Welding

This is a short-term workforce training program and does not earn academic credits. 

The Welding program at FCC prepares you for entry-level opportunities in the welding industry. Through hands-on training at the Monroe Center, you will develop practical skills in welding and cutting metal, basic metallurgy, blueprint reading, and multiple welding processes including SMAW, GMAW, and GTAW. Complete the program to become eligible for academic credit conversion.

Course Sequence Order

• WLD160 Introduction to Welding*
  Introduces the students to the basic processes in the welding field. Emphasizes welding safety.  Introduces the various types of welding equipment, identification and selection of electrodes, types of welds, and the different welding positions. Explores basic metallurgy (weldability) and welding defects and problems. Also offered for credit as BLDT120.

• WLD172 Welding Symbols and Blueprint Reading*
  Introduces students to interpret various types of prints used in the welding industry. Topics include: print reading, measurements, metallurgy, types of welds and joints, and welding symbols. Also offered for credit as BLDT121.

  and choose one of the following: 

• WLD 170 Advanced Welding: SMAW 4G (On-Demand offering)
• WLD 173 Advanced Welding: GTAW (Fall Offering)
  Introduces Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) on carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.  Topics include welding safety, basic machine maintenance, and welding techniques. Also offered for credit as BLDT 224. 

• WLD 174 Advanced Welding: GMAW (On-Demand offering)
• WLD 175 Advanced Welding: SMAW (Spring Offering)
  This course introduces more advanced welding topics and projects in Oxy-Acetylene cutting, cutting, and Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW). Students will develop skills to weld v-groove, butt joints in the horizontal and vertical positions, with root and face U-bend test being performed on the welds. Students will prepare for and test in the SMAW Qualification and Certification (Hobart #37), American Welding Society D1.1 test, and Structural Steel 2-G and 3-G tests. Also offered for credit as BLDT 222. 

*Foundational courses. Earn a Foundational Workforce Training Certificate.

FCC Completion Awards

Receive an FCC Completion Award for each course completed, recognizing your growing skills and commitment to the field.

FCC Workforce Training Certificates

Earning Workforce Training Certificates (WTCs) demonstrates your acquired knowledge, proven skills, and recognized capabilities in the field, preparing you for direct entry into the industry. Review the certificate information below and the eligibility requirements to get started.

Welding Foundations Workforce Training Certificate
Upon successful completion of this 2-course series, students are eligible to receive this Construction & Applied Technologies Institute credential that documents their foundational welding skills. This program includes courses that are eligible for academic credit conversion.

• WLD160 Introduction to Welding
• WLD172 Welding Symbols and Blueprint Reading

Welding GMAW Workforce Training Certificate
Upon successful completion of this 3-course series, you are eligible to receive this Construction & Applied Technologies Institute credential demonstrating foundational welding skills with a focus on Gas Metal Arc Welding. Successful completion of this program can result in eligible academic credit conversion.

• WLD160 Introduction to Welding
• WLD172 Welding Symbols and Blueprint Reading
• WLD174 Advanced Welding: GMAW

Welding GTAW Workforce Training Certificate
Upon successful completion of this 3-course series, students are eligible to receive this Construction & Applied Technologies Institute credential demonstrating foundational welding skills with a focus on Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. This program includes courses that are eligible for academic credit conversion.

• WLD160 Introduction to Welding
• WLD172 Welding Symbols and Blueprint Reading
• WLD173 Advanced Welding: GTAW

Welding SMAW Workforce Training Certificate
Upon successful completion of this 3-course series, you are eligible to receive this Construction & Applied Technologies Institute credential demonstrating foundational welding skills with a focus on Shielded Metal Arc Welding. Includes an opportunity to earn a 2G and 3G Structural Steel qualification. Successful completion of this program can result in eligible academic credit conversion.

• WLD160 Introduction to Welding
• WLD172 Welding Symbols and Blueprint Reading
• WLD175 Advanced Welding: SMAW

Eligibility Requirements

• Participants are required to successfully complete a two or three-course series identified as a Workforce Training Certificate program, as approved by the College.
• Students may request approval to transfer up to 25% of total Certificate contact hours of prior learning from an accredited institution for select Workforce Training Certificates.
• Please note, course substitutions are not permitted and completion is based upon competency.

Important Information

• Certificates are awarded monthly following course completion, rather than at the end of a traditional semester.
• These programs consist of Workforce Training (non-credit) courses with fee structures subject to change.
• Courses are not eligible for federal financial aid.

Step 1: Complete Training

• Successfully complete one or more of the training courses
  • WLD172 - Welding Symbols & Blueprint Reading
  • WLD160 - Introduction to Welding
  • WLD175 - Advanced Welding: SMAW
  • WLD173 - Advanced Welding: GTAW
  • WLD170 - Advanced Welding: SMAW 4G
  • WLD174 - Advanced Welding: GMAW
• Pass the course with a B or higher.

Step 2: Receive Academic Credit

• Enroll in an FCC credit program and register for at least one 3-credit course.
• Receive academic credit for one or more of the following courses by contacting Registration and Records at transferevaluation@frederick.edu or 301.846.2595.
  • BLDT 120 - Introduction to Welding (4 credits)
  • BLDT 121 - Welding Symbols & Blueprint Reading (2 credits)
  • BLDT 222 - Advanced Welding: SMAW (4 credits)
  • BLDT 224 - Advanced Welding: GTAW (3 credits)
  • BLDT 225 - Advanced Welding: GMAW (3 credits)
  • BLDT 223 - Advanced Welding: SMAW 4G (3 credits)