student with protective gear on welding

Welding

Welding Programs

Choose which program works best for your path!

Basic Welding (Certificate) | Industrial Welding (Certificate)

Basic Welding

Welders are in high demand, meaning high-paying jobs for students who earn JWCC’s welding certificates. In fact, our welding graduates receive multiple job offers! Professional welders teach day and evening courses to provide practical technical skills. Classes in occupational health and safety, basic/commercial/STICK & MIG welding, welding symbols, and blueprint reading prepare students for careers in:

  • Fabrication
  • Fitting
  • Maintenance
  • MIG welding

Stackable welding certificates can be completed in six months and can apply toward a degree.

Career Opportunities

  • Aluminum Welder
  • Fabrication Welder
  • Fabricator
  • Fitter/Welder
  • Maintenance Welder
  • Mig Welder
  • Sub Arc Operator
  • Welder
  • Welder-Fitter
  • Welder/ Fabricator
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Suggested Degree Plan for Basic Welding Certificate
Do not use this degree plan as a substitute for an advisor. Always meet with an advisor to discuss your specific needs for completing the program before signing up for classes each semester.
FYE 101 Blazing Your Trail Details 1
Directed to new students, this course provides a supportive transition to the culture of higher education. Course objectives aim at preparing students for the college experience by acquiring effective learning techniques and by becoming aware of available college resources for academic and personal growth. This course also develops students' abilities, which will assist them with the complexities of college life.
Prerequisites: (none)
MFG 113 Introduction to Manufacturing & Industrial Safety Details 3
This course provides students with an introduction to the manufacturing world and provides specific instruction to facilitate safe work practices in industrial environments. It introduces manufacturing specializations such as mechatronics, precision machining and welding and covers fire safety, pressurized gases, electrical hazards, safe machine usage, and lock out tag out. Students learn concepts of industrial noise, machine guarding, electrical safety, chemical exposure, hazardous waste, Worker's Compensation laws, liability, and general safety precautions for the workplace. Course content is based on the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Certified Production Technician curriculum and OSHA standards. Students will qualify to sit for MSSC-M1-Safety Certification through the MSSC.
Prerequisites: (none)
WLD 121 MIG Welding Short Circuit Details 3
Learn machine setup and welding techniques of Gas Metal Arc Welding Short-Circuit Transfer. Perform AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code-Steel code compliant welds on carbon steel in the flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead positions. This course aligns with AWS SENSE 1 Module 5 - Key Indicators 1-7, as well as Module 2 - Key Indicator 7, Module 3 - Key Indicator 3, and Module 9 - Key Indicator 2. Imbedded credential: AWS welder certification. 0.5 lecture hours, 5 lab hours.
Prerequisites: MFG 113 (can be taken concurrently), WLD 180 or consent of department
WLD 124 MIG Welding Spray Transfer Details 1
This course focuses on proper weld safety, machine setup and welding techniques of Gas Metal Arc Welding Spray Transfer. Perform AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code-Steel compliant welds on carbon steel in flat and horizontal positions. This course aligns with AWS SENSE 1 Module 2 - Indicator 7, Module 3 - Key Indicator 3, Module 5 - Key Indicators 1, 2 and 8-12, and Module 9 - Key Indicator 2. 0 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: MFG 113 and WLD 180 or consent of department Corequisites: May be taken with WLD 125
WLD 125 Stick Welding I Details 3
This course focuses on safety, amperage settings, polarity and the proper selection of electrodes for the shielded metal arc welding process. Students perform AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code-Steel compliant welds on carbon steel in the flat and horizontal positions using visual and destructive methods for determining weld quality. This course aligns to AWS SENSE 1 Module 4 - Key Indicators 1 - 7 for the flat and horizontal positions, as well as Module 2 - Key Indicator 7, Module 3 - Key Indicator 3, and Module 9 - Key Indicator 2. 0.5 lecture hours, 5 lab hours.
Prerequisites: MFG 113 (may be taken concurrently) and WLD 180 or consent of department
WLD 161 Interpreting Welding Prints Details 3
Students interpret welding prints and sketches focusing on English/Metric measurements, AWS welding symbols, and fabrication requirements. Learn to prepare, assemble and tack weld parts together complying to a print using proper materials and tools. This course aligns to SENSE 1 Module 3: Drawing and Welding Symbol Interpretation, Key Indicators 1 and 2.
Prerequisites: (none)
WLD 180 Thermal Cutting Processes Details 2
Practice proper safety, equipment setup and cutting techniques for manual and mechanized OxyFuel, Plasma and Air Arc cutting, scarfing and gouging on carbon steel, aluminum and stainless steel in the flat and horizontal positions conforming to AWS C4.1. This course aligns to AWS SENSE 1 Module 2 - Key Indicator 7, Module 8 Units 1 – 4, and Module 9 - Key Indicator 1. 0.5 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: Corequisites: MFG 113
NOTE: Only students who do not need additional coursework and who take the number of credits or courses as listed each semester can complete the program in the time given. Others will take longer to complete. Course descriptions may contain IAI (Illinois Articulation Initiative) codes containing information for students transferring their credits to another Illinois higher learning institution. See itransfer.org or the JWCC course catalog for more information on IAI.

