The Fundamentals of Welding Career Studies Certificate (CSC) prepares students for entry-level employment and apprenticeship opportunities in modern fabrication facilities, manufacturing plants, construction sites, and repair shops. Delivering intensive hands-on workshop training, this program equips students with practical mastery across major industrial welding processes, thermal cutting techniques, blueprint interpretation, and shop safety standards.
Program at a Glance
| Program Aspect | Details |
| Award Earned | Career Studies Certificate (CSC) |
| Program Major | Fundamentals of Welding |
| Core Processes | SMAW (Stick), GMAW (MIG), GTAW (TIG), FCAW & Thermal Cutting |
| Funding Eligibility | G3 Eligible (Tuition assistance for eligible Virginia residents) |
| Stackable Pathway | Credits stack directly into MGCC's Technical Studies AAS Degree |
| Program Head | Walt Johnson — wjohnson@mgcc.edu | (540) 863-2864 |
💰 G3 Program Eligible — Low or No-Cost Tuition
This program qualifies for Virginia’s G3 Financial Assistance Program (Get a Skill, Get a Job, Get Ahead). G3 provides tuition support and financial assistance for eligible Virginia residents enrolling in high-demand technical and skilled trades programs. Contact Student Services or Financial Aid to verify your eligibility.
What You Will Learn
Students build practical trade competencies in fully equipped welding laboratories:
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW / Stick): Master stick welding techniques across joint configurations, positions, and plate thicknesses.
- Gas Metal Arc (MIG) & Flux-Cored Welding (GMAW / FCAW): Develop wire-feed welding skills for structural steel, manufacturing, and production environments.
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW / TIG): Learn high-precision TIG welding techniques on aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon steel.
- Thermal Cutting & Fabrication: Safely operate oxy-fuel torches, plasma arc cutting systems, and metal preparation machinery.
- Blueprint Reading & Welding Symbols: Interpret structural prints, welding codes, material specifications, and standardized AWS welding symbols.
Career & Academic Pathways
Demand for skilled welders remains exceptionally high across structural construction, shipyards, energy infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and custom fabrication facilities.
Potential Career Pathways:
- Entry-Level Combination Welder
- Fabrication & Structural Steel Welder
- MIG / TIG Production Welder
- Industrial Maintenance Welder
- Welding Apprentice / Assembly Specialist
Stackable Degree Pathway:
Credits earned in this certificate stack directly toward MGCC's two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Technical Studies, allowing you to build specialized trade skills while pursuing an associate degree.
Curriculum & Course Plan
This hands-on program prioritizes lab practice and practical skill development to prepare students for employer welding tests.
👉 View the Complete Fundamentals of Welding CSC Course Sequence in the Catalog
Program Contact & Admissions
Ready to start your training in the welding trades or explore G3 tuition assistance? Contact our Program Head or Student Services:
Walt Johnson — Program Head, Welding Technology
Phone: (540) 863-2864 | Email: wjohnson@mgcc.edu
Office Location: Scott Hall, Clifton Forge Campus
MGCC Student Services Suite
Phone: (540) 863-2820 | Email: admissions@mgcc.edu
Location: Backels Hall, First Floor (Clifton Forge Campus)