Real World Training for a Hands-On Career.
Welding and Fabrication Technology Lower Division Certificate Program in Columbia
Welding and Fabrication Technology Lower Division Certificate Program in Columbia
Want to train for a career that sparks real opportunity? The Welding Technology Certificate Program at Lincoln Tech’s Columbia, MD campus teaches you the essential skills you need to work with metal in industries like construction, automotive, manufacturing, energy, and more. You gain hands-on experience on welds like shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), flux core arc welding (FCAW), and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). You also learn principles of welding metallurgy and how to read and interpret blueprints and schematics. Train in fully equipped welding booths and labs that mirror real job site environments.
Forge your path forward with the Welding Technology Certificate Program at our Columbia, Maryland campus today.
Welding Technology Certificate Program Delivery
Day, afternoon, and evening programs are available. Hands-on instruction is provided on-campus, with some coursework delivered online. Lincoln Tech also utilizes animations and simulations so you can experience interactive learning that enhances skill development, reinforces concepts, and allows you to practice troubleshooting in a risk-free environment.
Welding Technology Certificate Program Length
- Total Semester Credit Hours: 30.0
- Instructional Hours: 720
- Completion Time: Approximately 32 weeks
Welding Technology Certificate Program Classes and Curriculum
Developed in collaboration with industry professionals, the Lincoln Tech academic approach ensures that our programs align with current employer requirements and technological advancements. Combining practical knowledge with hands-on training, your courses are designed to provide you with entry-level welding skills and know-how. You learn various welding techniques and processes, understand metal properties and joint designs, and practice safety procedures required in today’s industrial settings. And you gain invaluable skills in professionalism, customer service, and career success.
Welding Technology Certificate Program Learning Objectives
- Perform basic to advanced welding techniques using SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW.
- Interpret blueprints, shop drawings, and welding symbols.
- Identify and work with various metals and filler materials.
- Understand welding metallurgy and thermal cutting processes.
- Follow proper safety protocols in accordance with OSHA regulations.
- Inspect and evaluate welds for quality and structural integrity.
- Use tools and equipment common to metal fabrication and repair environments.
- Communicate professionally in industrial and team-based work settings.
- Prepare for industry-recognized welding certifications.
Welding Technology Certificate Program Career Outcomes
As a graduate of the Welding Technology Certificate Program in Columbia, you may find entry-level employment at:
- Fabrication shops
- Structural steel manufacturers
- Construction and infrastructure companies
- Shipyards and marine fabrication yards
- Automotive and heavy equipment manufacturers
- Energy and pipeline contractors
Welding Opportunities in Maryland
Graduates of the Welding Technology Certificate Program may qualify to work at a variety of area businesses including organizations1 such as:
Welding and Fabrication Technology — Columbia
WLDX110 — Lower Division Certificate Program
CIP Code: 48.0508
SOC Code: 51-4121
Day and Evening Programs
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 30.0 |
|---|---|
| Instructional Hours | 720 |
| Weeks to Complete — Day | Approximately 32 weeks (including holidays and scheduled breaks) |
| Weeks to Complete — Afternoon | Approximately 32 weeks (including holidays and scheduled breaks) |
| Weeks to Complete — Evening | Approximately 32 weeks (including holidays and scheduled breaks) |
Program Objective
The Welding and Fabrication Technology program prepares students for entry level welder positions. Students begin with fundamental skills in welding and cutting before advancing to more complex techniques using Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG), Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW), and Gas Tungsten Arc (GTAW/TIG). Training includes welding plate in multiple positions, as well as metal cutting and preparation using oxyfuel cutting (OFC), plasma arc cutting (PAC), and air carbon arc cutting (CAC-A).
Upon successful completion graduates should have the knowledge and skills to qualify as entry-level welders using standard industry processes. In addition to technical training, students develop professional behaviors that align with employer expectations, ensuring they are prepared for success in the workforce.
Students will be required to complete out-of-class assignment in each course.
