COMPREHENSIVE INDUSTRIAL WELDING 

19 WEEKS | 760 CLOCK HOURS

The Comprehensive Industrial Welding Program is designed to deliver an in-depth, advanced level of knowledge and practical skills across many facets of welding and fabrication. The program encompasses the following modules:

FMTO101: Fundamentals of Machine and Tool Operations

This module provides an introduction to the concepts and techniques of machine and tool operations. Upon completion of this module, the student will have the skills and technical knowledge in the setup and operation of ironworkers, oxy-acetylene torches, hydraulic shears, line burners, plasma cutting equipment, horizontal & vertical band saws, surface grinders, and various hand tools such as hand grinders and measuring instruments like rulers, tape measures, and squares.

WP101 : Practical Problems in Mathematics for Welders

This module adopts a straightforward and practical approach to mathematics, preparing students to solve the types of math problems commonly encountered by welders and metal fabricators. Each unit begins with a review of the basic mathematical procedures used in standard operations and progresses to more advanced formulas. With real-world welding examples and clear, uncomplicated explanations, this module will provide students wth the mathematical tools needed to be successful in their welding careers.

WELD101 : Basic Gas Metal Arc and Fluxed Cored Arc Welding

This module is designed to develop the introductory job skills required for welding using the MIG (GMAW) and Flux Cored (FCAW) welding processes. It will include classroom and lab skill training in these welding processes to produce all position fillet welds. Students will receive skills in electrode selection and identification, shielding gases, types of metal transfer, material identification, methods of machine set-up, and fundamental process troubleshooting.

WELD102 : Basic Gas Tungsten Arc Welding

This module is designed to develop the basic job skills required for a welder using the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) process. It will include skill training in this welding process to produce all position fillet welds on a variety of metals, including steel. Students will receive classroom and hands-on training in the selection of filler metals, equipment choice and set-up, metals identification, welding procedures, thermal cutting, AWS testing procedures, machine troubleshooting, and TIG welding terminology.

WELD103 : Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welding

This module is designed to develop the basic job skills required for a welder using the shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) process. It will include skill training to produce all position fillet welds on mild steel. Students will receive classroom and hands-on training in the selection of filler metals, equipment, and setup, as well as metals identification, welding procedures, thermal cutting, AWS testing procedures, machine troubleshooting, and SMAW welding.

WELD201 : Advanced Gas Metal Arc and Fluxed Cored Arc Welding

This module is a continuation of the WELD101 Basic GMAW/FCAW Welding. The module will focus on groove welding preparation and welding in the flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions, adhering to AWS Code welding standards. Also included will be the Pulsed GMAW (GMAW-P) on steel and aluminum, Short-circuit GMAW (GMAW-S), and FCAW on steel. Welding inspection and troubleshooting will also be covered. An American Welding Society performance qualification test will be administered by our certified welding inspectors onsite as the capstone activity in this module.

WELD202 : Advanced Gas Tungsten Arc Welding

This module is a continuation of the WELD201 Basic Gas Tungsten Welding. It will cover the welding of hot-rolled steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Also included will be advanced pulse welding and a choice of various suitable machine waveforms. The focus will be on fillet and groove welding to an AWS code condition, joint preparation and procedures, as well as AWS testing and inspection processes for hot-rolled steel, aluminum, and stainless steel. Final welder performance testing to an AWS code will be administered onsite by our certified welding inspectors as the capstone activity.

WELD203: Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding

This module is a continuation of WELD103: Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welding. It will focus on groove welding to an AWS code standard using 6010 and 7018 electrodes in the flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions. Groove preparation, fit-up, and measurement will be covered. Oxy-fueled cutting and plasma arc cutting for joint preparation are included. Inspection and testing requirements to an AWS standard will be taught. Final welder performance testing, as per an AWS code, will be administered onsite by our certified welding inspectors as the capstone activity.

WELD302 : Shielded Metal Arc Welding 2” and 6” Pipe

This module is a continuation of WELD203: Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding. It will provide training to help students develop the skills necessary to weld carbon steel pipe in all positions using the shielded metal arc welding process. The student will develop a thorough understanding of uphill pipe welding and the quality of welds. Students enrolled in the module will utilize E6010 and E7018 electrodes to deposit weld with complete joint penetration on 2″ & 6” schedule 80 mild steel pipe welded in all positions (2G, 5G, and 6G). Final welder performance testing, as per an AWS code, will be administered onsite by our certified welding inspectors as the capstone activity for this module.

WELD301 : Gas Tungsten Arc Welding 2” and 6” Pipe

This module is a continuation of WELD202 Advanced Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. The module provides training to help students develop the skills necessary to weld carbon steel pipe in all positions using the gas tungsten metal arc welding process. The student will develop a thorough understanding of pipe welding and weld quality. Students enrolled in the course will utilize tungsten electrodes to deposit weld with complete joint penetration on 2″ & 6” schedule 80 mild steel pipe welded in all positions (2G, 5G, and 6G). An American Welding Society performance qualification test will be administered by our certified welding inspectors onsite as the capstone activity.

AUWELD101 : Welding and Cutting Automation

This module is a continuation of the WELD201 Basic Gas Tungsten Welding. It will cover the welding of hot-rolled steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Also included will be advanced pulse welding and a choice of various suitable machine waveforms. The focus will be on fillet and groove welding to an AWS code condition, joint preparation and procedures, as well as AWS testing and inspection processes for hot-rolled steel, aluminum, and stainless steel. Final welder performance testing to an AWS code will be administered onsite by our certified welding inspectors as the capstone activity.

