Production Welding General Info
If you enjoy using high-tech equipment and want a great job in manufacturing or other industries, NCC’s Production Welding program can help you achieve your goals. The Production Welding diploma program emphasizes all major welding and cutting processes. A Welding certificate is available to students who desire training in only one welding process and is based on availability.
As a Production Welding student you will gain hands-on knowledge of metallurgy, blueprint reading, the properties and identification of metals, welding symbols, and repair procedures. You will also learn to identify and understand welding defects, prevent distortion of metals, and design and fabricate products in a recently remodeled lab. You can perfect your skills through extensive hands-on training on state-of-the-art equipment such as a robotic welder.
The Production Welding program offers students the opportunity to train for certification of structural pipe using mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum in AWS (American Welding Society), ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers), and API (American Petroleum Industry Codes. Certification test(s) are administered.
Future Ready Iowa Scholarships
FREE TUITION / IOWA LAST-DOLLAR SCHOLARSHIP
THIS PROGRAM QUALIFIES. Iowa needs people like you to fill exciting jobs in growing industries. To help keep Iowa moving forward, you can get free tuition for programs that lead to high-demand jobs and good-paying careers. Earn a one-year or two-year degree—all with free tuition. For specific details of the Future Ready Iowa Scholarship (including how to apply) and for a full list of every NCC program that qualifies – click here. Contact NCC’s Financial Aid Office at 712-324-5061 or finaid@nwicc.edu for more information.
Award
- Diploma (Certificate Option Available)
Length
- Two Semesters & One Summer Term
- Fall semester entry
- Spring entry optional—not guaranteed full-time enrollment and will not complete in one year.
Student Profile
- Good understanding of basic math concepts
- Enjoy working with their hands
Program Location
- This program is available on campus. General education courses are available online.
Contact Admissions
-
712-301-2573 | 712-301-1401 |
712-301-7033 - 800-352-4907
- Email Admissions
Student Story Mathew Peck
“I’ve always had an interest in welding and I want to work on a pipeline after I graduate. It’s great working in the shop. All of the people I know at NCC are friendly.”
Production Welding student
Cleghorn, IA


Requirements for this program
Course # | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FALL SEMESTER | 18 | |
MFG122-E | Machine Trade Printreading I | 3 |
MFG185-E | OSHA/Shop Safety | 2 |
WEL120-E | Oxy Fuel Welding & Cutting | 2 |
WEL152-C | Shielded Metal-Arc Welding | 3 |
WEL186-E | GMAW | 4 |
WEL308-C | Pipe Welding | 4 |
SPRING SEMESTER | 17–18 | |
WEL187-C | Advanced GMAW | 4 |
WEL191-C | Gas Tungsten Arc Welding | 3 |
WEL200-C | Metallurgy Fundamentals | 2 |
WEL206-C | Quality Assurance Program | 2 |
WEL320-C | Welding Fabrication | 3 |
Elective | Communications* | 3 |
OR | ||
MFG168-C | Introduction to Adv. Manufacturing—Welding | 4 |
SUMMER TERM | 6 | |
ATR102-C | Introduction to Robotics | 3 |
Elective | Math* | 3 |
Total Credits | 41 | |
PRODUCTION WELDING CERTIFICATE | 12 | |
MFG122-E | Machine Trade Print Reading I | 3 |
MFG185-E | OSHA/Shop Safety | 2 |
Welding Credits | 7 | |
Total Credits | 12 | |
WELDING EXPLORATION CERTIFICATE | 16–18 | |
MFG122-E | Machine Trade Print Reading I | 3 |
MFG185-E | OSHA/Shop Safety | 2 |
WBL100-E | Exploring Careers | 3 |
OR | ||
WBL140-E | Workplace Project Based Learning | 1–3 |
Welding Credits | 7 | |
Total Credits | 16–18 |
Frequently Asked Questions

Job opportunities are endless. Current needs far outweigh qualified applicants in all areas. You could work as a production welder or pipe welder in countless industries. You could also work in construction welding for structural bridge and building contractors or in a welding repair shop. In the past several years, placement has been 100% for those graduates seeking employment in welding areas.
The expected salary range is between $43,000 – $45,000 per year.
Approximately one hour a day will consist of lecture and the rest will all be hands-on work in the welding lab.
NCC has top of the line technology including robotic welders that are more advanced than many of the welders that are currently seen in the local industry.also places their students in a variety of hands-on situations in order to learn by doing.
Financial Aid
The Financial Aid Office will work with you to reach the goal of attending college. Federal and state programs, scholarships and other funding sources, may be available to help you to afford college. We know there are a lot of questions and stress planning to pay for a college education. The Financial Aid Office staff administers aid programs and counsels students in planning individual methods of meeting college costs. Contact the Financial Aid Office for answers to any questions regarding financial aid. What are you waiting for? Let’s get started! Northwest Iowa Community College follows a nationally accepted philosophy in administering financial aid programs.