In addition to the technical training, a critical aspect of a Lincoln education is developing the professional skills that are required by our employers. Students will need to demonstrate skill proficiency through a series of professional development activities and seminars which are integrated into each course. The modules include:
- Student Success
- Financial Literacy
- Professional Development
- Career Success
Foundation Courses
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
None |
Course Description
This course introduces the fundamental skills and knowledge required for welding and cutting operations. Students will set up and safely operate oxyfuel cutting (OFC) equipment, read and interpret welding symbols from welding detail drawings, and perform basic Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) operations. Students will also identify common weld defects, their causes, and evaluate weld quality to apply proper methods for repairing. Through hands-on practice, students will develop foundational cutting and welding skills while evaluating weld quality and safety compliance.
Core Courses
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
WEL115 |
Course Description
This course focuses on the principles, techniques, and applications of Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and introduces students to the process of Plasma Arc Cutting (PAC). Students will develop the skills to set up and safely operate SMAW and PAC equipment and materials, focusing on proper joint design, material preparation, and welding variables to produce high-quality fillet and groove welds in multiple positions. Students will also perform cleaning and grinding operations, fit-up joints, and use PAC equipment to make various types of cuts. Through hands-on practice, students will refine their welding and cutting techniques and evaluate weld and cut quality to meet industry standards.
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
WEL115 |
Course Description
This course focuses on the principles, techniques, and applications of Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and introduces students to the process of air carbon arc cutting (CAC-A). Students will develop the skills to set up and safely operate GMAW and CAC-A equipment and materials, focusing on proper electrode selection, welding variables, and material preparation to produce high-quality fillet and groove welds in multiple positions. Students will also learn to perform gouging, cutting, washing, and edge preparation using CAC-A. Through hands-on practice, students will refine their techniques and evaluate weld and cut quality to meet industry standards.
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
WEL115 |
Course Description
This course focuses on the principles, techniques, and applications of Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW). Students will develop the skills to set up and safely operate FCAW equipment and materials, focusing on proper electrode selection, welding variables, and material preparation to produce high-quality fillet and groove welds in multiple positions, both with and without shielding gas. Through hands-on practice, students will refine their welding techniques and evaluate weld quality to meet industry standards.
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
WEL115 |
Course Description
This course focuses on the principles, techniques, and applications of Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). Students will develop the skills to set up and safely operate GTAW equipment and materials, focusing on proper electrode selection and tip configuration, welding variables, and material preparation to produce high-quality fillet and groove welds in multiple positions. Through hands-on practice, students will refine their welding techniques and evaluate weld quality to meet industry standards.
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
WEL115, WEL125, WEL135, WEL145, WEL155 |
Course Description
This course focuses on using Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) in fabrication projects. Students will develop the skills to set up and safely operate welding equipment to work with various types of materials. The course emphasizes reading and interpreting technical drawings and welding symbols, along with skills in layout, cutting, bending, and assembling components. Hands-on projects help students develop the ability to fabricate and evaluate metal structures with accuracy and attention to detail, using techniques and standards common in the industry.
Notes:
Course numbers and sequences are listed here for reference only. The actual delivery sequence of courses contained in this program may vary depending on individual campus scheduling. Maximum Time Frame: 45.0 semester credits.
1 These companies have hired one or more 2021 – 2024 Lincoln graduates to work in their field of study.
Mode of Delivery: Residential, Blended Learning or Online are the methods we may use to deliver content in each course. The Residential courses are offered on ground at the campus. Blended courses are offered by delivering a fraction of the course in an online format as well as traditional face to face method. Online courses are delivered 100% online. The Blended delivery and online delivery plan will implement distance education activities into each course in the program of study. The use of simulations, case studies, assessments and multimedia may be used to enhance the students understanding of the learning objectives outlined in the course syllabus.
The listing of credit hours is not meant to imply that credits can be transferred into college or other private career school programs. Transfer credits are at the sole discretion of the receiving school.
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