manufacturing Center. "Fabrication welding careers are in demand as they are needed in all sorts of careers - from construction and fabrication to 3D sculptures and art installations. These jobs have family-sustaining wages that benefit both men and women."
Our state-of-the-art Advanced Manufacturing Center has three high-tech welding simulators for you to practice your welding skills.
Academic support is provided through CCD’s Excel Zone, which helps students succeed by offering a variety of learning opportunities. We are located on campus on the 4th floor of the Confluence building.
CCD Online offers fully online certificates and degrees, and individual online courses to help match your busy schedule. This program offers between 14 to 24 percent of its degree either online or through a hybrid program.
Your first step is to see if online learning is right for you. Online and hybrid environments offer much more flexibility but require more self-direction and self-discipline. Certain work habits, learning styles and skills contribute to a successful online or hybrid learning experience.
Online Experience Questions?
303.352.6785 | TLC@ccd.edu
Some programs and/or courses may require additional fees in addition to the base tuition and fees. High-cost course fees are used to support the maintenance and development of the course labs and are embedded within your general tuition.
View the 2024-2025 Course Specific Fees
Welding Supplies
On the first day of the Welding Safety (WEL 100) class, you will receive a detailed explanation of the supplies to purchase to ensure you the have the proper equipment. Students do not need to purchase the equipment for the WEL 100 Welding Safety class. You can receive a discount from some local vendors. Prices range between $350.00 and $850.00, depending on your selection of equipment. The supplies include boots, glasses, hood, jacket, gloves, ear plugs, cap, goggles, striker, tip cleaner, slag hammer, hand wire brush, measuring tape, pliers, square, and soapstone/holder. A list of required and optional supplies is also available at the Advanced Manufacturing Center.
This program is eligible for federal financial aid.
Your first step is to connect with the Financial Aid office to discover how you can afford college. Our dedicated staff and support services help you wade through all the legal language and get you past the first hurdle to completing your educational goals.
In addition, CCD has $1,000,000 available in scholarships. Learn More!
Some courses may include service learning opportunities. You can earn five American Welding Society (AWS) qualifications. There are also non-credit and continuing education courses available.
What Can I Do with My Major?
Welding is the process of permanently joining metal parts. Employment growth reflects the need for welders in manufacturing because of the importance and versatility of welding as a manufacturing process. Employment of welders is projected to grow 6 percent from 2016 to 2026.
Job possibilities in this field are vast and include a large number of industries.
- Fitter/Welder
- Fabrication Welder
- Construction Welder
- TIG/MIG Welder
- ARC Welder
- Pipe Welder
Industries include:
- Oil Production Pipelines
- Wind Power Turbines
- Vehicle Fabrication and Repair
- Railroad and Transportation Industry
- Building, Factory, and Industrial Maintenance
- Industrial Pump Assemblies
- Sheet Metal Fabrication
- Aircraft and Aerospace Industry
- Architectural Fabrication
How Much Can I Expect to Earn?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median annual wage for welders as $48,940 or $23.53 per hour in May 2023. Earning overtime is common.
| TOTAL OF 2019 GRADUATES | TOTAL STUDENTS EMPLOYED IN THEIR FIELD OF STUDY | TOTAL STUDENTS WHO HAVE TRANSFERED TO 4-YEAR DEGREE OR OTHER INSTITUTION |
|---|---|---|
| 41 | 6 | 0 |
The certificates all seamlessly transfer to the Associate of Applied Science in fabrication welder. Complete a certificate and start working while you study and finish your associate degree.