Welding Technology, Metal Fabrication Option – Major #8371

Certificate of Achievement Program Map

The program map below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this path. It is always recommended that you meet with your pathway counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.


Instruction in the design and fabrication of metal projects by welding. Skills will be taught in design, manufacturing processes, production techniques, and material cost estimation.


Upon completion of the program, students will:
  1. 1. Given an idea or description, students will be able to design and plan the construction of one or more advanced metal fabricated projects.
  2. 2. From design and specifications, students will be able to determine estimated steel weights, and cost calculations.
  3. 3. Students will be able to demonstrate the proper safety precautions, setup and use of tools and equipment common to metal fabrication.
  4. 4. In the construction of their project, students will apply various types of welds and other joining processes with quality workmanship to assemble the metal components of advanced projects.
Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester

Term 1

11 units

AT 10
Technical Computer Applications

3 units
Effective Term: 2021 Spring Semester
An introduction to computers, elements of computer hardware and software and how they are used in the workplace, and the social impact of computers. Hands-on introduction and development of general computer skills for technical programs such as word processing, spreadsheet, presentation applications, and email. (A, CSU, UC)
Course Details:
      1. CSU Transfer Course
      1. D3 - Anaylitical Thinkning

      AT 21
      Occupational Safety and Health

      2 units
      Effective Term: 2021 Spring Semester
      Employer and employee responsibility, federal and state legislation, accident reports, industrial hygiene, personal protective equipment, materials handling and storage, hazard communication, guarding machines and mechanisms, hand and portable power tools, electrical safety, and fire protection. If the specific attendance and testing requirements are met, students in this class may be eligible to receive the Federal or California OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 General Industry Card. (A, CSU)
      Course Details:
      1. Advisory: AT 10

            WELD 2A
            Introduction to Welding Technology

            6 units
            Effective Term: 2024 Spring Semester
            This course features Oxy-Fuel Cutting (OFC), Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. An emphasis on good manipulative welding skills for joining steel, stainless steel and aluminum. Use of various electrodes. An introduction to the electrode and base metal classification system. (A, CSU)
            Course Details:
            1. Corequisite: WELD 130
              1. CSU Transfer Course

                WELD 2A and 2B can be replaced with WELD 6A, 6B, and 6C. Recommend WELD 2B as a prerequisite for WELD 3A.

                Term 2

                10-12 units

                CADD 22
                CAD for Fabrication

                3 units
                Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester
                This course covers creating Sheet metal, fasteners and welding drawings using solid modeling practices. Use of precision measuring tools and tolerances will also be covered. Industry Certified Exams. (A, CSU)
                Course Details:
                    1. CSU Transfer Course

                      WELD 2B
                      Advanced Multi-Process Welding

                      5 units
                      Effective Term: 2024 Spring Semester
                      Take your welding skills to the next level by welding in the vertical and overhead position with the Shielded Metal Arc, Gas Metal Arc, Flux Cored Arc and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding along with Air Carbon Arc Gouging and Plasma Cutting. Materials used will cover mild steel, aluminum and stainless steel. The techniques learned will help prepare students to specialize in Welding Fabrication and or Pipe and Structural Steel programs offered at Fresno City College. (A, CSU)
                      Course Details:
                      1. Prerequisite: WELD 2A
                        1. CSU Transfer Course

                          Major Course

                          2-4 units

                          Select one of the following:

                          AT 140
                          Introduction to Machine Shop

                          3 units
                          Effective Term: 2021 Spring Semester
                          Introduction to machine shop equipment in regards to safety, operation and application. (A)
                          Course Details:

                                  CAM 10
                                  CNC Mill Programming & Operation I

                                  4 units
                                  Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester
                                  The CAM 10 class is an entry-level core class for learning CAD/CAM software and machine tool programming. Students will be learning Mastercam and Fusion 360 CAD/CAM software for the purpose of product design and part manufacturing. (A, CSU)
                                  Course Details:
                                      1. CSU Transfer Course

                                        ENGR 10
                                        Introduction to Engineering

                                        2 units
                                        Effective Term: 2023 Spring Semester
                                        This course explores the branches of engineering, the functions of an engineer, and the industries in which engineers work. Explains the engineering education pathways and explores effective strategies for students to reach their full academic potential. Presents an introduction to the methods and tools of engineering problem solving and design including experimentation, data analysis, computer and communication skills, and the interface of the engineer with society and engineering ethics. (A, CSU, UC)
                                        Course Details:
                                        1. Advisory: ENGL 1A
                                          1. CSU Transfer Course

