What is welding?

Welding is a hands-on job where you use heat to join pieces of metal together.

Welders help build things like cars, bridges, buildings, ships and pipelines. It’s an important job in construction, factories, and even art.

If you like working with your hands, building things and seeing the results of your work, welding could be a great career for you.

COURSES

Course order	Course names	Credentials earned
1	Architecture & Construction Foundations (Prerequisite)	NCCER Core
2	Welding: SMAW I	NCCER Welding Level I
3	Welding: SMAW II
4	Welding: GMAW and FCAW CTE Lab in Architecture & Construction
5	Career Pathway Project in Architecture & Construction

Certifications

NCCER CORE

This portable, industry-recognized certification prepares students for entry-level jobs across agriculture, construction and skilled trades. It also serves as a foundation for more advanced technical certifications.

DIRECT TO CAREER

Ready to jump right into your career?

You can apply for the following jobs directly after graduating:

Welder

Fabricator

Pipe Welder

Required certifications:

AWS Certified Welder (American Welding Society)

OSHA 10 Certification

COLLEGE

Hone your skills before making your mark.

College Pathways

Welding Technology

Industrial Maintenance

Manufacturing Engineering (welding focus)

Local college options:

University of Alabama:
Mechanical Engineering (advanced welding in design)

Stillman College: N/A

Shelton State:
Welding Technology Certificate and AAS

Dual Enrollment

Thinking about starting college early?

The University of Alabama, Shelton State Community College, Stillman College and Auburn University all offer dual enrollment courses you can take in high school to graduate college earlier – no matter where you decide to go to college.

DUAL ENROLLMENT COURSES

Alabama-approved CRI options:

These state-approved credentials can be used to meet the college and career readiness requirements of the Alabama High School Diploma for post-secondary credentials.

Alabama Certified Employee (ACE)

Asphalt Roller – Skills for Success

AWS Certification FCAW 3-G uphill progression D1.1

AWS Certification GMAW 3-G uphill progression D1.1

AWS Certification GTAW 3-G uphill progression (aluminum) D1.2

AWS Certification GTAW 3-G uphill progression (steel)

AWS Certification SMAW 3-G uphill progression D1.1

Bulldozer – Skills for Success

Construction and Skilled Trade Assessment (CAST)

OSHA 30

Skid Steer – Skills for Success

INTERESTED IN
ANOTHER CAREER?

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