Welding Aluminum Only, Pathway Certificate

Program Description

The Welding 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 Aluminum Only 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
MTH 102 Math for the Trades (or higher) 4
WLD 101 Welding Processes-Apps 4
 Credits8
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 Credits23

Advising Notes

  • Courses must be passed with a grade of C or better. 

Program Entrance Requirements

  • A construction background or prior welding experience are helpful but not a requirement.