Associate of Applied Science

The Industrial Welding and Metal Fabrication A.A.S. degree program at Helena College is designed to equip students with a comprehensive education, preparing them for success in the diverse fields of welding and metal fabrication. This program addresses the varied demands of the industry, enabling graduates to secure employment in a wide range of high-earning potential areas.

The curriculum offers extensive hands-on experience, with over 1500 hours of practical training using the latest industry equipment. It also includes coursework in problem-solving skills, communication, and workplace relationships. Upon completing the program, students will earn an Associate of Applied Science degree.

Helena College provides instruction on advanced fabrication equipment and welding machines, all supported by software. Students will learn to operate CNC plasma tables, CNC press brakes, ironworkers, shears, and welding positioners. As one of ten nationwide regional training facilities for Miller Electric, Helena College offers students advanced opportunities with the latest technologies.

Safety is a key focus, and students receive hands-on, theoretical, and technical training in various welding processes, including shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), flux cored arc welding (FCAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), gas metal arc welding pulse (GMAW-P), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), and submerged arc welding (SAW). The program also covers plasma arc, oxy-fuel, and carbon arc cutting processes in detail. Under the guidance of experienced welding professionals, students develop strong fitting and fabrication skills through extensive hands-on training, including the fabrication of various projects.

The Helena College Welding Program is an Institutional Educational Member of the American Welding Society since Spring Semester 2013, adhering to the highest standards set by the society.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Practice industry standards for safety and compliance.
• Demonstrate proper applications for different cutting processes and equipment.
• Demonstrate proper applications for different welding processes, codes and procedures.
• Interpret industrial blueprints.
• Demonstrate entry level industry welding skills upon program completion.
• Identify and demonstrate the proper use of manufacturing equipment.
• Demonstrate proper applications for advanced cutting and welding processes and equipment.

Note: The Industrial Welding & Metal Fabrication Program requires tools outlined in the Equipment and Tool section of this program.

Requirements

Plan of Study Grid

Semester 1		Credits
M 111	Technical Mathematics (Fall only) 1	3
WLDG 107	Industrial Safety for Welding (Fall only) 2	2
WLDG 112	Cutting Processes (Fall only)	3
WLDG 135	GMAW Theory and Practical Ap (Fall only)	5
WLDG 181	SMAW Theory and Practical App (Fall only)	5
	Credits	18
Semester 2
WLDG 137	Blueprint Read, Layout/Beg Fab (Spring only)	7
WLDG 141	GTAW Theory and Prac App (Spring only)	4
WLDG 151	Shop Practices (Spring only)	4
COMX 106	Comm in a Dynamic Workplace (Spring only)	3
	Credits	18
Semester 3
WLDG 213	Pipe Welding I Lab	6
WLDG 246	Adv Metal Form/Fabri Theory/PA	5
WLDG 257	Cutting Processes II	5
	Credits	16
Semester 4
WLDG 227	Adv Join Proc Theory/Prac App	6
WLDG 245	Metal Fab Design/Construction	5
WLDG 299	Industrial Welding Capstone	5
	Credits	16
	Total Credits	68

¹

M 111 is the mathematics class recommended for students in the skilled trades programs, but other higher mathematics classes may be substituted.

²

Students must earn a C- or higher in order to successfully complete a course. To advance, all previous semester classes must be passed with a C- or higher.

Note: The suggested sequence in this catalog is for students entering in the fall semester. Please see your advisor for a suggested spring entry sequence.

Equipment and Tool Ordering Procedure

Students do not purchase tools through the College. Tool costs vary depending on the vendor; approximates are average costs. Tools may take several weeks to arrive, and vendors will not deliver without full payment. A commitment sheet in writing from your vendor on the latest possible delivery date is advised before ordering.

Tool vouchers may be available for students who are eligible and have completed all requirements for enough financial aid to cover all tuition, fees, and the cost of tools. Tool vouchers may be obtained through Student Accounts.

Industrial Welding and Metal Fabrication Equipment and Tool Set

$800 - $1200 (Approximately)

Students are expected to have required safety equipment and tools by the end of the first week of class.

1. Safety Equipment: (Harbor-Freight/Amazon)
2. Safety Glasses- Multiple Pairs
3. Steel Toe Boots- Leather
4. Welding Equipment: (General Distributing/American Welding & Gas)
5. Welding Hood- Auto Darkening
6. Welding Gloves-Leather
7. Welding Jacket- 100% Cotton/Leather Sleeves/ 100 % Leather
8. Welding Cap- 100% Cotton
9. Cutting Goggles- Minimum Shade #5
10. Hand Tools: (Harbor Freight/Amazon)
11. Standard Allen Wrench Set
12. Screwdrivers (Both Philips and Flathead)
13. Open end Wrench set up to 3/4”
14. Hand Wire Brushes (Carbon and Stainless)
15. Roll of Electrical Tape
16. 8” Slip Joint Pliers
17. MIG Pliers
18. Set of Cleaning Picks
19. 3/8” Drive Socket Set
20. Small Flashlight
21. Carpenters Square
22. Framing Squares (1 large and 1 small)
23. 10” Crescent Wrench
24. 25’ Tape Measure
25. Magnetic Torpedo Level
26. Ball Peen Hammer
27. Chipping Hammer
28. Cutting Tip Cleaner
29. Friction Lighter (Striker)
30. 4-Piece File Set
31. USB Flash Drive
32. Small Punch Set (Center Punch, Chisel, Pin Punch, and Drift Punch)
33. Three Piece Square Set (Combination Square, centering, and Angle Head)
34. Stencil Set (For Metal)
35. (2) 8” C-Clamps (Steel)
36. (2) 6” Hand Clamps (Steel)
37. 4-1/2” Grinder with Guard
38. Knotted Wire Wheel for 4-1/2” Grinder
39. Flap Disc for 4-1/2” Grinder
40. Sharpies (Black and Silver)
41. Scribe (With Magnet)
42. Soap Stone
43. Silver Marking Pencils
44. Fillet Weld Gauges
45. V-WAC Gauges
46. Large Pipe Wedge
47. Pipe Wrap
48. Construction Calculator (Not Estimator)
49. Small Drafting Kit
50. 24” Flex Rule