Welding Aluminum Only, Pathway Certificate

Program Description

The Aluminum Only Pathway Certificate program is designed to provide study in the areas of Aluminum Fabrication to prepare students for entry-level employment in the Aluminum Manufacturing industry. Related occupations for this program certificate would include; boat manufacturing, aerospace and aviation, viticulture and brewing, petrochemical and LNG production.

Program Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the Welding Pathway Certificate will:

  1. Apply fundamentals of aluminum welding, including the basics of common joining processes, cutting and gouging, measurement, fabrication, repair, material identification, and visual acceptance criteria
  2. Interpret and apply basic elements of blueprints such as line type identification, symbols, notes, 2D and 3D interpretation, dimensioning and measurement
  3. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of safe working conditions, as well as, safety in handling materials, equipment, and personal protective equipment
  4. Identify basic components of welding systems and welding processes, proper machine setup, and demonstrate trouble shooting when visual acceptance criteria of a weldment has not been met

Career Considerations

Aluminum is the metal of the future. It is 1/3 the weight of steel, has excellent strength to weight ratio, is virtually corrosion resistant, and 100% recyclable. These material properties and many more are making Aluminum the choice metal for future engineering applications around the world, and the Aluminum Only Pathway Certificate prepares students for entry-level jobs and future careers in the following areas:

  • Boat builders
  • Fabrication
  • Aerospace & Aviation
  • Tool & Die makers
  • Quality Control
  • Inspection
  • Trucking & Transportation equipment
  • Welding Sales
  • Automotive Industries

Program Course Requirements

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
First TermCredits
WLD 101 Welding Processes-Apps 4
 Credits4
Second Term
WLD 140 Blueprint Reading 3
 Credits3
Third Term
WLD 150 GTAW I 3
WLD 160 Aluminum Arc Welding I 3
 Credits6
Second Year
First Term
WLD 261 Aluminum Arc Welding II 3
 Credits3
Second Term
WLD 262 Aluminum Arc Welding III 3
 Credits3
 Total Minimum Credits19

Program Entrance Requirements

  • A construction background or prior welding experience are helpful but not a requirement.
  • Students with a criminal record are strongly urged to research employability before entering the welding program. If students enter the program with a felony conviction, they should disclose this information to their welding advisor and any Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) employer.