Welding and Fabrication Technology A.A.S. - Career Degree

Get up to $3,000 in scholarships for Welding & Fabrication Technology

Future Welding & Fabrication Technology students can apply for the Community Project Advanced Technologies Scholarship and get support for tuition, fees, and/or living expenses.
Become a CLC student then apply for the scholarship. This scholarship is 100% funded by the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration through awards totaling $178,000*.
Need more information? Email Tony Marnell at amarnell@clcillinois.edu or call (847) 543-3551.

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).

Choose from one of our 7 credentials in welding—we designed them to work together for you, so you can stack them into more advanced certificates or your associate degree. Start where you want, add skills to meet a different job need and if you want, keep going.
The foundation is 1 semester that covers basic skills and safety. That semester counts as the General Welding Certificate (9 credits, 1 semester). From that foundation, you can learn additional skills, in different combinations (the first 9 credits of each certificate are the same across all programs):
- Welding Fabrication (19 credits)—add 9 credits of metalworking and metallurgy to the common base
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (23 credits)—add 12 credits of gas welding and brazing to the common base
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (23 credits)—add 3 credits of shielded metal arc welding (aka “stick welding”) to the Gas Metal Arc Welding Certificate
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (23 credits)—add 12 credits of gas tungsten welding and brazing to the common base
- Welding (45 credits)—All the welding and fabrication courses from all the certificates, plus a math class and a certification class.
- Associate in Applied Science (61 credits)—Everything in the Welding Certificate, plus a couple specialized welding courses and a handful of classes in business, communications, fine art or science.
CLC has the largest welding and fabrication laboratory in Illinois located at the Advanced Technology Center (ATC). At 28,000 square feet, we are a true snapshot of what you will find in real-world facilities. The ATC features an extensive variety of arc welding equipment, laser welders and orbital welders. Other equipment include:
- 4 welding robots for tungsten inert gas (TIG) and metal inert gas (MIG) welding
- laser and plasma CNC cutters
- CNC press brakes
- lathes, mills, drill presses, iron workers and various saws
CLC students won first through third place trophies in speed cutting and multiple categories of welding during the American Welding Society's "Behind the Mask" welding competition.

Recent graduate of CLC, Ethan Klisch, used his Welding and Fabrication A.A.S. degree to fabricate a design that matched a client's needs. Using SolidWorks and a CNC plasma cutter, Klisch designed, shaped and welded the components for the National Loon Center's outdoor exhibits. Maybe they'll come back as a client for his future business!

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

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Highlights

Accredited by the AWS

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

Heavy metal scholarships available.
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.

*Note: This workforce development initiative and workforce product is supported by the U. S. Department of Labor (DOL), Employment and Training Administration (ETA). A total of $178,000, or 100% of the cost of the Community Projects Advanced Technologies Scholarship is financed with federal funds. The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of DOL/ETA. DOL/ETA makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it.

Career Outlook

Operate computer-controlled tools, machines, or robots to machine or process parts, tools, or other work pieces made of metal, plastic, wood, stone, or other materials. May also set up and maintain equipment.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $38,475
  
  Median
  
  $49,468
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $67,355
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $18.49
  
  Median
  
  $23.78
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $32.37
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  51.74%
  
  Certificate
  
  21.16%
  
  Some college
  
  16.8%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  7.08%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  3.22%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $53,114
  
  Median
  
  $69,504
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $95,047
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $25.53
  
  Median
  
  $33.41
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $45.69
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  23.84%
  
  Certificate
  
  40.57%
  
  Some college
  
  6.78%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  19.29%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  9.52%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Lay out reference points and dimensions on metal or plastic stock or workpieces, such as sheets, plates, tubes, structural shapes, castings, or machine parts, for further processing. Includes shipfitters.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $47,365
  
  Median
  
  $57,444
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $84,833
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $22.77
  
  Median
  
  $27.62
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $40.78
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  64.89%
  
  Certificate
  
  11.59%
  
  Some college
  
  14.54%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  8.99%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, milling and engraving machines, and jig borers to make working models of metal or plastic objects. Includes template makers.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $43,866
  
  Median
  
  $69,633
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $69,638
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $21.08
  
  Median
  
  $33.48
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $33.48
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  39.85%
  
  Certificate
  
  39.06%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  21.09%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $36,089
  
  Median
  
  $48,551
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $72,059
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $17.35
  
  Median
  
  $23.34
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $34.64
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  82.78%
  
  Certificate
  
  7.64%
  
  Some college
  
  5.64%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  3.94%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Lay out, machine, fit, and assemble castings and parts to metal or plastic foundry patterns, core boxes, or match plates.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $79,143
  
  Median
  
  $83,042
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $87,480
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $38.05
  
  Median
  
  $39.92
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $42.05
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  42.16%
  
  Certificate
  
  15%
  
  Some college
  
  40.25%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  2.47%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  0.11%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Fabricate, assemble, install, and repair sheet metal products and equipment, such as ducts, control boxes, drainpipes, and furnace casings. Work may involve any of the following: setting up and operating fabricating machines to cut, bend, and straighten sheet metal; shaping metal over anvils, blocks, or forms using hammer; operating soldering and welding equipment to join sheet metal parts; or inspecting, assembling, and smoothing seams and joints of burred surfaces. Includes sheet metal duct installers who install prefabricated sheet metal ducts used for heating, air conditioning, or other purposes.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $38,913
  
  Median
  
  $91,861
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $119,632
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $18.70
  
  Median
  
  $44.16
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $57.51
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  56.2%
  
  Certificate
  
  43.81%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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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 and degree requirements, see the college catalog.

