Metal Arc Welding

Course Description

This is a 200 hour program designed to prepare adults for employment in Welding & Fabrication careers by preparing students for the AWS D1.1 SMAW 1" vertical up and GMAW 3/8" vertical up certification tests. Students enrolled in the class will be instructed in the welding processes of SMAW (arc welding) and GMAW (mig welding). Students will also be introduced to Oxy/Fuel cutting and Plasma cutting processes, as well as relevant hand tools and power tools. Each 4 hour class will consist of 1 hour of classroom instruction and 3 hours of welding lab time.

WARNING: Welding produces electrical and magnetic fields that can affect the function of pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), therefore, no person with a pacemaker or ICD will be permitted to take a welding class at Tolles.

Upcoming Classes

Fall 2025:

July 15 through November 6, 2025

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

5:00 to 9:00 PM

NO CLASS ON TUESDAY< SEPTEMBER 23

CLASS ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4 WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3 DUE TO ELECTION DAY

Orientation

Tuesday, July 8, 2025 @5:00 PM

Application Deadline is June 30, 2025

Walter Walsh

Welding Instructor

wwalsh@tollestech.com

Email AE Admissions for general registration questions.

Email AE Payments for payment or financial questions.

Tuition

$3700 (2024-2025 school year)

Tuition does NOT include:

  • Lab Fees: $200

  • Application Fee: $25

  • NCCER Assessment Fees: $24

Additional costs not included in tuition and for which Tolles is NOT the vendor include:

Program Details and Cost Page

Funding opportunities my be available. Please check out our Financial Resources page for more information.

Admissions Requirements for the Metal Arc Welding Program

Prior to enrollment in the Metal Arc Welding Program, you must include:

  • A copy of a high school diploma, high school transcript or GED. Exception can be made if a student lacks a high school diploma or GED by enrolling in the ASPIRE/GED/ADULT DIPLOMA program at Tolles .

  • Scores of at least 3 on all three required ACT WorkKeys  Tests – Applied Math, Workplace Documents and Graphic Literacy.

Course Objectives

  • Introduction to Construction Skills

  • Welding Safety

  • SMAW Equipment and Setup

  • SMAW Beads and Fillet Welds

  • SMAW Groove Welds and Backing

  • Oxyfuel Cutting

  • Base Metal Preparation

  • Plasma Arc Cutting

  • Air-Carbon Arc Cutting and Gouging

  • Weld Quality

  • Welding Symbols

  • Reading Welding Detail Drawings

  • GMAW and FCAW Equipment and Filler Materials

  • GTAW Plate

Attendance & Grades

Attendance and Make-Up Hours

It is expected that students will be present for all class sessions. If students are absent, they are expected to arrange for make-up sessions upon their return.   Please reference the Attendance Requirements section of the handbook for additional clarification on the 90% attendance requirement.

Assessment and Grades

Students will be evaluated and assigned grades for their performance within the course curriculum.  Students must maintain a 70% score.  Please reference the Satisfactory Academic Progress section of the handbook.

Registration Information

This class meets on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 to 9:00 PM.

To register for classes or to view upcoming dates, please visit our Student Portal. You will need to create an account to register for a class and verify your email. Instructions can be found on the Student Resources page.

If you are a current student, you will use the same link to connect to your account. Please use the same email that you used to register for the class originally.  Once your account is set up, you will be able to view your student file, attendance, grades, and financial information.

Level of Occupations

Detail for CIP Code 48.0508

Title: Welding Technology/Welder.

Definition: A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to join or cut metal surfaces. Includes instruction in arc welding, resistance welding, brazing and soldering, cutting, high-energy beam welding and cutting, solid state welding, ferrous and non-ferrous materials, oxidation-reduction reactions, welding metallurgy, welding processes and heat treating, structural design, safety, and applicable codes and standards.

Job Search Assistance

For career opportunities, visit:
AWS Job Board
Ohio Means Jobs
Tolles Community Job Board

Local Job Postings

CP Data 2023-2024

  • Completion - 100%

  • Placement - 40%