The Industrial / Structural Welding Certificate prepares experienced and entry-level welders to meet the rigorous demands of modern manufacturing, aerospace, energy infrastructure, and specialized fabrication industries. Focusing on advanced metallurgy, exotic materials, pipe welding procedures, and non-destructive testing principles, this hands-on program equips students to pass high-level American Welding Society (AWS) performance qualification tests.
Program at a Glance
| Program Aspect | Details |
| Award Earned | Certificate |
| Program Major | Industrial / Structural Welding |
| Core Focus | Exotic Alloys, Pipe Welding (6G), Metallurgy & AWS Code Testing |
| 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 develop high-precision trade competencies and decision-making skills in advanced welding environments:
- Exotic Materials & Alloy Welding: Master specialized welding procedures for stainless steel, aluminum, nickel alloys, and high-strength structural metals.
- Pipe Welding & Position Mastery: Develop advanced pipe welding techniques (1G through 6G positions) using SMAW, GTAW, and flux-cored processes.
- Metallurgy & Defect Analysis: Study physical metallurgy, joint design, heat-affected zone (HAZ) behavior, pre/post-heat treatments, and non-destructive testing (NDT) standards.
- AWS Performance Qualification: Practice code-compliant weld testing procedures to prepare for official AWS certification exams.
Career & Academic Pathways
Highly skilled welders capable of working with exotic alloys and pressure piping are in strong demand across shipbuilding, nuclear energy, defense manufacturing, and specialized repair sectors.
Potential Career Pathways:
- Advanced Pipe Welder
- Aerospace & Defense Fabricator
- Stainless Steel / Exotic Alloy Specialist
- Pressure Vessel Welder
- Quality Control / Weld Inspection Candidate
Stackable Degree Pathway:
All credits earned in this certificate apply directly toward MGCC's two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Technical Studies, providing a seamless bridge to higher technical credentials.
Curriculum & Course Plan
This advanced curriculum balances intensive laboratory practice with theoretical metallurgy and code interpretation.
👉 View the Complete Advanced Welding CSC Course Sequence in the Catalog
Program Contact & Admissions
Ready to master advanced welding techniques 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)
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