Interested in becoming a welder? The basic welding Ccertificate gives you the opportunity to get the skills needed to be an entry-level welder with a focus on gas metal arc welding (GMAW).

 

Careers in welding

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 3% growth in employment for welders, cutters, solderers and brazers from now to 2028 due to the nation’s aging infrastructures (e.g., highways, bridges and buildings).

The basic skills of welding are similar across industries making it easier for individuals trained in the field to shift from one industry to another. New jobs for welders are anticipated in manufacturing industries that produce fabricated metal products and transportation equipment.

Potential jobs include

Welders, cutters and welder fitters 

Welding, soldering and brazing machine setters, operators and Tenders

Vocational education teachers, postsecondary 

Career/technical education teachers, secondary school

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products

 

COURSE INFO

Class formats

Sandburg offers courses in a variety of formats to best fit your needs. Regardless of the format, make sure you have access to a reliable computer with high-speed internet. All courses use online resources and require you to access course information through mySandburg. The Galesburg and Carthage campuses have open computer labs for your use as a student.

Sample course schedule

The program offers both online and face-to-face class options. 

Fall semester — 16 weeks

 

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

8:30-9:20 a.m.

 

IND 100

 

 

 

9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

WEL 128 (W1) WEL 168 (W2) WEL 170 (W3)

WEL 128 (W1) WEL 168 (W2) WEL 170 (W3

WEL 128 (W1) WEL 168 (W2) WEL 170 (W3

WEL 128 (W1) WEL 168 (W2) WEL 170 (W3

 

1-2:30 p.m.

WEL 168 (W2) WEL 170 (W3)

WEL 168 (W2) WEL 170 (W3)

WEL 168 (W2) WEL 170 (W3)

WEL 168 (W2) WEL 170 (W3)

 

2:30-3:30 p.m.

WEL 125

 

WEL 125

 

 

Online

MAT 101, MFG 130

 Program total: 16 credit hours


View estimated course costs.

 

FINANCIAL AID, GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS

Learn how you can take advantage of financial aid, grants and scholarships available to Sandburg students.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) helps job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. Learn more, and complete this form to determine your eligibility.

Career and technical programs/courses follow our equal opportunity & non-discrimination statement. For more information, email the Title IX coordinator, or call 309.341.5258 or the ADA/504 coordinator at 309.341.5262.

Admission requirements

This program is an open-enrollment program, meaning there isn't any criteria students must meet to be admitted. 

Learn how to get started.