Gainful Employment: For more information about graduation rates, cost, the median debt of students who complete the program, and other information, please view our Gainful Employment information for the particular certificate of study.

Industrial Welding

Welders are in high demand, meaning high-paying jobs for students who earn JWCC’s welding certificates. In fact, our welding graduates receive multiple job offers! Professional welders teach day and evening courses to provide practical technical skills. Classes in occupational health and safety, basic/commercial/TIG & MIG welding, welding symbols, and blueprint reading prepare students for careers in:

  • aluminum welding
  • fabrication
  • fitting
  • maintenance
  • sub arc operation
  • MIG welding

Stackable welding certificates can be completed in six months and can apply toward a degree.

student with welding mask flipped up
Suggested Degree Plan for Industrial Welding Certificate
Do not use this degree plan as a substitute for an advisor. Always meet with an advisor to discuss your specific needs for completing the program before signing up for classes each semester.
First Semester Details
FYE 101 Blazing Your Trail Details 1
Directed to new students, this course provides a supportive transition to the culture of higher education. Course objectives aim at preparing students for the college experience by acquiring effective learning techniques and by becoming aware of available college resources for academic and personal growth. This course also develops students' abilities, which will assist them with the complexities of college life.
Prerequisites: (none)
MFG 113 Introduction to Manufacturing & Industrial Safety Details 3
This course provides students with an introduction to the manufacturing world and provides specific instruction to facilitate safe work practices in industrial environments. It introduces manufacturing specializations such as mechatronics, precision machining and welding and covers fire safety, pressurized gases, electrical hazards, safe machine usage, and lock out tag out. Students learn concepts of industrial noise, machine guarding, electrical safety, chemical exposure, hazardous waste, Worker's Compensation laws, liability, and general safety precautions for the workplace. Course content is based on the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Certified Production Technician curriculum and OSHA standards. Students will qualify to sit for MSSC-M1-Safety Certification through the MSSC.
Prerequisites: (none)
WLD 121 MIG Welding Short Circuit Details 3
Learn machine setup and welding techniques of Gas Metal Arc Welding Short-Circuit Transfer. Perform AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code-Steel code compliant welds on carbon steel in the flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead positions. This course aligns with AWS SENSE 1 Module 5 - Key Indicators 1-7, as well as Module 2 - Key Indicator 7, Module 3 - Key Indicator 3, and Module 9 - Key Indicator 2. Imbedded credential: AWS welder certification. 0.5 lecture hours, 5 lab hours.
Prerequisites: MFG 113 (can be taken concurrently), WLD 180 or consent of department
WLD 124 MIG Welding Spray Transfer Details 1
This course focuses on proper weld safety, machine setup and welding techniques of Gas Metal Arc Welding Spray Transfer. Perform AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code-Steel compliant welds on carbon steel in flat and horizontal positions. This course aligns with AWS SENSE 1 Module 2 - Indicator 7, Module 3 - Key Indicator 3, Module 5 - Key Indicators 1, 2 and 8-12, and Module 9 - Key Indicator 2. 0 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: MFG 113 and WLD 180 or consent of department Corequisites: May be taken with WLD 125
WLD 125 Stick Welding I Details 3
This course focuses on safety, amperage settings, polarity and the proper selection of electrodes for the shielded metal arc welding process. Students perform AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code-Steel compliant welds on carbon steel in the flat and horizontal positions using visual and destructive methods for determining weld quality. This course aligns to AWS SENSE 1 Module 4 - Key Indicators 1 - 7 for the flat and horizontal positions, as well as Module 2 - Key Indicator 7, Module 3 - Key Indicator 3, and Module 9 - Key Indicator 2. 0.5 lecture hours, 5 lab hours.
Prerequisites: MFG 113 (may be taken concurrently) and WLD 180 or consent of department
WLD 161 Interpreting Welding Prints Details 3
Students interpret welding prints and sketches focusing on English/Metric measurements, AWS welding symbols, and fabrication requirements. Learn to prepare, assemble and tack weld parts together complying to a print using proper materials and tools. This course aligns to SENSE 1 Module 3: Drawing and Welding Symbol Interpretation, Key Indicators 1 and 2.
Prerequisites: (none)
WLD 180 Thermal Cutting Processes Details 2
Practice proper safety, equipment setup and cutting techniques for manual and mechanized OxyFuel, Plasma and Air Arc cutting, scarfing and gouging on carbon steel, aluminum and stainless steel in the flat and horizontal positions conforming to AWS C4.1. This course aligns to AWS SENSE 1 Module 2 - Key Indicator 7, Module 8 Units 1 – 4, and Module 9 - Key Indicator 1. 0.5 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: Corequisites: MFG 113
Second Semester Details
MAT 100 Technical Mathematics Details 3
