Welding Technician

Welding Technician

A welding student uses a torch in a workshop.
Degree Type Program Number Program Code Credits
Technical Diploma 304571 WLDT 15.00
Typical Start Learning Format Financial Aid Estimated Cost Location Area of Interest
Fall In-Person Not Available 2652 La Crosse Advanced Manufacturing

Are you ready to spark up a career in welding? In our one-term Welding Technician program, you'll master the core techniques and applications that make welding such an exciting field. Get hands-on experience with SMAW, Wirefeed, Tig, and Oxy-fuel welding. Plus, you'll become a pro at reading blueprints and fabrication-skills that are in high demand in today's industries.

This technical diploma is just the beginning! It's fully embedded within our comprehensive 2-term Welding and Fabrication technical diploma program. So, if you find that you love the heat, sparks, and satisfaction of welding, you can easily take your skills to the next level.

Admissions Requirements

Career Opportunities

Welder

Production Welder

Fabrication Welder

MIG/TIG Welder

Metal Fabricator

Pipe Welder

Program Outcomes

  • Demonstrate industry recognized safety practices
  • Form materials to detailed drawings
  • Cut materials to detailed drawings
  • Join materials to detailed drawings
  • Layout components/assemblies
  • Inspect product

Graduation Employment Stats - 2023, 2024, & 2025

Full Time Median Annual Salary $49,821 (Median earnings based on graduate exit interview data not available. This salary represents cost-of-living adjusted 25th percentile salary by occupation from Lightcast Analyst, used as a proxy for entry-level salary.)

Software & Technology

Most of Western’s classes require the use of a personal computer or laptop, standard software, internet access, and other technology-related items.

If you do not have a personal computer or laptop, or if the one you have does not meet the following criteria, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form.

Computer/Laptop Hardware

  • Smartphones are not recommended for completing assignments.
  • Chromebooks are not recommended due to issues with installing software that is needed for classes, such as Office 365.
  • Web camera with microphone (usually built into newer laptops or can be purchased separately) is necessary for online participation.

Software Needs

For detailed specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.

Campus Resources

Need Assistance?

  • Contact the Learning Commons! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.

Career Pathways

This program is part of a career pathway, a laddered approach to career education. It allows you to earn employer-recognized credentials that lead to job and career advancement.

Prior Learning

Previous education and work experience could qualify for Credit for Prior Learning, saving you time and money. Find out more about what may apply to this program.

Certificates

There are currently no certificates associated with this pathway.

Technical Diplomas

Welding & Fabrication
Welding Technician

Associate Degrees

There are currently no associate degrees associated with this pathway.

University Transfer

Courses

Term 1
Course Credits
31457305 - Blueprint Reading for Welding 1.00
31457310 - Fabrication Welding 1 2.00
10442102 - Intro to Welding 2.00
31890300 - Strengths Seminar (Technical Diploma) 1.00
31442304 - Welding Inspection 1.00
31442303 - Welding-SMAW 1 2.00
31442315 - Welding-TIG 1 2.00
31442306 - Wirefeed Welding 1 2.00
31442316 - Wirefeed Welding 2 2.00