Welding

Technical Diploma
Manufacturing Cluster Icon

Why choose Welding?

  • Today, welding is an increasingly technical field, even becoming a high-tech skill and only growing in relevance and demand.
  • Students who like designing and building with metal will find a variety of career opportunities in welding, especially related to materials engineering, robotics, lasers, computer programming, and systems integration.
Welding is everywhere. Anything made of metal can be welded—from cars and motorcycles to ships and space stations, from solar panels to skyscrapers. Although its roots are ancient, welding is only growing in relevance and demand.

Program Locations

Wisconsin Rapids Campus
500 32nd Street North
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

What You'll Learn

The Welding program at Mid-State prepares graduates for a wide variety of welding jobs in production, maintenance, construction, manufacturing, and servicing industries.

You will receive hands-on instruction and practice in a number of welding processes, including shielded metal arc, gas tungsten arc, gas metal arc, submerged arc, oxyacetylene cutting, plasma arc, and arc-air cutting. You will also become familiar with various types of metals, fabrication of metals, and welding under industry codes. Successful completion of this program prepares you to take welding certification tests.

Mid-State's Welding program courses prepare students for numerous state and national certifications. None is required to complete the program; there are additional costs for testing/certification. The College does not guarantee its curriculum matches the requirements for preparation, examinations, or licensure for other states.

Estimated Entire Program Cost

Cost based on the 2023/24 academic year.

  • Tuition & Fees: $6,016.85
  • Books: $226.85
  • Supplies, Uniforms, and/or Exams: $550.00
  • Total Estimated Cost: $6,793.70

Financial Aid Eligibility

This program is eligible for full Financial Aid

Cost of Attendance

Learn more about Cost of Attendance, an estimated budget that includes categories of expenses a student can expect to incur while attending. 

This course has options available to receive credit for prior learning (CPL) or work experience.

Term: 1
  Catalog# Title Credits
  31442320 Welding Foundations 1 1
  31442313 Gas Metal Arc Welding: Introduction 3
  31442319 Shielded Metal Arc Welding: Introduction 2
  31442317 Print Reading for Welding 1
  31442314 Gas Tungsten Arc Welding: Introduction 2
-or- 30442104 Basic TIG (Stainless) 2
  31442315 Inspections and Testing in Welding 1
  32420320 Math for Manufacturing 2
-or- 10804107 College Mathematics  3
  31462318 Safety for Industrial Trades  1
  31442321 Welding Foundations 2 1
  Term Total   14-15 Credits
       
Term: 2
  Catalog# Title Credits
  31442322 Robotic Welding 2
  31442316 Metallurgy for Welding 1
  10442111 Intermediate GMAW/FCAW 3
  10442102 Intermediate GTAW (TIG) 2
-or- 30442105 Intermediate TIG (Stainless) 2
  10442103 Advanced GTAW (TIG) 2
-or- 30442106 Advanced TIG (Stainless) 2
  10457119 Fabrication Fundamentals 1 1
  10457120 Fabrication Fundamentals 2 1
  31442311 Weld Testing for GMAW & FCAW 1
  31442412 Weld Testing for SMAW & GTAW 1
  Term Total   14 Credits
       
  Program Total   28-29 Credits

Instructors

RUSSELL MOORE, AAS, BS

Russell earned his bachelor’s degree from Bellevue University and also has an associate degree in welding technology. He has over 25 years of experience working in the welding and metal fabrication industries along with eight years of postsecondary education experience.

“Skilled welders are in very high demand around the world. I enjoy providing my students with the skills they need to gain employment and be successful in this rewarding career field.”


AARON WULK, AAS, CWI, CWE

Aaron brings over 20 years of welding experience to the classroom. He earned his AAS in manufacturing operations management from Mid-State. His certifications include American Welding Society Certified Welding Inspector and Certified Welding Educator as well as Wisconsin State Weld Test Conductor. He also sits on the national SkillsUSA® Welding Sculpture committee.

“I’m passionate about welding, and when I see students take an interest in it, I just want to push them to be the best they can be, take pride in their workmanship, and achieve the next level in their education.”

Careers

  • Construction Welder
  • Fabricator Maintenance Welder
  • Production Line Welder
  • Apprenticeship
  • Maintenance Welder
  • MIG Welder
  • TIG Welder
  • Welder

Video

Fast-Track

High school students are eligible to enroll in this program and all courses required. Learn more about Mid-State Fast-Track.

“The Welding program at Mid-State taught me the important skills, techniques, and values that make it possible for me to succeed in the welding and fabrication field."

LOGAN MCKENZIE
GRADUATE

Choose Your Path

Career pathways help you take your education one step at a time to maximize your investment and make college fit your life. Earn a credential and start using it in the workforce. Continue with another stack of related courses to gain a more advanced diploma or degree.

TransferDual CreditCredit for Prior Learning

Welding Pathway