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*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours from academic year 2024-2025. 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.

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

Some of the skills you need to be successful in this program are:
- ability to work with your hands
- work both independently and as a team player
- ability to prioritize
- organizational skills
- attention to detail
- self-motivated
- critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- comfortable using technology and hand tools
- ability to write clearly
You qualify to take the following exams:
- AWS SENSE Level 1
- AWS SENSE Level 2
- Fundamentals of Metal Fabrication
You may earn industry credentials through the American Welding Society (AWS) and the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association (FMA). You may also compete in SkillsUSA.
With an A.A.S., you gain the following skills.
General knowledge:
- basic math: adding and subtracting fractions and decimals, geometry
- material knowledge: types of materials, material properties, material recognition, metal limits
- measure using the metric system
- basic metallurgy
- safety requirements
- blueprint reading
- read a tape measure
- understand welding terminology and symbols
- industry codes
- finishes
- basic layout
- tolerances
- machine knowledge
- safety certifications
- gain welding certifications
Safety regulations and requirements:
- inspect personal protective equipment
- wear personal protective equipment
- maintain safe work area
- provide for work area ventilation
- identify a confined space
- apply confined space safety practices
- follow Hot Work safety requirements
- monitor environment for safety hazards
- participate in safety briefing
- inspect equipment for safety hazards
Prepare welding materials:
- interpret prints, drawings, sketches and welding procedure specifications (WPS)
- gather welding materials
- select welding equipment
- certify welding equipment per job specifications
- perform minor repairs on welding equipment and accessories
- measure welding parts and materials
- drill or bore holes in parts and materials
- shear metal parts and materials
- bend or form metal parts and materials
- cut, bevel, deburr or pierce metal parts and materials
- de-scale welding materials
- fit up parts or assemblies
- confirm materials according to the welding procedure specifications
- set up jigs and fixtures
Perform cutting, brazing and gouging:
- prepare job layout
- cut and bend with oxy-fuel equipment
- cut metal with arc-air equipment
- cut metal with plasma arc welding equipment
- cut metal using hand tools
- cut metal using power tools
- select material preparation method
- clean thermal affected area (remove slag)
Perform oxy-fuel cutting, brazing and welding:
- prepare job layout for oxy-fuel process
- setup oxy-fuel equipment
- confirm filler material and oxy-fuel
- verify flux for brazing
- check annealing requirements for brazing
- weld using oxy-fuel process (all positions) on common carbon steel, low alloy steel, sheet metal
- cut using oxy-fuel process (all positions) on common carbon steel, low alloy steel, sheet metal
- braze using oxy-fuel process in flat, inclined, or horizontal position on common carbon steel, low alloy steel, sheet metal
- clean oxy-fuel welds, cuts and brazes
- measure oxy-fuel welds, cuts and brazes for conformance to acceptance criteria
- perform required finish operations
- store oxy-fuel welding materials
Perform sub-arc welding:
- prepare job layout for sub-arc welding
- setup sub-arc equipment
- confirm filler material and flux
- preheat base metal to required temperature
- weld using sub-arc process on common carbon steel, low alloy steel, sheet metal
- clean sub-arc welds (remove slag)
- measure sub-arc welds for conformance to acceptance criteria
- perform finishing operations
- store sub-arc welding material
Employers who offer these types of jobs in Lake County include:
- AbbVie Inc.
- Geremarie Corporation
- JST
- Larsen Manufacturing LLC
- Ludlow Manufacturing
- S & C Electric Company
- Sargent & Lundy
- Wabtec Corporation
- MacLean-Fogg Company
- Waukegan Steel
- William M. Meyer & Sons
The estimated cost of this program appears at the top of this web page, under the program title.
The cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours. It includes in-district tuition and fees, such as for books and materials. It does not factor in financial aid (grants, loans, scholarships) that you may receive.
View current tuition and fees
Some courses in this program are subject to variable tuition and course fees because they provide specialized experiences, instruction or technology/equipment.
View courses with variable tuition and fees
Many opportunities exist at CLC to get financial assistance. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

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.
Read Kyle's story

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Welding and Fabrication Technology

Get up to $3,000 in scholarships for Welding & Fabrication Technology

Refine your welding; Take on larger roles

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

Earn while you learn with stackable credentials

Learn at the ATC: The largest in Illinois

Students succeed at CLC

Highlights

Accredited by the AWS

Metallica Scholarships

Advanced Technology Center (ATC)

Credit for Prior Learning

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Career Degree

Program Length: 2 Years

Career Outlook

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Sheet Metal Workers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help?

Recommended Pathway

Welding & Fabrication Technology at CLC: Get the bigger picture

Frequently asked questions

What are some skills I need to be successful in this program?

What exams will I qualify for after I complete the program?

What skills will I learn in this program?

Where will I find these types of jobs in Lake County?

How much does this program cost?

Kyle Thorne

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

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