Fast Track Welding and Metal Fabrication

Tuition: $2,297.50 (Grant funding opportunities may be available with registration)

Class Dates: September 14, 2026 - December 17, 2026
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays • 6:00-9:00 PM                                        Labs are held on 5 Saturdays *No class on Nov. 26, 2026

Instructors: Jon Ritter (CWI) and Caleb Boyd
Location: NCMC Martin Jahn Technical Center Classroom and Lab 

Fast Track Welding prepares students for entry-level welding and fabrication work through hands-on training in NCMC’s welding classroom and lab at the Martin Jahn Technical Center. Students will develop foundational skills in welding safety, equipment setup, basic measurement and layout, welding symbols, print reading, Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG), Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), oxy-fuel torch setup and cutting, grinding, fit-up, weld quality review, and basic metal fabrication.

The program includes evening instruction and selected Saturday labs to provide additional supervised welding practice. Students will receive instruction and coaching from qualified welding instructors, including CWI support, as they build entry-level welding competencies aligned with AWS SENSE Level I Entry Welder standards.

Students who successfully complete the program will receive an NCMC Certificate of Completion, AWS Level 1, documenting 153 hours of AWS-aligned welding training and completed competencies. Students may also have the opportunity to complete AWS SENSE Level I Entry Welder assessments for selected welding processes, including GMAW, FCAW, and SMAW. AWS SENSE documentation is based on successful completion of required written and practical assessments. Course completion does not guarantee AWS Certified Welder certification, and employers may require their own pre-employment welding test.

Regional Wage and Labor Benchmarks

Based on the current data, which was gathered from seven Northern Michigan counties, the current Regional Median Wage for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers is $46,627. The National Median Wage for this field is $51,002.

This 14 week program includes: 

• Required textbook 
• Assistance with grant opportunities to cover tuition
• Access to NCMC facilities and learning resources
• Assistance with job placement

Required items students must purchase:

You may purchase the required items at the location of your choosing, such as Home Depot, Lowes, Harbor Freight, or Amazon.

• Auto darkening hood    
• FR welding jacket
• MIG welding gloves
• Safety glasses
• Welpers
• Tape measure

Optional:

• Chipping hammer
• Magnetic squares
• Sliding square
• Welding cap
• Silver streak pencil/ paint markers
• Wire brush

Students must come dressed for welding lab work every class.

Recommended:

• Long pants / work pants 
• Closed-toe work boots / Safety-toe boots

Instructor