Ignite Your Career with a Welding Technology Diploma
Take your skills to the next level with a Welding Technology Diploma from Iowa Lakes. Our AWS Certified, hands-on program provides the technical training and real-world experience needed to become a skilled welder, fabricator, or metalworker in just two terms. With the growing demand for welders across manufacturing, construction, automotive, and agriculture, this diploma prepares you for high-paying, high-demand welding and metal fabrication careers.
At Iowa Lakes, you’ll train in state-of-the-art welding labs, working with industry-standard equipment and learning from experienced professionals. The curriculum covers shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (MIG), gas tungsten arc welding (TIG), and flux-cored arc welding (FCAW). You’ll also develop expertise in blueprint reading, metal cutting, and fabrication techniques, ensuring you graduate with the skills needed to succeed in the workforce.
With substantial industry partnerships at Iowa Lakes, we provide on-the-job training opportunities, giving you real-world experience before graduation. Through hands-on projects, students gain practical knowledge in welding safety, metallurgy, and advanced welding processes. Many graduates secure employment before finishing the program, thanks to the many connections Iowa Lakes has developed with leading manufacturers, construction companies, and fabrication shops.
As industries continue to rely on skilled welders, the need for qualified professionals remains strong. Explore career opportunities and salary expectations through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Workers Outlook.
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Hands-On Training & Career Pathways
Master the Art of Welding with Industry-Driven Training
The Welding Technology Diploma at Iowa Lakes provides students with the technical expertise and hands-on experience needed to enter the workforce as skilled welders and metal fabricators. This program covers key areas of welding, including:
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) – Stick welding techniques for structural applications
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG) – High-speed welding for industrial and manufacturing settings
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG) – Precision welding for aluminum, stainless steel, and specialty metals
- Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) – High-strength welding for heavy-duty applications
- Blueprint reading, metal fabrication, and welding safety
Program Details
Length
2 terms
Degree
Diploma (35 credits)
Campus
Emmetsburg
Training
Internship/Practicum
Your Career Pathway: Additional Degree & Certificate Options
Additional Information
Term 1
COM 723 – Workplace Communications†
Developing skills in reading, writing and listening as they apply to students’ vocational needs.
WEL 121 – Oxy Fuel Welding & Cutting
Oxy-acetylene welding in correlation with identification of metals; care and use of welding equipment; selection of rods and fluxes; and safety. Lecture and laboratory. (Formerly WE-111C)
WEL 228 – Introduction to Welding, Safety and Health of Welders
This course will provide students with orientation to the welding profession and will cover the basics of safety & health within the welding profession. This course aligns to SENSE Level 1, Module 1 and Module 2 – Key Indicators 1-6.
WEL 233 – Print Reading and Welding Symbol Interpretation
Provides instruction in interpreting elements of welding prints (drawings or sketches), focusing on measurement, American Welding Society welding symbols, and fabrication requirements. Students will understand how to prepare, assemble and tack welding parts according to drawings or sketches, using proper materials and tools. This course aligns to SENSE Level 1 Module 3: Drawing and Welding Symbol Interpretation, Key Indicators 1 and 2.
WEL 254 – Welding Inspection and Testing Principles
Students will visually examine test weldments and thermally cut surfaces per multiple welding codes, standards, and specifications. This course aligns to SENSE Level I, Module 9: Welding Inspection and Testing Principles.
WEL 274 – Shielded Metal Arc Welding I
Focuses on safety, amperage settings, polarity and the proper selection of electrodes for the shielded metal arc welding process. Students will perform American Welding Society compliant welds on carbon steel, using visual and destructive methods for determining weld quality. This course aligns to SENSE Level 1 Module 4 – Key Indicators 1-7 for the flat and horizontal positions, as well as Module 2 – Key Indicator 7, Module 3 – Key Indicator 3, and Module 9 – Key Indicator 2.
WEL 275 – Shielded Metal Arc Welding II
Focuses on safety, amperage settings, polarity and the proper selection of electrodes for the Shielded Metal Arc Welding (informally known as stick welding) process. Students perform American Welding Society complaint welds on carbon steel, in vertical up and overhead configurations, using visual and destructive methods for determining weld quality. This course aligns to SENSE Level 1 Module 4: Shielded Metal Arc Welding Key Indicators 1-7 for the flat and horizontal positions, as well as Module 2 – Key Indicator 7, Module 3- Key Indicator 3, and Module 9 – Key Indicator 2.
Term 2
MAT 772 – Applied Math
A course in elementary mathematical skills for technicians. Topics covered include fundamental operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals and signed numbers; percents; geometric figures and basic constructions; area and volume formulas; English/Metric systems; measurements; and basic algebraic equations and applications.
WEL 179 – Special Processes/Procedures
Ferrous to ferrous, nonferrous to nonferrous hard surfacing used in the welding field today. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisites: WEL 121 – Oxy Fuel Welding & Cutting
WEL 244 – Gas Metal Arc Welding Short Circuit Transfer
Focuses on proper weld safety, machine setup and welding techniques of Gas Metal Arc Welding Short-Circuiting Transfer. Students perform American Welding Society compliant welds on carbon steel, in flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead positions. This course will prepare students to take an AWS welder certification test, which is recommended. This course aligns with SENSE Level 1 Module 5 Key Indicators 1-7.
