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Student in Metal Fabrication Lab

Metal Fabrication/Welding

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Degree Type
33-credit Technical Diploma

Program Code
31-457-1

Time to Degree
1 year

Start Date
August / January

How You'll Learn

  • On Campus

Metal fabrication involves preparing and manipulating materials, while welding fuses parts together. In this program, learn to read prints; create the shape of a part for cutting, fabrication and welding; and produce quality parts. Develop skills to program/operate computer-controlled press brakes/shears, plasma arc cutting machines and microprocessor-based power sources.

How To Apply

  • Apply online and pay the $30 application fee.
  • Submit a copy of one of the following to demonstrate your math skills:
    • High school GPA of 2.60 or above. Transcript must include completed coursework through the 11th grade.*
    • ACT, ACCUPLACER® or GED - 2014 Series (165 or higher).*
    • Prior college coursework may meet this requirement in whole or in part. Courses must be in the specific area(s), and you must have earned a grade of C or better (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) in the courses.*
    • If none of the above apply, sign up for the ACCUPLACER® placement test.

*Unofficial copies of these documents can be sent to admissions@wctc.edu.

Questions on the application process? Visit the Admissions page or contact an enrollment counselor.

Program Details

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Contact Us

Questions? We'd love to help! Connect with our Enrollment team by filling out our online form or by email at enroll@wctc.edu.

Potential Careers

If you are interested in working in a manufacturing setting, like to use machines and equipment to make parts fit together, and have an eye for detailed work, a career in metal fabrication/welding may be for you. Those in the field have knowledge of metallurgy, solid math skills and the ability to interpret prints.

  • Fabricator
  • Laser Operator
  • Assembler
  • Welder/Press Operator
  • Welder
High School Eligibility

This program is open to qualified high school applicants. Learn more >

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Career Salaries

$33,400 – $46,700 annually

Salary range estimates based on wages for related occupations in Waukesha County as reported by Lightcast. Individual wages may vary based on experience, industry, location and specific job requirements. Find our graduates' entry wages in the most recent Graduate Success Report.

Financial Aid

As a program student, you are eligible to receive:

  • Financial aid loans
  • Scholarships
  • Other forms of assistance

Learn more about financial aid.

What Makes This Program Unique

  1. Learn on state-of-the-art Lincoln welders.
  2. Take advantage of the opportunity to participate in an award-winning SkillsUSA team.
  3. Advance your career by applying credits earned this technical diploma to the Metal Fabrication/Welding - Advanced associate degree.

Similar Programs

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Metal Fabrication/Welding - Advanced

Develop advanced skills involving the intricate planning and preparing a part for cutting, fabrication and welding.

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Welding Technician

Gain skills to fuse metal parts together to create a permanent bond.

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GMAW/Fabricator

Learn Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) to join metal using heat and electricity.

Industrial Laser Operator

Develop specialized skills in laser cutting technology with hands-on practice.

Program Pathway

Earn certificates, technical diplomas and/or industry credentials along this pathway. Start with some courses for entry-level employment, and continue with additional courses for higher wages and job advancement.

Metal Fabrication/Welding Pathway

Earn credit for prior learning for the college-level knowledge and skills that you've already acquired through advanced high school classes, previous college coursework, self-study, military training work or volunteer experience.

More Credit Opportunities