A course designed to cover mathematical processes and problems that relate to career, technical and workforce applications. Specific topics include fractions; decimals, ratio, proportion and percentage; measurements; and area and volume.
Prerequisites: (none)
WLD 126 Stick Welding II Details 3
This course focuses on safety, amperage settings, polarity and the proper selection of electrodes for the Shielded Metal Arc Welding process. Perform AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code-Steel compliant welds on carbon steel in the vertical up and overhead positions using visual and destructive methods for determining weld quality. Students will also visually examine and test various weldments and thermally cut surfaces per multiple welding codes, standards and specifications. This course aligns to AWS SENSE 1 Module 4: Shielded Metal Arc Welding Key Indicators 1-7 for the vertical up and overhead positions as well as Module 2 - Key Indicator 7, Module 3 - Key Indicator 3, and Module 9 - Key Indicator 2. Imbedded credential: AWS welder certification and SENSE 1, Module 9: Welding Inspection and Testing Principles. 0.5 lecture hours, 5 lab hours.
Prerequisites: MFG 113, WLD 125 and WLD 180 or consent of department
WLD 127 TIG Welding Carbon Steel Details 2
Learn weld safety, machine setup and welding techniques for Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. Perform AWS D1.3 Structural Welding Code-Sheet Steel compliant welds on carbon steel in the flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead positions. This course aligns to AWS SENSE 1, Module 7 - Key Indicators 1-7, as well as Module 2 - Key Indicator 7, Module 3 - Key Indicator 3, and Module 9 - Key Indicator 2. Imbedded credential: AWS welder certification. 0.5 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: MFG 113 and WLD 180 or consent of department
WLD 132 TIG Non-Ferrous Metals Details 2
This course focuses on proper weld safety, machine setup and welding techniques for gas tungsten arc welding on aluminum and stainless steel. Perform AWS D1.2 Structural Welding Code-Aluminum compliant welds on aluminum in the flat and horizontal positions. Perform AWS D1.2 Structural Welding Code-Aluminum Compliant welds on aluminum in the flat and horizontal positions and AWS D1.6 Structural Welding Code-Stainless Steel compliant welds on austenitic Stainless steel in flat, horizontal and vertical positions. This course aligns to AWS SENSE 1, Module 2 - Key Indicator 7, Module 3 - Key Indicator 3, Module 7 - Key Indicators 1, 2 and 8-17 and Module 9 - Key Indicator 2. The course combines former WLD 128 and WLD 129. 0.5 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: MFG 113, WLD 127 and WLD 180 or consent of department
WLD 135 Flux Core Inner & Dual Shield Weld Details 2
Perform proper weld safety, machine setup and welding techniques for Flux Cored Arc Welding Self-Shielded (FCAW-S) and Flux Cored Arc Welding Gas Shielded (FCAW-G). Produce AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code-Steel compliant welds on carbon steel in the flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead positions. This course aligns to SENSE 1 Module 6 - Key Indicators 1-12, as well as Module 2 - Key Indicator 7, Module 3 - Key Indicator 3, and Module 9 - Key Indicator 2. The course combines former WLD 122 and WLD 123. 0.5 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: MFG 113 and WLD 180 or consent of department
WLD 170 Specialized Welding Details 1
This course will cover specialized welding processes including basic robotic welding and basic plasma cutting. Students will be introduced to robotic welding systems as well as learn how to perform basic procedures on a system. This course also provides fundamental safety precautions while operating robotic and plasma cutting equipment. 0.5 lecture hours, 1 lab hour.
Prerequisites: MFG 113 or consent of department
Various WLD 194 / WLD 195 Details 1-2
Choose WLD 194 or WLD 195.
WLD 194 Capstone Project Details 1
Design, fabricate, weld to an appropriate welding code, and finish assemble a quality manufactured product using layout tools, saws, grinders, drills, Oxyfuel, Plasma, Air Carbon Arc and multiple welding processes. 0 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: MFG 113 and WLD 180 Corequisites: WLD 126, WLD 127, WLD 132, WLD 135 and WLD 130
WLD 195 Special Topics in Welding Details 1-4 (Varies)
Deals with current topics in welding not covered in other courses. Topics will vary with needs, interests, and goals of the student and instructor. No topic will be offered more than twice within three years. May be repeated three times with different topics. Topics to be listed on student's permanent academic record.
Prerequisites: Consent of department
NOTE: Only students who do not need additional coursework and who take the number of credits or courses as listed each semester can complete the program in the time given. Others will take longer to complete. Course descriptions may contain IAI (Illinois Articulation Initiative) codes containing information for students transferring their credits to another Illinois higher learning institution. See itransfer.org or the JWCC course catalog for more information on IAI.

Gainful Employment: For more information about graduation rates, cost, the median debt of students who complete the program, and other information, please view our Gainful Employment information for the particular certificate of study.