WEL 245 – Gas Metal Arc Welding Spray Transfer
Focuses on proper weld safety, machine setup and welding techniques of Gas Metal Arc Welding Spray Transfer. Students perform American Welding Society compliant welds on carbon steel in flat and horizontal positions. This course will prepare students to take an AWS welder certification test, which is recommended for it’s successful completion. It aligns with SENSE Level 1 Module 5 Key Indicators 1, 2 and 8-12, as well as Module 2 – Indicator 7, Module 3- Key Indicator 3, and Module 9 – Key Indicator 2.
WEL 251 – Gas Tungsten Arc Welding for Carbon Steel
Focuses on proper weld safety, machine setup and welding techniques for Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. Students perform American Welding Society compliant welds on carbon steel in flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead positions. This course will prepare students to take an AWS welder certification test, which is recommended for successful completion of this course. This course aligns to SENSE Level 1, Module 7 – Key Indicators 1-7, as well as Module 2 – Key Indicator 7, Module 3- Key Indicator 3, and Module 9 – Key Indicator 2.
WEL 252 – Gas Tungsten Arc Welding for Aluminum
Focuses on proper weld safety, machine setup and welding techniques for gas tungsten arc welding. Students perform American Welding Society compliant welds on aluminum in flat and horizontal positions. This course will prepare students to take an AWS welder certification test, which is recommended for successful completion of this course. This course aligns to SENSE Level I, Module 7 Key Indicators 1, 2 and 13 – 17, as well as Module 2 – Key Indicator 7, Module 3- Key Indicator 3, and Module 9 – Key Indicator 2.
WEL 253 – Gas Tungsten Arc Welding for Austenitic Stainless Steel
Focuses on proper weld safety, machine setup and welding techniques for Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. Students perform American Welding Society compliant welds on austenitic stainless steel in flat, horizontal, and vertical positions. This course will prepare students to take an AWS welder certification test, which is recommended for successful completion of this course. This course aligns to SENSE Level I, Module 7 Key Indicators 1, 2 and 8-12 as well as Module 2 – Key Indicator 7, Module 3- Key Indicator 3, and Module 9 – Key Indicator 2.
WEL 315 – Pipe Welding-SMAW/Gas Pipe
This is an advanced welding course designed to give students theory and application of pipe welding according to the API 1104 welding code. Students will use shielded metal arc welding and oxy fuel welding processes in the horizontal fixed position. Students will complete qualified welding procedures for welding natural gas pipes.
Prerequisites: WEL 228 – Intro to Welding, Safety & Health, WEL 121 – Oxy Fuel Welding & Cutting & WEL 274 – SMAW I
General Education & Program Learning Outcomes
In the Welding Technology program at Iowa Lakes, you will learn how to:1
- Demonstrate excellent manual welding skills.
- Operate the tools and equipment necessary for manual and semi-automatic welding processes.
- Produce welds using:
• Oxyfuel welding
• Shielded metal arc welding
• Gas metal arc welding
• Gas tungsten arc welding
• Flux Core arc welding - Produce cuts on oxyfuel cutting torch and plasma cutting torch.
- Demonstrate pride in his/her knowledge and skill.
1The What You’ll Learn section of our website provides a description of Learning Outcomes for students who successfully complete all requirements for obtaining a Welding diploma from Iowa Lakes Community College.
Industry Certifications & Real-World Experience
Employers seek certified welders, and Iowa Lakes ensures graduates gain the training and credentials that set them apart in the workforce. Certification opportunities include:
- American Welding Society (AWS) certifications
- OSHA safety certifications
- Industry-recognized welding qualifications
Through strong industry partnerships, Iowa Lakes provides students real-world welding experience, including on-the-job training opportunities and collaborations with leading manufacturers and fabrication companies. Many graduates secure employment before completing the program, ensuring a seamless transition into the workforce.
Additional Information
Iowa Lakes Welding Program has been designated as an Educational Institution Member of the American Welding Society (AWS) as an AWS Level 1 and Level 2 SENSE School (Schools Excelling through National Standards Education). All graduating students will be entered into the national registry and will receive a certificate for their participation. Students take both a written test as well as a performance test.
As an AWS Accredited Training Facility (ATF), the college is listed on the national registry as a certified participating organization.
As an Accredited Testing Facility, Iowa Lakes plays a vital role in certifying welders through the AWS Certified welding program. Iowa Lakes welding students have the opportunity to take a Welder performance Qualification Exam and obtain a Certified Welder Certification Document.
Hands-On
Training
Career-Ready
Day One
Opportunities, Earnings & Growth
Projected Employment Growth
.2%
Potential Careers
Manufacturing, Pipeline Welding, Self Employment, Fabrication, Ship Construction, Structural Steel Worker
Projected Earnings
Iowa Workforce
$50,107
Average Salary
US Bureau of Labor
$52,640
Average Salary
START YOUR LAKER JOURNEY IN 4 STEPS!
Questions? Let's Talk
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Morgan Clabaugh Welding Program Instructor 712-852-5272 | mclabaugh@iowalakes.edu |
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Joseph Holtz Welding Instructor 712-852-5233 | jholtz@iowalakes.edu |