Fast Track Welding and Metal Fabrication

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

Class Dates: January 19, 2027 - April 28, 2027                                           Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays • 5:30-8:30 PM                                      Labs are held on 5 Saturdays 

The first week, class meets on Tuesday, January 19, Wednesday, January 20, and Thursday, January 21

Spring Break: No classes March 29 - April 2

Instructors: Jon Ritter (AWS Certified Welding Inspector) and Caleb Boyd
Location: NCMC Martin Jahn Technical Center Classroom and Lab

Fast Track Welding prepares students for entry-level welding and metal fabrication careers through 153 hours of hands-on instruction aligned with American Welding Society (AWS) SENSE Entry Welder competencies.

Students will develop practical skills in Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG), Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), and Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW). Training also covers welding safety, equipment setup, basic blueprint reading, welding symbols, measurement, metal cutting, grinding, fit-up, weld quality inspection, and basic metal fabrication. Students will also learn the safe setup, operation, and shutdown of oxy-acetylene cutting equipment.

The program emphasizes supervised welding practice, including five Saturday labs, to prepare students for entry-level employment and welding performance assessments.

Students who successfully complete the program will receive an NCMC Certificate of Completion documenting 153 hours of welding training. Students may also have the opportunity to earn AWS SENSE recognition for completed welding competencies through required written and practical assessments. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in up to three welding processes through assessments aligned with American Welding Society (AWS) standards industry recognized credentials. AWS-issued credentials are subject to applicable program and assessment requirements. 

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.

Credit for prior learning: Welding (Elective Credit Awarded)

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.

Required Student Attire:

Instructor: Caleb Boyd has been hooked on the trade since 2016, after seeing his first arc. He represented his school every year in statewide Texas welding competitions and went on to become the representative of the Advanced Manufacturing Center in Denver. Caleb’s passion and skills in welding allowed him to choose nearly anywhere in the country to live, and he landed in Northern Michigan, where he has now lived and worked as a welder/fabricator for five years. Caleb is adamant that welding not only opens up the country for a person, but potentially international opportunities as well, as the trade becomes higher in demand worldwide. “One thing I’ve learned is how much freedom this path can come with, how rewarding it can be to the people who show up and apply themselves day after day,” Caleb says. “The world is waiting for you!”

Instructor: Jon Ritter grew up in Northern Michigan and graduated from Pellston high school. Enlisting in the army right after school, it was there he originally learned about welding. After getting out he moved back and attended the Industrial Arts Institute in Onaway. After years of welding for a Northern Michigan company, Jon took the leap forward to become a CWI and continue growing his knowledge in the welding industry. Jon is looking forward to teaching and sharing all the knowledge he has with upcoming students, and anyone interested in the welding field!