                                            ENGR 11
                                            Manufacturing Processes

                                            3 units
                                            Effective Term: 2023 Spring Semester
                                            Processing and manufacturing techniques for steel, ceramics, polymers, composites and other industrial materials. Topics include the capabilities and limitations of casting, welding, forming, and machining. Demonstrations and field trips may be included. (A, CSU, UC)
                                            Course Details:
                                                1. CSU Transfer Course

                                                  WELD 3C
                                                  Custom Metal Fabrication

                                                  2.5 units
                                                  Effective Term: 2024 Spring Semester
                                                  This course is a continuation of Weld 3B and allows students to use the skills learned in the previous class to fabricate custom projects. (A, CSU)
                                                  Course Details:
                                                  1. Prerequisite: WELD 3B
                                                    1. CSU Transfer Course

                                                      WELD 10
                                                      Pipe and Tube Fitting

                                                      2 units
                                                      Effective Term: 2024 Spring Semester
                                                      This course assists students in pipe and tube fitting, measurements, patterns, marking and layout tools used in the pipe welding industry. Techniques of fitting and cutting various pipe and tubing joint designs will be practiced. (A, CSU)
                                                      Course Details:
                                                      1. Prerequisite: WELD 3B
                                                      2. Prerequisite: WELD 4B
                                                        1. CSU Transfer Course

                                                          WELD 56
                                                          Print Reading for Welders

                                                          2 units
                                                          Effective Term: 2024 Spring Semester
                                                          Print reading for welders will introduce you to the basic fundamentals of print reading and welding symbol interpretation as required by the welding trade. (A, CSU)
                                                          Course Details:

                                                                  Term 3

                                                                  11 units

                                                                  3 units

                                                                  AT 130
                                                                  Precision Measurements

                                                                  3 units
                                                                  Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester
                                                                  The successful completion of the course enables students to demonstrate a solid understanding of the fundamentals of working with precision measurement instruments. The skills acquired during this comprehensive course are valuable TOOLS FOR LIFE that can lead to rewarding careers in a vast array of industries in the global marketplace. Precision measuring is the cornerstone of quality in products and services many people rely upon each day. (A)
                                                                  Course Details:
                                                                          or

                                                                          WELD 130
                                                                          Precision Measurements

                                                                          3 units
                                                                          Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester
                                                                          The successful completion of the course enables students to demonstrate a solid understanding of the fundamentals of working with precision measurement instruments. The skills acquired during this comprehensive course are valuable TOOLS FOR LIFE that can lead to rewarding careers in a vast array of industries in the global marketplace. Precision measuring is the cornerstone of quality in products and services many people rely upon each day. (A)
                                                                          Course Details:

                                                                                  DRAFT 12
                                                                                  Drafting Practices

                                                                                  3 units
                                                                                  Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester
                                                                                  This course covers freehand sketching, orthographic projection, measuring devices, geometric construction, pictorial drawing and dimensioning. (A, CSU)
                                                                                  Course Details:
                                                                                      1. CSU Transfer Course

                                                                                        WELD 3A
                                                                                        Welding Design and Fabrication

                                                                                        5 units
                                                                                        Effective Term: 2024 Spring Semester
                                                                                        Learn the fundamentals of metal fabrication. Understanding and demonstrating the various methods of constructing projects will be covered, along with understanding and developing the necessary skills to properly utilize various pieces of equipment to fabricate projects from a set of plans. As part of being a successful fabricator, learning how to adapt to changes in the manufacturing process is critical. (A, CSU)
                                                                                        Course Details:
                                                                                        1. Prerequisite: WELD 2B
                                                                                        2. Corequisite: CADD 22
                                                                                        3. Advisory: DRAFT 12
                                                                                          1. CSU Transfer Course

                                                                                            Term 4

                                                                                            8 units

                                                                                            AT 40
                                                                                            Preparing for Employment Opportunities

                                                                                            3 units
                                                                                            Effective Term: 2021 Spring Semester
                                                                                            Development of human relations competencies and professional workplace communications including written, oral and presentation skills in the work world. Development of job-seeking skills including preparing resumes, preparing portfolios and honing job search and interview skills. (A, CSU)
                                                                                            Course Details:
                                                                                            1. Advisory: AT 10

                                                                                                  WELD 3B
                                                                                                  Intermediate Welding Design and Fabrication

                                                                                                  5 units
                                                                                                  Effective Term: 2024 Spring Semester
                                                                                                  Applying the theory and skills learned in Weld 3A, students will expand their welding and fabrication skills to build independent projects, advancing their knowledge and skills necessary to start working in the welding fabrication industry. A continuation of Welding 3A in the design, construction and finishing of welded projects. (A, CSU)
                                                                                                  Course Details:
                                                                                                  1. Prerequisite: WELD 3A
                                                                                                    1. CSU Transfer Course
                                                                                                      Total: 40-42 units