Western Technical College

What this program covers

Western Technical College's Certificate in Advanced Welding can be completed in 13 months and covers SMAW (Arc), GMAW (MIG), GTAW (TIG), and FCAW (Flux Cored) welding plus oxy-acetylene and plasma cutting. The page states 80% of training is hands-on lab/shop work and 20% classroom/online, with day, afternoon, or evening scheduling in a hybrid format. Students are eligible to earn up to 6 AWS certifications, including structural (2G/3G/4G positions, SMAW, 1/4-inch plate, open V groove) and pipe (6G 45-degree, 4-inch schedule 40 pipe, SMAW and SMAW/GTAW combo) certifications. The lab is described as having 60+ welding booths and 80+ welding machines.

• Processes taught SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW; oxy-acetylene cutting; plasma cutting
• Credential types Certificate in Advanced Welding
• Program length 13 months
• Schedule Day, afternoon, or evening classes; hybrid (face-to-face plus online)
• Certifications prepped Up to 6 AWS certifications (structural: 2G/3G/4G positions SMAW 1/4-inch plate open V groove; pipe: 6G 45-degree SMAW/GTAW combo, 4-inch schedule 40 pipe)
• Facilities 60+ welding booths, 80+ welding machines, plasma cutters, manual torches

Source: https://www.westerntech.edu/programs/certificates/advanced-welding-technology/, retrieved 2026-08-05