Real World Training for a Hands-On Career.
Welding and Fabrication Technology with Pipe Diploma Program in Indianapolis
Welding and Fabrication Technology with Pipe Diploma Program in Indianapolis
Want to build a career that fuels essential industries? The Pipe Welding Technology Diploma program at Lincoln Tech’s Indianapolis campus gives you specialized skills for working with pipe systems in industries like oil and gas, energy, and industrial construction. You gain hands-on experience with Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), and Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW), plus advanced training in pipefitting fundamentals, pipe layout, fitting, and fabrication. Learn to work with pipe welding symbols, blueprints, and industry codes as you prepare for critical pipe welding certifications. Train in welding booths and labs that mirror real jobsite conditions so you’re ready for the demands of high-pressure pipe systems and the growing Indiana pipe-welding field1.
Forge your specialized path forward with the Welding Technology with Pipe Diploma program at our Indianapolis, Indiana campus today.
Welding and Fabrication Technology with Pipe Diploma 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 and Fabrication Technology with Pipe Diploma Program Length
- Total Semester Credit Hours: 40.0
- Instructional Hours: 960
- Completion Time: Approximately 42 weeks
Welding and Fabrication Technology with Pipe Diploma 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. The program combines foundational welding processes with specialized pipe welding techniques and pipefitting skills. You study metal properties, pipe joint designs, blueprint interpretation, and safety protocols, and gain the precision skills for work in high-pressure piping systems. Plus, you gain invaluable skills in professionalism, customer service, and career success.
Welding and Fabrication Technology with Pipe Diploma Program Learning Objectives
- Perform welding techniques using SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW processes specific to pipe welding.
- Interpret pipe welding blueprints, pipefitting symbols, and shop drawings.
- Lay out, fit, and fabricate pipe systems according to industry specifications.
- Understand pipe welding metallurgy and thermal cutting processes.
- Follow safety protocols in accordance with OSHA and pipeline industry regulations.
- Inspect and evaluate welded pipe joints for quality and integrity.
- Use specialized tools and equipment for pipefitting and pipe welding applications.
- Communicate professionally in industrial and team-based work settings.
- Prepare for industry-recognized pipe welding certification tests.
Welding and Fabrication Technology with Pipe Diploma Career Outcomes
As a graduate of the Welding and Fabrication Technology with Pipe Diploma program in Indianapolis you may find entry-level employment at:
- Oil and gas pipeline construction and maintenance
- Power generation plants
- Industrial construction sites
- Chemical processing facilities
- Shipyards and marine fabrication yards
- Utility infrastructure projects
Pipe Welding Opportunities in the Indianapolis area
Graduates of the Welding and Fabrication Technology with Pipe Diploma program may qualify to work at a variety of area businesses including organizations2 such as:
Welding and Fabrication Technology with Pipe — Indianapolis
WLDX210 — Diploma Program
CIP Code: 48.0508
SOC Code: 51-4121
Day, Afternoon, Evening Programs
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 40.0 |
|---|---|
| Instructional Hours | 960 |
| Weeks to Complete — Day | Approximately 42 weeks (including holidays and scheduled breaks) |
| Weeks to Complete — Afternoon | Approximately 42 weeks (including holidays and scheduled breaks) |
| Weeks to Complete — Evening | Approximately 42 weeks (including holidays and scheduled breaks) |
Program Objective
The Welding and Fabrication Technology with Pipe 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 and pipe 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, graduate 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 the principles, techniques, and applications of Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) for pipe welding. Students will develop the skills to prepare, align, and safely weld pipes using SMAW procedures in multiple positions. The course will also cover the use of welding procedure specifications (WPS) and the efficiency of combining the SMAW and GTAW welding processes, in addition to evaluating weld quality and identifying and repairing defects. Through hands-on practice, students will develop the foundational skills and knowledge required to meet industry standards for pipe welding.
| 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 the principles, techniques, and applications of Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) for pipe welding. Students will develop the skills to prepare, align, and safely weld pipes using GMAW and FCAW procedures in multiple positions. The course will also cover the use of welding procedure specifications (WPS) and the efficiency of combining the GMAW and FCAW welding processes, in addition to evaluating weld quality, identifying and repairing defects. Through hands-on practice, students will refine their welding techniques and deepen their knowledge to ensure welds 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: 60.0 semester credits.
1 O-Net Online, https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/51-4121.00?st=IN&g=Go, Retrieved September 3, 2025.
2 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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