All FVTC locations will be closed Friday, April 18, 2025, for the spring holiday. We will reopen on Monday, April 21.

 

Search
Search
Back to home page ProgramsManufacturingMetal Machining, Fabrication & WeldingWelding FundamentalsCourses
Printed on 4/18/2025

Welding Fundamentals

Apply Now Request Info
20-442-1 Certificate (C) 7 Credits Not Financial Aid Eligible Locations*: Appleton, Oshkosh, Wautoma

*If general education courses are required, they may be available at multiple locations.

Get the skills you need for a high-demand, entry-level career in welding. Your training will cover environmental work and personnel hazards common with the industry and proper personal protection methods. You’ll learn how to read shop drawings, interpret detailed weld symbols and will receive hands-on training in welding on a variety of materials and positions.

COURSE LIST

Print Page

Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

    Technical Studies (7 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Early College Credit Options
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • GMAW Techniques 1
    10-442-123
    2Credit
    72
    36

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10442123
    • Credits: 2.00

    Demonstrates welding on steel sheet metals and plates. Emphasis is placed on axial spray, pulse spray and short circuit mode of transfer. Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to weld in all positions, read basic weld symbols, and have an understanding of written welding procedures.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ANY of the following options:

    • METALS 10621105 - Weld/Metal Fab Intro & Safety

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
  • Welding/Metal Fab Intro & Safety
    10-621-105
    1Credit
    27
    27
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10621105
    • Credits: 1.00

    Provides instruction in welding and metal fabrication safety. Students will identify environmental work and personnel hazards common with the industry and proper personal protection methods. Students will also perform common tasks essential to utilization of the welding and metal fabrication lab.

  • Weld Print Reading
    10-621-108
    1Credit
    27
    27

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10621108
    • Credits: 1.00

    Provides practice in reading shop drawings. Topics include orthographic projection, auxiliary views, revolved sections, surface and centerline relationships, isometric drawings, scale drawing and tolerances.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • METALS 10621105 - Weld/Metal Fab Intro & Safety​
  • Weld Symbols
    10-621-114
    1Credit
    27
    27

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10621114
    • Credits: 1.00

    Teaches students to interpret detailed weld symbols using the American Welding Society standard.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ANY of the following options:

    • METALS 10621105 - Weld/Metal Fab Intro & Safety

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
    Select a total of 2 credits from these options
  • SMAW Techniques 1
    10-442-121
    2Credit
    72
    36
    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10442121
    • Credits: 2.00
     Covers the process commonly known as stick welding. Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to weld in all positions, read some basic weld symbols, and have a basic understanding of written welding procedures.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ANY of the following options:

    • METALS 10621105 - Weld/Metal Fab Intro & Safety

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
  • GTAW Techniques
    10-442-126
    2Credit
    72
    36
    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10442126
    • Credits: 2.00
     A study and operation of primarily gas tungsten arc welding on some mild steel, with the majority of work on stainless steel and aluminum. The student will learn about the different types of electrodes and shielding gases used in these processes. Students will be able to weld in all positions, read some basic weld symbols, and have a basic understanding of written welding procedures.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ANY of the following options:

    • METALS 10621105 - Weld/Metal Fab Intro & Safety

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
  • FCAW Techniques
    10-442-125
    2Credit
    72
    36
    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10442125
    • Credits: 2.00
     A study and operation of primarily flux cored arc welding. The student will learn about the different types of electrodes, fluxes and shielding gases used in these processes. Students will be able to weld in all positions, read some basic weld symbols, and have a basic understanding of written welding procedures.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ANY of the following options:

    • METALS 10621105 - Weld/Metal Fab Intro & Safety

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
  • GMAW Techniques 2
    10-442-124
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10442124
    • Credits: 2.00
     Teaches students to weld on stainless steel and aluminum sheet metal and plate. The student will be able to differentiate, select proper electrodes, shielding gases, and properly adjust parameters. Emphasis is placed on axial spray, pulse spray and short circuit mode of transfer depending on base metal. Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to weld in all positions, read some basic weld symbols, and have a basic understanding of written welding procedures.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • METALS 10442123 - GMAW Techniques 1

    • METALS 10621105 - Weld/Metal Fab Intro & Safety​
×

Expected Competencies

For more information visit our Credit For Prior Learning page.
×

Eligible Dual Credit Course

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.


  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.
  • Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

Process:

As part of the annual course planning, students and families should meet with their High School Guidance Counselor to discuss future college and career goals. This conversation will help identify Dual Credit courses that best align with specific pathways.

×

Recommended Start College Now Course

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

×

Eligible Dual Credit & Recommended Start College Now Course:

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.

  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.

**Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

×

N/A

This course is not available for Dual Credit or Start College Now due to factors such as course rigor, necessary equipment, and prerequisite requirements.