Real World Training for a Hands-On Career.
Welding and Fabrication Technology Diploma Program in Denver
Welding and Fabrication Technology Diploma Program in Denver
Want to train for a career that sparks real opportunity? The Welding and Fabrication Technology Diploma program at ħ¶¼×ÊÔ´Íø Tech’s Denver campus teaches you the essential skills you need to work with metal in industries like construction, automotive, manufacturing, and energy. You gain hands-on experience with Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW), and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), along with an intro to blueprint reading and welding metallurgy. Train in fully equipped welding booths and labs that mirror real job site environments and prepare for welding work in Colorado where demand is more than four times the national average1.
Forge your path forward with the Welding Technology Diploma program at our Denver, Colorado campus today.
Welding and Fabrication Technology Diploma Program Delivery
Day, afternoon, and evening programs are available. Hands-on instruction is provided on-campus, with some coursework delivered online. ħ¶¼×ÊÔ´Íø Tech also utilizes animations and simulations, so you can experience interactive learning that enhances skill development, reinforces concepts, and allows you to practice troubleshooting in a risk-free environment.
Welding and Fabrication Technology Diploma Program Length
- Total Semester Credit Hours: 30.0
- Instructional Hours: 720
- Completion Time: Approximately 32 weeks
Welding and Fabrication Technology Diploma Program Classes and Curriculum
Developed in collaboration with industry professionals, the ħ¶¼×ÊÔ´Íø Tech academic approach ensures that our programs align with current employer requirements and technological advancements. Combining technical education with practical, hands-on training, your courses are designed to provide you with entry-level welding knowledge and skills. You’re introduced to metal properties and joint designs, as you learn various welding techniques and processes, and practice safety procedures required in today’s industrial settings. And you gain invaluable skills in professionalism, customer service, and career success.
Welding and Fabrication Technology Diploma Program Learning Objectives
- Perform basic and advanced welding techniques using SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW.
- Interpret blueprints, shop drawings, and welding symbols.
- Identify and work with various metals and filler materials.
- Understand welding metallurgy and thermal cutting processes.
- Follow proper safety protocols in accordance with .
- Inspect and evaluate welds for quality and structural integrity.
- Use tools and equipment common to fabrication and repair environments.
- Communicate professionally in industrial and team-based work settings.
- Prepare for industry-recognized welding certifications.
Welding and Fabrication Technology Diploma Program Career Outcomes
As a graduate of the Welding and Fabrication Technology Diploma program in Denver, you may find entry-level employment at:
- Fabrication shops
- Structural steel manufacturers
- Construction and infrastructure companies
- Shipyards and marine fabrication yards
- Automotive and heavy equipment manufacturers
- Energy and pipeline contractors
Welding Employment Opportunities in Colorado
Students and graduates of the Welding and Fabrication Technology Diploma program may qualify to work at a variety of area businesses including organizations2 such as:
Welding and Fabrication Technology — Denver
WLDX110 — Diploma Program
CIP Code: 48.0508
SOC Code: 51-4121
Day, Afternoon, Evening ħ¶¼×ÊÔ´Íø
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 30.0 |
|---|---|
| Instructional Hours | 720 |
| Weeks to Complete — Day | Approximately 32 weeks (including holidays and scheduled breaks) |
| Weeks to Complete — Afternoon | Approximately 32 weeks (including holidays and scheduled breaks) |
| Weeks to Complete — Evening | Approximately 32 weeks (including holidays and scheduled breaks) |
Program Objective
The Welding and Fabrication Technology program prepares students for entry level welder positions. Students begin with fundamental skills in welding and cutting before advancing to more complex techniques using Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG), Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW), and Gas Tungsten Arc (GTAW/TIG). Training includes welding plate in multiple positions, as well as metal cutting and preparation using oxyfuel cutting (OFC), plasma arc cutting (PAC), and air carbon arc cutting (CAC-A).
Upon successful completion graduates should have the knowledge and skills to qualify as entry-level welders using standard industry processes. In addition to technical training, students develop professional behaviors that align with employer expectations, ensuring they are prepared for success in the workforce.
