Welder/Advanced Welder Certificate

Welding I provides a foundational introduction to gas and arc welding for beginning welders looking to get into the industry. Students learn the safe and proper handling of welding equipment, including oxy-acetylene and arc welding systems. Instruction covers welding safety practices, electrode and filler metal selection, metal cutting techniques, and the fundamentals of arc, MIG (GMAW), and TIG (GTAW) welding processes. Students gain hands-on experience operating welding equipment in a controlled lab environment. For safety reasons, students must wear long-sleeve shirts, long pants, and hard shoes. Course cost includes a welding helmet, required personal protective equipment, and basic tools.

Welding II builds on the skills and knowledge developed in Welding I, with increased emphasis on technique refinement, positional welding, and career readiness. Students gain additional hands-on experience safely operating oxy-acetylene, MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), and arc welding equipment. Instruction focuses on developing consistent weld quality while welding in multiple positions, including flat and vertical orientations. Students continue to strengthen processselection skills and apply industry-standard practices in preparation for advanced training and American Welding Society (AWS) certification pathways. For safety reasons, students must wear long-sleeve shirts, long pants, and hard shoes. Course cost includes additional required personal protective equipment and basic tools.

Prerequisite: Welding I or equivalent experience.

1. What is AWS D1.1?
   AWS D1.1 is a widely recognized structural welding code established by the American Welding Society (AWS). It sets quality and performance standards for welding structural steel and is commonly required for welders working in construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects. Welders who pass an AWS D1.1 performance qualification test demonstrate their ability to produce welds that meet industry standards.
2. What types of welding certifications can I earn in Maryland through this program?
   Carroll’s program prepares students for the AWS D1.1 Structural Steel performance qualification, a nationally recognized credential issued in accordance with American Welding Society (AWS) standards. This qualification is widely accepted by employers in industries such as construction, manufacturing, fabrication, and shipbuilding.
3. What is the difference between the Welder I and Welder II Certificates at Carroll?
   The Welder I and Welder II Certificates are stackable, allowing students to progress from foundational skills to advanced certification preparation.
   • Welder I Certificate (VOC-153 – Welding I)
     • Introduces welding safety, equipment, and basic techniques
     • Covers MIG, TIG, stick, and oxy-acetylene welding
     • Focuses on foundational skills and proper welding practices
   • Welder II Certificate (VOC-154 – Welding II)
     • Builds on basic skills with more complex welds and techniques
     • Emphasizes flat and vertical welds and precision work
     • Provides extensive hands-on practice with MIG, TIG, and stick welding
     • Prepares students for the AWS D1.1 weld test, which can be taken in the optional Welding Certification Prep course (VOC-155).

   Completion of the Welding I course is required before enrolling in Welding II.

4. How long does the welding program take to complete?
   The full Welder Certificate sequence includes approximately 120 hours of instruction. Depending on course availability and student scheduling, the program can be completed in 6 months to 1 year. Courses are offered in the Fall and Spring and are designed to accommodate working adults.
5. Is hands-on welding experience included in the curriculum?
   Yes. The program emphasizes hands-on training and includes:
   • Live welding labs that simulate real-world work environments
   • Instruction using MIG, TIG, stick, and flux-cored welding equipment
6. Are there prerequisites for this program?
   No prior welding experience is required. The program is open to students of all skill levels, including beginners with no previous welding background.
7. Do I need to bring my own equipment?
   No. All required welding equipment is provided, including auto-darkening helmets and safety gear used during training.
8. Do I have to learn a specific style?
   No. The Welding I course introduces students to multiple welding processes. In the Welding II course, students have the opportunity to focus on specific welding styles and techniques aligned with their career interests and certification goals.
9. Does welding take a lot of math?
   Welding requires basic math and measurement skills, including:
   • Measuring and converting units
   • Understanding angles and basic geometry
   • Reading blueprints and welding specifications
   • Interpreting gauges and gas mixture settings

   While advanced math is not required, comfort with numbers and spatial reasoning is important for accuracy, quality, and safety.

10. Is financial assistance available?
    Yes! Through Ratcliffe Works and other programs, you may qualify to have up to 100% of the cost of the program covered. Check your eligibility today.