Welding & Fabrication
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Welding & Fabrication Technology

Learn to build awesome things—from bridges to vehicles—in record time. 

In fact, you can earn a certificate in Welding and Fabrication Technology from Oakland Community College in just one semester. Then, you can embark on a challenging—yet always rewarding—career as a welder-fabricator. 

Register for National Signing Day 2025

Are you starting this program in Fall of 2025? If so, you qualify to participate in OCC’s National Signing Day.  Be celebrated, meet faculty and students, sign your letter of intent, get OCC branded merch. Sign up today. Registration closes April 1.

Paint the (Economic) Picture 

Annual salaries for welder-fabricators in the Detroit metro area range from $28,180 to $71,200. The average salary is $41,860. Remember: Salaries always depend on experience and—you guessed it—education. We can help you there! Explore local jobs.

Job Market Outlook

Let’s Go! 

So, why should you choose Oakland Community College for your Welding and Fabrication Technology training? Well, consider these benefits: 

  • Affordable tuition
  • Small class sizes
  • Expert faculty members
  • Career services, counseling, and support programs
  • Internships and apprenticeships 

Success in our program—and in welding roles—requires hard work and a lot of technical competencies. We’ll prepare you. Bring your best effort! 

Olivia Peleg

Dad's Birthday Gift Sparks Interest in New Career 

“If you are unsure about your career pursuits, I highly advise going to a community college first. You can save so much money and explore classes that may lead to a career you love.” Read Olivia's Story

Hands-On Training 

Your classes equip you with a lot of knowledge—and serious skill. You go far in a short amount of time. At first, you learn the principles of welding as well as safety measures. Then, you begin your hands-on training, where you learn four different welding processes, including: 

  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
  • Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
  • Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
  • Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) 

You also gain skills in: 

  • Thermal cutting (oxyfuel, plasma arc, and air carbon arc methods)
  • Engineering
  • Fabrication
  • Welding math and measurement
  • Blueprint reading

Build Your Future (Quickly) 

We offer two certificates in Welding and Fabrication Technology. You can earn both by pursuing the Level II certificate, or you can choose to pursue the Level I certificate and then gain the Level II certificate. Speak with a faculty member for more information and to design a schedule that works for you. 

Certificate: Level I — Fundamentals 

Jumpstart your career with this 14-credit, four-class Fundamentals option. This certificate can be completed by full-time students in just one fall semester: 

Certificate: Level II — Intermediate 

Learn all you need to know about welding, fabrication, and the manufacturing environment with this certificate (35-36 credits). Boost your job prospects and negotiate for higher wages, too. Full-time students can complete this program in three semesters (one academic year plus a summer). There are nine classes plus a capstone experience (a way for you to demonstrate your expertise): 

Don’t Forget the Certifications 

Show off your skills with national certifications offered by NC3, including LEEPS welding credentials. Our program prepares you to ace these certification tests and boost your personal marketability.

Enroll Now 

Begin your studies with these steps: 

  • Apply to OCC. If you’re not already an OCC student, create a profile and complete our online application.
  • On the application, select your desired option.
  • Existing OCC students can update their academic program using the  Change of Program Form. 

Earn a Tech Sciences AAS, Your Way

Create an associate degree that flexes to fit your needs. Mix and match courses from one or more in-demand areas in technology, manufacturing, art, and design. Finish your degree to prepare for a new job, get promoted, or to transfer on for a bachelor’s degree. Explore Tech Sciences