Students will be required to complete out-of-class assignment in each course. In addition to the technical training, a critical aspect of a ħ¶¼×ÊÔ´Íø education is developing the professional skills that are required by our employers. Students will need to demonstrate skill proficiency through a series of professional development activities and seminars which are integrated into each course. The modules include:
- Student Success
- Financial Literacy
- Professional Development
- Career Success
Foundation Courses
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
None |
Course Description
This course introduces the fundamental skills and knowledge required for welding and cutting operations. Students will set up and safely operate oxyfuel cutting (OFC) equipment, read and interpret welding symbols from welding detail drawings, and perform basic Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) operations. Students will also identify common weld defects, their causes, and evaluate weld quality to apply proper methods for repairing. Through hands-on practice, students will develop foundational cutting and welding skills while evaluating weld quality and safety compliance.
Core Courses
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
WEL115 |
Course Description
This course focuses on the principles, techniques, and applications of Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and introduces students to the process of Plasma Arc Cutting (PAC). Students will develop the skills to set up and safely operate SMAW and PAC equipment and materials, focusing on proper joint design, material preparation, and welding variables to produce high-quality fillet and groove welds in multiple positions. Students will also perform cleaning and grinding operations, fit-up joints, and use PAC equipment to make various types of cuts. Through hands-on practice, students will refine their welding and cutting techniques and evaluate weld and cut quality to meet industry standards.
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
WEL115 |
Course Description
This course focuses on the principles, techniques, and applications of Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and introduces students to the process of air carbon arc cutting (CAC-A). Students will develop the skills to set up and safely operate GMAW and CAC-A equipment and materials, focusing on proper electrode selection, welding variables, and material preparation to produce high-quality fillet and groove welds in multiple positions. Students will also learn to perform gouging, cutting, washing, and edge preparation using CAC-A. Through hands-on practice, students will refine their techniques and evaluate weld and cut quality to meet industry standards.
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
WEL115 |
Course Description
This course focuses on the principles, techniques, and applications of Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW). Students will develop the skills to set up and safely operate FCAW equipment and materials, focusing on proper electrode selection, welding variables, and material preparation to produce high-quality fillet and groove welds in multiple positions, both with and without shielding gas. Through hands-on practice, students will refine their welding techniques and evaluate weld quality to meet industry standards.
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
WEL115 |
Course Description
This course focuses on the principles, techniques, and applications of Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). Students will develop the skills to set up and safely operate GTAW equipment and materials, focusing on proper electrode selection and tip configuration, welding variables, and material preparation to produce high-quality fillet and groove welds in multiple positions. Through hands-on practice, students will refine their welding techniques and evaluate weld quality to meet industry standards.
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
WEL115, WEL125, WEL135, WEL145, WEL155 |
Course Description
This course focuses on using Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) in fabrication projects. Students will develop the skills to set up and safely operate welding equipment to work with various types of materials. The course emphasizes reading and interpreting technical drawings and welding symbols, along with skills in layout, cutting, bending, and assembling components. Hands-on projects help students develop the ability to fabricate and evaluate metal structures with accuracy and attention to detail, using techniques and standards common in the industry.
Notes:
Course numbers and sequences are listed here for reference only. The actual delivery sequence of courses contained in this program may vary depending on individual campus scheduling. Maximum Time Frame: 45.0 semester credits.
1 O-Net Online, , Retrieved July 9, 2025.
2 These companies have hired one or more 2021 – 2024 ħ¶¼×ÊÔ´Íø graduates to work in their field of study.
Mode of Delivery: Residential, Blended Learning or Online are the methods we may use to deliver content in each course. The Residential courses are offered on ground at the campus. Blended courses are offered by delivering a fraction of the course in an online format as well as traditional face to face method. Online courses are delivered 100% online. The Blended delivery and online delivery plan will implement distance education activities into each course in the program of study. The use of simulations, case studies, assessments and multimedia will be used to enhance the students understanding of the learning objectives outlined in the course syllabus.
The listing of credit hours is not meant to imply that credits can be transferred into college or other private career school programs. Transfer credits are at the sole discretion of the receiving school.
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