Welding

Start your welding career with hands-on workforce training at the Monroe Center. Experienced instructors deliver real-world welding expertise as you build practical skills and prepare for entry-level opportunities in one of the most in-demand trades in the region. Focus on welding symbols, blueprint reading, and processes like SMAW, GMAW, and GTAW. Academic credit conversion is available upon program completion.

A welder wearing a protective helmet and gloves works on a metal piece, with bright sparks flying from the weld point.

Program Information

The Welding program at FCC prepares you for entry-level opportunities in the welding industry. Through hands-on training at the Monroe Center, you will develop practical skills in welding and cutting metal, basic metallurgy, blueprint reading, and multiple welding processes including SMAW, GMAW, and GTAW. Complete the program to become eligible for academic credit conversion.

Course Sequence Order

and choose one of the following:

*Foundational courses. Earn a Foundational Workforce Training Certificate.

FCC Completion Awards

Receive an FCC Completion Award for each course completed, recognizing your growing skills and commitment to the field.

FCC Workforce Training Certificates

Earning Workforce Training Certificates (WTCs) demonstrates your acquired knowledge, proven skills, and recognized capabilities in the field, preparing you for direct entry into the industry. Review the certificate information below and the eligibility requirements to get started.

Welding Foundations Workforce Training Certificate
Upon successful completion of this 2-course series, you are eligible to receive this Construction & Applied Technologies Institute credential that documents your foundational welding skills.

Welding GMAW Workforce Training Certificate
Upon successful completion of this 3-course series, you are eligible to receive this Construction & Applied Technologies Institute credential demonstrating foundational welding skills with a focus on Gas Metal Arc Welding. Successful completion of this program can result in eligible academic credit conversion.

Welding SMAW Workforce Training Certificate
Upon successful completion of this 3-course series, you are eligible to receive this Construction & Applied Technologies Institute credential demonstrating foundational welding skills with a focus on Shielded Metal Arc Welding. Includes an opportunity to earn a 2G and 3G Structural Steel qualification. Successful completion of this program can result in eligible academic credit conversion.

Eligibility Requirements

Participants are required to successfully complete a two or three-course series identified as a Workforce Training Certificate program, as approved by the College.
Students may request approval to transfer up to 25% of total Certificate contact hours of prior learning from an accredited institution for select Workforce Training Certificates.
Please note, course substitutions are not permitted and completion is based upon competency.

Important Information

Certificates are awarded monthly following course completion, rather than at the end of a traditional semester.
These programs consist of Workforce Training (non-credit) courses with fee structures subject to change.
Courses are not eligible for federal financial aid.

Step 1: Complete Training

Complete the following workforce training courses
Pass each final exam with a B or higher.

Step 2: Receive Academic Credit

Enroll in an FCC 3-credit course or program.
Receive academic credit for the following courses by contacting Registration and Records at registrar@frederick.edu or 301.846.2431.
- BLDT 120 - Introduction to Welding (4 credits)
- BLDT 121 - Welding Symbols & Blueprint Reading (2 credits)
- BLDT 222 - Advanced Welding: SMAW (4 credits)
- BLDT 224 - Advanced Welding: GTAW (3 credits)
- BLDT 225 - Advanced Welding: GMAW (3 credits)
- BLDT 223 - Advanced Welding: SMAW 4G (3 credits)

Get Started

Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) requirements vary by program. Welding program requirements include:

Prerequisite

ENGL 70 or an appropriate placement test score. Accepted placement scores (Accuplacer Next Gen)

Reading: 237 or higher
Reading: 229 and Writing: At least 237
ESL Reading: At least 102
ESL Overall: At least 276

To satisfy the English prerequisite, one of the following is required:

Score above the prerequisite course on the placement test
Provide proof of completing college-level English
Meet one or more of the listed exemptions

Visit the FCC Testing Center

Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) duration & format varies by program. Please read individual course descriptions for details. HVAC program schedules include:

- Length: Up to 18 months
- Timing: Evening classes available
- Format: In-person participation required

Continuing Education and Workforce Development tuition varies by program. Additional program and material fees may apply. Please read individual course descriptions for details about the following:

Tuition and Fees (approximate):
- Welding Foundations (2-course series): up to $1,250
- Welding GTAW or SMAW 4G (3-course series): up to $1,980
- Welding GMAW or SMAW (3-course series): up to $2,050
A $15.00 one-time-per-year non-refundable registration fee is due at the time of your first registration of the year.
Residency fees apply to students outside Frederick County.
- Maryland students are assessed an additional $5 per course.
- Non-Maryland students are assessed an additional $10 per course.
Textbook(s): Visit the FCC Bookstore

Financial assistance options are available for eligible Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) students to offset the cost of training. Resources include:

CEWD scholarships
Workforce development funding
Program-specific financial aid opportunities
Payment Plan options

Explore Financial Assistance Options Financial Assistance Request Form

Program Facts

18Months or Less

2-3Courses

1Credential

Career Opportunities

Start your welding career with hands-on training at the Monroe Center. Build practical skills, earn industry credentials, and prepare for entry-level opportunities in one of the most in-demand trades in the region.

Skills and Competencies

Gain practical skills in welding and cutting metal, basic metallurgy, blueprint reading, and welding symbols. The GMAW and SMAW tracks extend your training into advanced welding processes, filler metal and electrode selection, equipment setup, and parameter configuration.

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Where These Skills Apply

Apply your new skills directly to manufacturing, construction, fabrication, and repair work across residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Completing your Workforce Training Certificate gives employers a recognized credential that demonstrates your technical ability and readiness to work.

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Build On What You Know

Designed for working adults, evening classes keep your schedule flexible while all coursework builds progressively from foundational welding techniques through your chosen advanced process track. Three certificate pathways are available so you can align your training with your specific career goals.

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Contact Us

Nick Morgan, Institute Manager
Construction & Applied Technologies Institute
nmorgan@frederick.edu
240.629.7902

Ysabell Lopez-Alvarez
Academic Office Manager
ylopezalvarez@frederick.edu
240.629.7912

Registration Office
Continuing Education & Workforce Development
CEInfo@frederick.edu
301.624.2888

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Welding

Program Information

Overview

Earn Credentials & Certifications

Earn Workforce Training Certificates

Eligible for Academic Credit Conversion

Get Started

Program Facts

Career Opportunities

Skills and Competencies

Where These Skills Apply

Build On What You Know

Contact Us

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