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At a Glance

Spark Up Your Welding Career with Hands-On Training

In our Welder/Advanced Welder certificate training program, you will learn a variety of welding techniques on our Augmented Reality (AR) welders, then put them into practice with plenty of hands-on training in a welding lab.

Approx. Number of Hours/Months:

120 hours/6 months

Schedule:

Courses are offered Fall & Spring

Program Cost:*

$3,173; (Financial Assistance Available)

Certification Earned:

AWS D1.1 Structural Steel

What You’ll Learn

Digital Badge Welding Carroll Community College

Students will be trained in a wide variety of welding techniques, including:

  • Styles: MIG, Flux-Cored, Stick, TIG
  • Types: Bead on Plate, T-Joint, Lap Joint, Butt Joint
  • Positions: Horizontal, Vertical, Flat
  • Material: Steel, Stainless, Aluminum with TIG

You will also learn how to read blueprints, interpret symbols, and follow specifications to fuse different metal components together. 

Curriculum

Training takes place at the Carroll County Career and Technology Center in Westminster.

For all classes, you must wear protective gear/clothing and follow specific protocols to maintain a safe working environment.

View all current course offerings. Not all courses are offered within every term schedule. 

This course provides an introduction to gas and arc welding for beginning welders. Learn the safe and proper handling of welding equipment. Topics include welding and oxy-acetylene safety, electrode/filler metal selection, metal cutting techniques, and the basics of arc, MIG and TIG welding. The proper selection of appropriate welding process and electrode for various metals is also covered. Gain practical experience with welding equipment. For safety reasons, students must wear long sleeve shirt, long pants and hard shoes. Cost includes welding helmet and additional personal safety equipment and basic tools.

Build on the skills learned in Basic Welding. Gain additional hands-on practice making welds operating oxy-acetylene and arc welding equipment safely and properly. Learn new skills and techniques using TIG, MIG and arc welders. Weld plates in various positions including flat and vertical orientations to hone your skills. Develop career skills and take the first step to prepare for the American Welding Society (AWS) certification. For safety reasons, students must wear long sleeve shirts, long pants and hard shoes. Cost includes additional personal safety equipment and basic tools. Prerequisite: Basic Welding VOC-015.

Hone your welding skills for a desired application and prepare for the American Welding Society (AWS) D1.1 Welding Certification Exam. Continue to practice your technique and prepare a test plate for evaluation as part of the exam. Supervision and feedback will be provided as you complete a project consistent with those found in the workplace and prepare for the exam. Test voucher included in course cost. Prerequisite: Advanced Welding VOC-467.

Licensure/Certification Earned

Upon successful completion of certification testing, administered during the Advanced Welding 2 class, you will receive AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Certification

Welders can earn additional certifications to enhance their skillset and increase their employment opportunities.  

Get Paid to Prepare for This In-Demand Career

Through Ratcliffe Works at Carroll, we cover up to 100% of tuition, fees, and certification testing, so there’s no financial barrier to advancing your career.

Since completing Carroll’s program, I am now working as a welder in the field. Everyday I am reminded that this is what I was meant to do.

Heidi Moore Welding Program Completer

Why Choose Carroll’s Welding Training?

  • Real-World Experience: Learn from instructors with years of industry experience.
  • State-of-the-Market Equipment: Train on Augmented Reality (AR) welders and in a fully equipped welding lab.
  • Affordable: Up to 100% of the program cost may be covered by the Ratcliffe Works grant for eligible participants.
  • Industry-Aligned Curriculum: Our program is shaped by local business leaders and industry experts, ensuring you learn the skills employers are looking for right now. View our Advisory Boards.

Career Outlook

Welders are employed in all phases of industrial operations across a wide range of industries, including construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure. This broad applicability means welding skills remain in demand across the country.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a modest 2% growth in employment for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers between 2023 and 2033, with the industry expecting to see approximately 45,800 job openings each year. These openings are largely due to retirements and workforce turnover, signaling strong replacement demand and long-term job stability.

A significant driver of continued demand is the need to maintain and repair aging infrastructure. Roads, bridges, utility systems, and public works projects require skilled welders to ensure safety and reliability. At the same time, manufacturing sectors—particularly automotive, aerospace, energy, and construction—continue to rely heavily on welding professionals to fabricate and assemble parts, machinery, and large-scale structures.

Welding remains a reliable and rewarding career path for those who enjoy hands-on work and want to enter a high-demand field. With opportunities to grow, earn competitive wages, and contribute to critical projects across industries, trained welders are essential to America’s industrial future.

  1. What is AWS D1.1?
    This is an industry-recognized certification for entry-level welding.
  2. Are there prerequisites for this program?
    No. Any skill level, including those without any welding experience, can enroll in our welding program.
  3. Do I need to bring my own equipment?
    No. The program provides all needed equipment, including an auto-darkening helmet.
  4. Do I have to learn a specific style?
    No. Our Basic class introduces you to all the main styles of welding. The Advanced class lets you practice the style you want, and Advanced 2 prepares you for the exam.
  5. Is financial assistance available?
    Yes! Through Ratcliffe Works and other programs, students may qualify to have up to 100% of the cost of the program covered. Check your eligibility today.
  6. How much do welders get paid?
    The average annual salary for welders in Maryland is $55,000, about 14% higher than the national average. (Wages are based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are estimates only.)

Get Started Today

Fill out the form below or contact our team to learn more about the program, upcoming classes, or financial assistance.

410-386-8100 | wbce@carrollcc.edu | Building A, Room 115

*Unless noted, cost does not include any required textbooks and related materials, applicable licensing fees, background check fees, testing fees or prerequisite courses.