Welding and Fabrication Technology

Associate in Applied Science
Career Degree
Cost
$13,152*

Refine your welding; Take on larger roles

Work with your hands and mind on metal. Take up roles that require independence, precision and vision. With an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.), you acquire a range of welding and metal fabrication techniques where you understand the strengths and best uses of each. In addition, you learn:

  • shop safety
  • fabrication equipment training; shear, press brake, CNC laser and plasma cutting, tube and pipe bending, rolling and forming
  • blueprint reading
  • material layout techniques
  • robotics: how to operate and program automated welding tools
  • scientific, mathematical and general mechanical principles

What can you do with an A.A.S. in Welding and Fabrication Technology?

Your degree opens doors to entry level positions working with metal in industry. Most of our students settle into the workplace and advance quickly, while some start their own businesses. Others travel or relocate—welders are in demand everywhere! And some bring metalwork skills into hobbies like restoring cars. Common job titles include Cutting Specialist (laser and oxy-fuel operators), Welder (GMAW, GTAW, SMAW, FCAW) and/or Metal Fabricator.

You can earn industry credentials through the American Welding Society (AWS) and the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association (FMA).

See what CLC welding and fabrication technology students love about this program. Picture yourself here:

Highlights

  • Accredited by the AWS

    Students can get certified by the American Welding Society (AWS).
  • Metallica Scholarships

  • Advanced Technology Center (ATC)

    State-of-the-art facilities to build career-ready skills
  • Credit for Prior Learning

    Receive college credit for what you already know.
  • Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

    Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
  • Career Degree

    Earn an associate degree in 2 years and gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills.
  • Program Length: 2 Years

    Full-time students finish in 2 years.


Career Outlook

Need help?

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) is your "go-to person" ready to help you get started at CLC.

Your CCN guides you through the admission process, helps you choose your academic program, enroll in classes and connect you with resources.

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available
  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CLC 120 2
    WFT 170 3
    WFT 270 3
    WFT 113 3
    MTH 114 3
    • Course Code CLC 120
      Course Title
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code WFT 170
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code WFT 270
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code WFT 113
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code MTH 114
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    WFT 175 3
    PMT 140 2
    WFT 275 3
    ENG 121 3
    ART 121 3
    • Course Code WFT 175
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PMT 140
      Course Title
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code WFT 275
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ENG 121
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ART 121
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CMM 111 3
    WFT 171 3
    • Course Code CMM 111
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code WFT 171
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    WFT 172 3
    WFT 272 3
    WFT 180 3
    WFT 178 3
    WFT 278 3
    • Course Code WFT 172
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code WFT 272
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code WFT 180
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code WFT 178
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code WFT 278
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    WFT 176 3
    WFT 117 3
    WFT 217 3
    ECO 110 3
    • Course Code WFT 176
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code WFT 117
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code WFT 217
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ECO 110
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

Total Credit Hours

61

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.




Female student taking notes in class

Welding & Fabrication Technology at CLC: Get the bigger picture

The A.A.S. is just one possible way to study Welding and Fabrication Technology. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the Welding and Fabrication Technology program overview

Frequently asked questions

  • Photo of student in welding and fabrication class

    Kyle Thorne

    Graduate

    "While I love the space and equipment, it was the instructors that kept me at CLC. They helped make sure I learned the right way, and I had fun doing it."


    Kyle took welding and fabrication classes at the CLC Grayslake campus and Advanced Technology Center in Gurnee. He then started his own mobile welding business. Kyle is one of many CLC graduates bringing their skills to the world of manufacturing.

    Read Kyle's story

    Photo of student in welding and fabrication class

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