The Pipe Welding Career Studies Certificate (CSC) is designed to meet intense regional and national industry demand for highly skilled pipe welders. Focusing specifically on pressure piping, structural tubing, and industrial process systems, this hands-on program trains students in open-root pipe welding techniques, pipe layout, fit-up, and high-precision welding processes using SMAW, GTAW, and FCAW to pass American Welding Society (AWS) and ASME code performance tests.
Program at a Glance
| Program Aspect | Details |
| Award Earned | Career Studies Certificate (CSC) |
| Program Major | Pipe Welding |
| Core Focus | Open-Root Pipe (1G–6G), GTAW/SMAW/FCAW, Pipe Beveling & ASME 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 specialized, code-compliant pipe welding skills through hands-on laboratory training:
- Pipe Joint Preparation & Fit-Up: Master flame cutting, mechanical pipe beveling, land preparation, tack welding, and pipe alignment tools.
- Open-Root GTAW (TIG) Pipe Welding: Develop precision root-pass welding skills on carbon and stainless steel pipe in 2G, 5G, and 6G positions.
- SMAW (Stick) Pipe Welding: Practice heavy-wall pipe fill and cap passes using E6010 and E7018 electrodes.
- Flux-Cored & MIG Pipe Welding (FCAW / GMAW): Learn semi-automatic pipe welding procedures used in high-production industrial facilities.
- Code Compliance & Quality Inspection: Interpret welding procedure specifications (WPS), structural codes (AWS D1.1 / ASME Section IX), and non-destructive examination principles.
Career & Academic Pathways
Pipe welders are among the highest-paid trade specialists, serving critical roles in industrial manufacturing, energy infrastructure, mechanical contracting, and refinery maintenance.
Potential Career Pathways:
- Industrial Pipe Welder / Combination Welder
- Industrial Pipefitter & Welder
- Refinery & Process Plant Welder
- Mechanical Contractor Welder
- Pressure Vessel Fabricator
Stackable Degree Pathway:
All 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 completing your associate degree.
Curriculum & Course Plan
This specialized curriculum combines intensive lab hours with pipe layout, drafting, and code interpretation.
👉 View the Complete Pipe Welding CSC Course Sequence in the Catalog
Program Contact & Admissions
Ready to master pipe 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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