Welding and Metals Fabrication

Harness the Power of Heat and Metal to Forge a Path to In-Demand Careers

Welding student welding in lab

Program Overview

Interested in a career that fuses creativity with precision? The Welding and Metals Fabrication program at College of Western Idaho (CWI) is an ideal choice. This program provides in-depth training in key welding techniques such as Shielded Metal Arc Welding (Stick), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (MIG), Gas Metal Arc Welding (TIG), and Flux Cored Arc Welding. You will also master essential metalworking skills, including layout, cutting, and fabrication. A highlight of the program is the preparation for the American Welding Society (AWS) certification, highly valued in the industry.

Our program combines theoretical knowledge with extensive hands-on practice in our state-of-the-art workshops. You will learn from experienced professionals, gaining the skills to work on a wide range of projects, from industrial to custom metalwork. Whether starting a new career or advancing your skills, this program is your gateway to a successful career in welding and metals fabrication.

Degree or Certificate Type

Associate of Applied Science

Intermediate Technical Certificate

Basic Technical Certificate

Time to Complete

1 – 2 years

Primary Location

Program Exploration

Program Exploration – May 1

Learn more about the Welding and Metals Fabrication program, meet the instructors, and get your questions answered!

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Welding instructor demonstrating techniques to students in lab

Learning Opportunities

  • Welding Techniques: Master Stick, MIG, TIG, and Flux Cored Arc Welding, among other welding techniques.
  • Fabrication Skills: Learn layout, cutting, and fabrication for a variety of metalworking projects.
  • Safety & Standards: Adhere to industry safety standards and best practices in all operations.
  • Technical Proficiency: Develop a deep understanding of welding equipment, materials, and techniques.
  • Certifications: Be prepared for the American Welding Society industry-recognized certification.

Area of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Welding and Metals Fabrication – Associate of Applied Science Degree

Welding and Metals Fabrication – Intermediate Technical Certificate

Welding and Metals Fabrication – Basic Technical Certificate

Welder working in tunnel

Career Opportunities

  • Maintenance and Repair Workers, General

    Perform work involving the skills of two or more maintenance or craft occupations to keep machines, mechanical equipment, or the structure of a building in repair. Duties may involve pipe fitting; HVAC maintenance; insulating; welding; machining; carpentry; repairing electrical or mechanical equipment; installing, aligning, and balancing new equipment; and repairing buildings, floors, or stairs. Excludes “Facilities Managers” (11-3013) and “Maintenance Workers, Machinery” (49-9043).

    135

    Annual Openings*

    $17.97

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $37,378

    Annual Median Salary

    21.69%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

    Use hand-welding, flame-cutting, hand-soldering, or brazing equipment to weld or join metal components or to fill holes, indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products.

    53

    Annual Openings*

    $22.29

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $46,363

    Annual Median Salary

    15.73%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers

    Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.

    47

    Annual Openings*

    $28.49

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $59,259

    Annual Median Salary

    28.31%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

    Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. May install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems. Includes sprinkler fitters.

    28

    Annual Openings*

    $22.90

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $47,632

    Annual Median Salary

    38.08%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Sheet Metal Workers

    Fabricate, assemble, install, and repair sheet metal products and equipment, such as ducts, control boxes, drainpipes, and furnace casings. Work may involve any of the following: setting up and operating fabricating machines to cut, bend, and straighten sheet metal; shaping metal over anvils, blocks, or forms using hammer; operating soldering and welding equipment to join sheet metal parts; or inspecting, assembling, and smoothing seams and joints of burred surfaces. Includes sheet metal duct installers who install prefabricated sheet metal ducts used for heating, air conditioning, or other purposes.

    7

    Annual Openings*

    $22.32

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $46,426

    Annual Median Salary

    48.82%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Structural Iron and Steel Workers

    Raise, place, and unite iron or steel girders, columns, and other structural members to form completed structures or structural frameworks. May erect metal storage tanks and assemble prefabricated metal buildings. Excludes “Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers” (47-2171).

    5

    Annual Openings*

    $20.76

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $43,181

    Annual Median Salary

    51.92%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers

    Position and secure steel bars or mesh in concrete forms in order to reinforce concrete. Use a variety of fasteners, rod-bending machines, blowtorches, and hand tools. Includes rod busters.

    N/A

    Annual Openings*

    $21.89

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $45,531

    Annual Median Salary

    N/A

    Growth (2021 - 2031)*

  • Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

    Set up, operate, or tend welding, soldering, or brazing machines or robots that weld, braze, solder, or heat treat metal products, components, or assemblies. Includes workers who operate laser cutters or laser-beam machines.

    N/A

    Annual Openings*

    $16.79

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $34,923

    Annual Median Salary

    N/A

    Growth (2021 - 2031)*

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*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data.

Admissions

Step 1

  • Apply to CWI.
  • Choose Welding and Metals Fabrication as your major.

Step 2

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

STEP 3

Academic Calendar New Student Checklist

News

CWI's partnership with Idaho Job Corps serves students by connecting them to skills training and employment.

Read more about CWI's Partnership with Idaho Job Corps Helps Students Thrive

The Nagel Foundation scholarship empowers second-year career and technical education students to complete their education.

Read more about Nagel Foundation Continues Commitment to Students

Congratulations to Bradley Dougal, a 2019-2020 Nagel Foundation scholarship recipient.

Read more about Education Sparks Future

Congratulations to Harvey Kenworthy, College of Western Idaho’s Staff of the Month for March 2019.

Read more about Staff of the Month—March 2019

Emily Kominek is thriving as a Career Pioneer in the College's Welding program. 

Read more about Career Pioneer: Emily Kominek

Career and Technical Education students nominated by instructors as Emerging Professionals for 2018/19 academic year.

Read more about Emerging Professionals Nominated for Commitment, Talent, and Potential

Bridge program gives high school seniors a head start in their welding career.

Read more about Pilot Program for Welding Students

College of Western Idaho student, Yulonda King, has spent a lifetime learning to stand on her own two feet.

Read more about Standing Strong

CWI swept away the competition with 37 medals at this year's SkillsUSA State Conference.

Read more about CWI SkillsUSA Wins Big at State Competition

An Idaho inspired, one-of-a-kind work of art is in Washington D.C. for the holidays thanks to a partnership forged between a pair of Treasure Valley organizations.

Read more about U.S. Holiday Tradition has CWI Flair

On Dec. 7, the community can explore the in-demand careers available through the program's new evening courses.

Read more about Welding and Metals Fabrication Open House

The expanded training opportunities will accommodate an additional 90 students in five professional-technical programs.

Read more about CWI Adds Classes to Meet Workforce Demand
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