Gain the Skills You Need for a Welding Career

Are you interested in working as a welder in a shop that fabricates metal for structural, functional, or design purposes? Welders bring ideas to life, using carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.

The welding/fabrication MIG and TIG certificate will instruct you on GMAW, GTAW, and metal fabrication. You will also learn shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), thermal and mechanical cutting processes.

Completing this certificate will prepare you to pass the various American Welding Society performance qualification tests.

The welding/fabrication MIG and TIG certificate program is for students who:

  • Want to qualify for work as a welder in a shop-setting for structural and decorative metal fabrication
  • Want to prepare to pass the American Welding Society performance qualification tests
  • Want to gain the skills and knowledge needed for employment as a welder

When you complete this program, you will know how to:

  • Demonstrate proper inspection, setup, and operation of equipment in welding and thermal cutting processes
  • Explain physical characteristics, mechanical properties, composition, and classification of different types of metals
  • Perform cutting operations using oxyfuel gas cutting (OFC) and plasma arc cutting (PAC)
  • Demonstrate proficiency in GMAW, GTAW, SMAW, and FCAW processes
  • Operate GMAW and GTAW equipment to make fillet, grove, and pipe welds in all positions on carbon steel, stainless steel, and/or aluminum
  • Utilize practical math applications in arithmetic, trigonometry, and geometry during fabrication processes
  • Interpret welding symbols and detail drawings
  • Utilize effective writing and speaking skills to communicate successfully in work situations

With real-world professional experience, a hands-on approach to learning, and excellent departmental collaboration, we’re committed to your education - and your career.

Let’s Get Started!

Follow the steps outlined here to get started in this program. We know the process can feel overwhelming, and we want you to know that we’re here to help! Please call or email us if you have any questions, whatsoever. It’s what we’re here for!

  • 1

    Apply Online

    Completing our online application is always the first step. Chesapeake is an open admissions institution, with start dates in spring, summer, fall and winter. If you’re planning on attending during traditional fall or spring semesters, make sure to allow your self time to complete the necessary steps outlined here in advance. Once your application has been submitted, you’ll receive an email confirmation with additional details (check in your SPAM folder if you don’t see it in your inbox).

  • 2

    Financial Aid & Scholarships

    It’s never too early to explore the many financial aid and scholarship options available to you. Regardless of your financial situation, it is so important to first complete the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing the FAFSA allows us to offer you the greatest possible amount of financial aid. Once your FAFSA is complete, be sure to apply for scholarships from the Chesapeake College Foundation. One application opens up the door to hundreds of potential scholarships.

  • 3

    Placement & Transcripts

    We now offer many ways to “place” into courses. These include GPA, high school standardized testing and the ACCUPLACER placement exam. Find out if you need to schedule placement testing (exemptions listed here). If so, please don’t worry! We want you to succeed, and together we can get you positioned for achieving your goals. Contact [email protected] to get a testing slip. Then, request that your high school send your official transcript to the Chesapeake College Registration office. In the meantime, you may use an unofficial transcript to work with an Academic Advisor.

  • 4

    Advise & Register

    Meet with an Academic Advisor to select courses in your program, and to register for the upcoming semester. If you are planning to transfer to a specific four-year school after graduation, it’s important to start the conversations early! Our advisors are here to help, every step of the way.

  • 5

    Pay & Prep

    Pay either at the time of registration, or by the due date on your bill. Deferred tuition payment plans are available to students whose bills exceed $100. Before the semester begins, buy your textbooks and other needed supplies, check out the location of your courses, and get ready for your first day of class by attending a New Student Orientation session.

equipped for the FUTURE

Start Here. Go Anywhere.

Chesapeake’s degrees transfer where you want to go.

If specific transfer agreements for this program are in place, they will be listed below.
Not seeing your dream university listed here? No worries! Chances are, we can create a transfer agreement specific to your needs. Our advisors will help you plan every credit on your way to your bachelor’s degree.

Apply for Scholarships

This program qualifies for many of our institutional scholarships. Complete one application, and be considered for hundreds of potential scholarships. Make sure to complete your FAFSA as well to receive as much funding as possible.

A welding and fabrication MIG and TIG certificate can help open the door to your next career. Scroll through the options here to explore welding careers, including projected growth in our five-county service area, and average salary information.

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