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: 2024 Spring Semester

Term 1

11 units

AT 10
Technical Computer Applications

3 units
Effective Term: 2025 Spring Semester
This course is an introduction to computers, elements of computer hardware and software and how they are used in the workplace, and the social impact of computers. Students will experience a hands-on introduction and develop general computer skills for technical programs such as word processing, spreadsheet, presentation applications, and email. (A, CSU, UC)

AT 21
Occupational Safety and Health

2 units
Effective Term: 2025 Spring Semester
Students will learn about 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 or Construction Card. (A, CSU)

WELD 2A
Introduction to Welding Technology

6 units
Effective Term: 2025 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)

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: 2025 Fall 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)

        Major Course

        2-4 units

        Select one of the following:

        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: 2025 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)

              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)
              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: 2025 Spring 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)
                                    or

                                    WELD 130
                                    Precision Measurements

                                    3 units
                                    Effective Term: 2025 Spring 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)

                                    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: 2025 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)

                                          Term 4

                                          8 units

                                          AT 40
                                          Preparing for Employment Opportunities

                                          3 units
                                          Effective Term: 2025 Spring Semester
                                          Students will learn the importance of human relations competencies and professional workplace communications including written, oral and presentation skills in the work world. Students will develop job-seeking skills including preparing resumes, preparing portfolios and honing job search and interview skills. (A, CSU)

                                          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