Welding

Why Welding?

Welding is a foundational skill behind nearly everything built with metal, from everyday products to massive infrastructure projects. In this program, you’ll explore welding as both a skilled trade and an increasingly technical field, learning how modern welders work with advanced tools, automation, and precision systems to shape the world around us. It’s an ideal path for those who enjoy building, creating, and working with metal.

At Mid-State, you’ll gain extensive hands-on experience across multiple welding processes while learning to work with a variety of metals and fabrication techniques. The program prepares you for employment in production, construction, manufacturing, and maintenance environments and positions you to pursue industry-recognized certification testing upon completion.

Practice multiple welding and cutting processes used across modern industries.
Develop strong mechanical reasoning and applied math skills.
Apply problem-solving techniques to fabrication and joining challenges.
Train through an intensive, hands-on program focused on real-world skill development.
Qualify to complete Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) certification testing.
Enter a high-demand field with strong earning potential and diverse career opportunities.

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Program Facts

Total Credits

28 Credits

Degree Type

Technical Degree

Program Length

One Year

Delivery Method

In Person

Location

AMETA^® Center, Wisconsin Rapids

Start Dates

Fall, Spring

Estimated Program Cost

$7,032.95

View Cost of Attendance

Financial Aid Eligibility

Fully Eligible

View Types of Aid

Program Outcomes

Graduates leave ready to succeed in their careers. Each year, data from Mid-State's Graduate Survey and statewide reports show consistently high satisfaction and strong starting salaries. Here's a snapshot of what success looks like after graduation.

Career Opportunities

Fabricator Maintenance Welder

Production Line Welder

Welder

$55k Median Annual Salary

Recent program grads in Wisconsin earned a starting salary of $55,272. Source: Lightcast Data Set

644

Average Monthly Hires

644 of recent Wisconsin program grads landed jobs within six months of graduation. Source: Lightcast Data Set

100%

Mid-State Graduate Satisfaction Rate

Students leave proud, prepared, and confident in what comes next. Source: Mid-State Graduate Survey Results

Program Details

Take a closer look at what the program offers and what to expect.

Program Courses

Your course plan may vary, and you'll get a recommended sequence once you're enrolled. See below for full course details, see the program information guide, or talk with your advisor.

Program Information Guide (PDF)

Full-Time Curriculum (28-30 Total Credits)

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) options are available for some courses.

Term 1: 14-16 Credits

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10457119	Fabrication Fundamentals 1	No	1
31442311	Weld Testing for GMAW & FCAW	No	1
31442315	Inspections and Testing in Welding	No	1
31442317	Print Reading for Welding	No	1
31442320	Welding Foundations 1	Yes	1
31442323	GMAW: Introduction	No	2
31442324	GMAW: Stainless & Aluminum	No	2
31442325	FCAW: Introduction	No	2
31442413 or 10804107	Technical Math for Welding or Fabrication or College Mathematics	No or Yes	1 or 3
31462318	Safety for Industrial Trades	Yes	1
10890102	GPS for Student Success	Yes	1

Term 2: 14 Credits

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10442102 or 30442105	Intermediate GTAW (TIG) or Intermediate TIG (Stainless)	No	2
10442103 or 30442106 or 10442115	Advanced GTAW (TIG) or Advanced TIG (Stainless) or Welding Fabrication Techniques	No	2
10457120	Fabrication Fundamentals 2	No	1
31442314 or 30442104	Gas Tungsten Arc Welding: Introduction or Basic TIG (Stainless)	No	2
31442316	Metallurgy for Welding	No	1
31442319	Shielded Metal Arc Welding: Introduction	No	2
31442321	Welding Foundations 2	No	1
31442322	Robotic Welding	No	2
31442412	Weld Testing for SMAW & GTAW	No	1

Instructors

Meet our full-time instructors.

Ashley Borski, TD
Ashley completed her technical diploma in welding from Mid-State Technical College and is a Certified Associate Welding Inspector. Her background includes five years of welding experience building structural racking and bridges and two years in quality control inspection and testing, in addition to weld training. She has also served as a welding mentor for youth apprentices during her time in industry.

“I’ve always believed teaching welding is more than helping students earn a degree—it’s about watching them grow. Every day, I get to see their confidence build alongside their technical skill. I love seeing when hard work turns into pride in what they’ve created. My goal is to prepare my students not just for a job, but for whatever path they choose—whether that’s building a career here in central Wisconsin or taking their skills across the country or around the world. Being part of that journey is what makes teaching welding so rewarding.”

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.”

Program Outcomes

Employers will expect graduates of this program to be able to:

Demonstrate industry-recognized safety practices.
Interpret welding drawings.
Produce shielded metal arc welds (SMAW).
Produce gas metal arc welds (GMAW).
Produce flux core welds.
Produce gas tungsten arc welds (GTAW).
Perform cutting operations.

Employability Skills

Alongside your career training, you'll develop key workplace strengths. Explore the additional skills you'll build.

Employability Skills (PDF)

Technical Standards

To succeed in this program, you'll need to meet certain technical standards. These are the key skills and abilities needed for the program and future career success—with or without reasonable accommodations. Be sure to review them carefully before you apply.

Technical Standards (PDF)

Licensure Info

This program prepares you for licensure to work in Wisconsin. If you plan to work in another state, be sure to check that state's licensure requirements—Mid-State's program may not meet them all. If you've applied to the program and have any questions about this information, talk to your advisor.

Licensure Information (PDF)

Career pathways help you build your education step by step. Each stage offers one or more credentials that are recognized by employers and lead to real jobs—and you can keep building toward your career goals as you go.

Prior Learning

Certificate

Technical Diploma

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Get credit for what you already know. You may be able to earn college credit for prior learning through skills you’ve gained through high school classes, previous college work, self-study, military training, jobs, or volunteer experience.

Credit for Prior Learning
High School Dual Credit
Mid-State Fast-Track – Open to high school students

“Most students go to college to find good-paying careers doing something they enjoy. Mid-State gave me that and so much more, as I discovered my passion and achieved more than I ever could have anticipated.”

- Bryce C.

Mid-State Grad

“I couldn't have asked for a better education. My instructors were some of the most incredible people, and they were willing to do whatever was necessary to help everyone.”

- Leslie T.

Mid-State Grad

“Mid-State’s hands-on learning, convenient scheduling, updated technology, and instructors who can relate to the field have all helped me become successful and even advance in my career in under a year.”

- Stephanie B.

Mid-State Grad

“I value my experience at Mid-State tremendously. Even with a disability my education gave me the opportunity to join the workforce before I even graduated. Education equals opportunity.”

- Jake A.

Mid-State Grad

“My degree from Mid-State and the encouragement I received from my teachers gave me the skills and confidence to move forward in my life and excel in my career.”

- Sharon R.

Mid-State Grad

“The education I received at Mid-State has been invaluable. It built a foundation that is endlessly improving, providing excellent growth opportunities in my career.”

- Kevin B.

Mid-State Grad