BP101 : Welding Blueprint Reading and Symbols

This module focuses on interpreting welding symbols and reading blueprints. Students will learn to identify various weld types (fillet, spot, slot, seam, groove) on shop drawings and blueprints. The aim is to equip students with the skills to interpret AWS weld symbols and blueprint information, covering essential components of blueprint reading, including lines, views, material documents, and inspection processes. Through classroom instruction and practical training, students will understand scales, legends, revision blocks, and line standards, with assessments based on practical applications.

CLCD400 : Career-Preparedness, Leadership and Character Development

This module is a five-part series focused on career preparedness, leadership, and character development. It serves as a foundational framework designed to enhance classroom instruction and improve student outcomes. The primary goal is to cultivate leadership skills, enhance career readiness, and foster both personal and professional growth among students. The curriculum follows a systematic approach to decision-making, providing insights into workplace behaviors and emphasizing the importance of physical and emotional readiness as our IAI alumni transition into their careers after completing an advanced welding and fabrication program. Students will develop and strengthen essential attributes expected of IAI alumni, including a strong work ethic, self-discipline, and personal accountability. The overarching objective is not only to produce skilled professionals and exceptional employees, but also to develop responsible and engaged citizens who make positive contributions to their communities. This holistic approach ensures that students are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the workforce and make meaningful contributions to societal development.

FAB400 : Metal Fabrication Techniques

The Metal Fabrication Techniques module provides students with a practical understanding of the principles and practices involved in metal fabrication. This hands-on course equips students with the essential skills necessary for working with various metals, utilizing fabrication tools, and applying industry-standard techniques. By the end of the module, students will be proficient in working with metal tools, interpreting technical drawings, and employing welding techniques and skills from all the program modules. The module covers topics such as metal properties, safety measures, cutting and shaping techniques, and surface finishing methods. Students will participate in projects to design and fabricate metal items from concept to completion. Engaging students in hands-on projects is a vital part of our training model. The skills and experience gained through these initiatives prepare our welding students to become the next generation of tradespeople and community leaders. Our talented welders and fabricators skillfully combined their craftsmanship with a commitment to serving communities, resulting in the successful completion of multiple projects. At the Industrial Arts Institute, we believe in the power of skilled trades to shape not only careers but also communities. Collaborating on community projects aligns with our mission to inspire a dedicated workforce and reinforce the value of project-based learning, which leaves a lasting impact.

This specialized program offers an exceptional opportunity for students aspiring to establish a career in the welding and metal fabrication industry. Participants engage in a hands-on, skilled trades training environment that mirrors real-world industry standards, allowing them to develop proficiency in welding, blueprint reading, and fabrication. Throughout the program, students cultivate not only technical expertise but also essential professional qualities such as a strong work ethic, self-discipline, personal accountability, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

The curriculum is structured with 20% classroom instruction and 80% practical training in our fully equipped welding lab. This balanced approach emphasizes mastery of welding and fabrication techniques while fostering leadership, professional habits, and competencies critical for workforce success.

The advanced program equips students to earn multiple American Welding Society (AWS) welder qualification records through rigorous training and testing administered by our experienced Welding Instructors and Certified Welding Inspectors. These qualifications enhance students’ credibility and appeal to prospective employers.

As part of our commitment to career readiness, we maintain strong industry partnerships that connect students with top recruiters, employers, and union representatives. The program includes a career preparedness, leadership, and character development module, guiding students through resume building, interview preparation, and on-site interview opportunities.

On Fridays, students look forward to stepping away from their individual welding booths to tackle small and large-scale fabrication projects. These projects not only refine technical skills but also expose students to a diverse range of fabrication machinery and collaborative work. This hands-on approach, combining craftsmanship with community service, is integral to our training model, cultivating the next generation of skilled tradespeople and community leaders.

By the program’s conclusion, students will be fully prepared to launch their careers in welding and metal fabrication with confidence, competence, and a strong professional foundation.

Student Handbook and Program Catalog

2026 Student Handbook and Program Catalog

Course Schedule

COHORT 26: August 4 – December 12, 2025
[7:45 AM- 3:45 PM Monday–Friday]

COHORT 27: January 26 – June 5, 2025

COHORT 28: August 10 – December 18, 2026

COHORT 29: January 25 – June 4, 2027

COHORT 30: August 9 – December 17, 2027

COHORT 31: January 24 – June 2, 2028

COHORT 32: August 7 – December 15, 2025

Program Costs $18,000

The tuition includes an impressive 760 hours of hands-on training, four essential textbooks, and access to various American Welding Society qualification test records. You’ll also receive all necessary welding and grinding consumables, plus two pairs of welding gloves and complete eye and hearing protection.
Required Equipment & Tools
To ensure you are fully prepared for lab and hands-on training, students are required to have a quality auto-darkening welding helmet, along with at least 20 replacement lenses (both inside and outside). It is also recommended to purchase spare parts, such as headgear and tightening knobs, that are readily available. Additionally, students must have a minimum of two long-sleeved, fire-retardant welding shirts and durable, leather steel-toe or composite boots. Students will also need a 4-1/2” angle grinder and a tool bucket containing ten standard welding tools. (estimated value of approximately $250) (student tool bucket list).
Classroom Supplies
To support your success in the classroom, students should bring the following items: a flip pocket notebook (3” x 5”), a spiral 1-subject notebook (8.5” x 10.5”), a pack of pencils, a pack of pens, and two pocket folders designed to hold 8-1/2” x 11” documents.

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