Programs

Welding Technology

Welcome to our welding technology program. We offer a range of training options including the welding technology degree and multiple certificates. Let us prepare you for a rewarding career in welding. Explore our site to discover how we can help you achieve your goals.

At My Pace

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At My Pace (A.M.P.) at Rend Lake College is all about putting you in the driver's seat of your education. Imagine moving through your courses not by the calendar, but by your own progress and understanding. You'll showcase your expertise through practical assignments and activities, advancing at your own pace based on your mastery of the material. AMP is a learning approach that respects your time, encourages use of your prior experiences, and focuses on what you really need to know and do in your future career. With AMP, you are not just earning credits; you are building the skills and confidence to excel in the workforce.

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Associate in Applied Science Degree

Welding Technology

The Welding Technology AAS will provide welding courses designed to assist welding professionals by expanding their knowledge base, core competencies and general education. Individually, each course addresses specific workplace situations. Additionally, successful completion of all courses offered demonstrates the student’s readiness to take the American Welding Society certification examinations.

plan your aas degree in welding technology

Courses

Semester	Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours
Fall Semester	MATH 1201	Technical Mathematics 1	3
	WELD 1270	Introduction to Welding Processes	4
	WELD 1272	Structural Shielded Metal Arc Welding	4
	WELD 1282	GMAW / GTAW Welding	4
	WELD 2274	Blueprint Reading	3
	Total		18
Spring Semester	ENGL 1101	Rhetoric and Composition I	3
	WELD 1284	GTAW Welding	3
	WELD 2240	Metallurgy and Heat Treatment	2
	WELD 2242	Weld Inspection for Quality Control	2
	WELD 2275	Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding	2
	Total		12
Fall Semester	COMM 1101	Principles of Effective Speaking	3
	CSCI 1101	Intro to Computers	3
	IST 1291	Basic Electronics for Technicians	5
	MACH 1201	Machining Technology I	4
	WELD 2262	Pipe Welding I	4
	Total		19
Spring Semester	IST 1221	Industrial Safety	2
	PSYC 2101	Introduction to Psychology	3
	PSYC 2106	or Human Relations	3
	WELD 1283	GMAW / GTAW Pipe Welding	4
	WELD 2285	Pipe Welding II	4
	WELD 2276	FCAW Welding	3
Total		16
TECHNICAL ELECTIVES:
	COOP 1101	Cooperative Education	4
	IST 1230	Intro to Robotics	3
	IST 2220	Industrial Mechanics	4
	MACH 1202	Machining Technology II	4
			Total = 65 Hours

Costs & How To Pay

Costs for this program

Tuition & Fees at RLC

Payments on student accounts must be made by the deadline included on the student statement.

Fall: July 15
Spring: December 15
Summer: May 15

Students who do not make payments by this deadline may be dropped from their classes.

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Welding Technology

Welding programs are designed to provide the student with a wide range of welding experiences. Programs will cover welding theory, blueprint reading, metallurgy and inspection and test procedures. There will be extensive laboratory practice in SMAW, GMAW, GTAW and oxy-acetylene welding processes. The student will learn to weld with electrodes and wires in all positions common to the welding industry. Program completers will have adequate skills to qualify for employment as a welder.

Plan Your Welding Technology Certificate

Costs for this program

Tuition & Fees at RLC

Certificate	Semester	Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours
WELDING TECHNOLOGY CERTIFICATE	Fall Semester	WELD 1270	Introduction to Welding Processes	4
		WELD 1272	Structural Shielded Metal Arc Welding	4
		WELD 1282	GMAW / GTAW Welding	4
		WELD 2274	Blueprint Reading	3
		Total		15
WELDING TECHNOLOGY CERTIFICATE	Spring Semester	WELD 1284	GTAW Welding	3
		WELD 2240	Metallurgy and Heat Treatment	2
		WELD 2242	Weld Inspection for Quality Control	2
		WELD 2275	Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding	2
		Total		9
WELDING FUNDAMENTALS CERTIFICATE		WELD 1270	Introduction to Welding Processes	4
		WELD 1272	Structural Shielded Metal Arc Welding	4
		WELD 1282	GMAW / GTAW Welding	4
	Total			12
ADVANCED WELDING TECHNIQUES CERTIFICATE		WELD 1284	GTAW Welding	3
		WELD 2240	Metallurgy and Heat Treatment	2
		WELD 2242	Weld Inspection for Quality Control	2
		WELD 2274	Blueprint Reading	3
		WELD 2275	Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding 1	2
	Total			12
				Total = 24 Hours

Welding Fundamentals

The Welding Fundamentals Certificate Program at Rend Lake College is designed to equip students with essential skills in the welding industry. The program includes three core courses: Introduction to Welding Processes, Structural Shielded Metal Arc Welding, and GMAW/GTAW Welding. Students will gain hands-on experience with various welding techniques, learning to work with different metals and materials. These courses provide a comprehensive foundation in welding, preparing students for practical applications in construction, manufacturing, and maintenance industries. Upon completion, graduates can pursue a range of career opportunities in the welding sector, benefiting from the strong demand for skilled welders. This program is ideal for individuals looking to start or advance their careers with a solid understanding of welding fundamentals.

Plan Your Welding Fundamentals Certificate

Costs for this program

Tuition & Fees at RLC

Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours
WELD 1270	Introduction to Welding Processes	4
WELD 1272	Structural Shielded Metal Arc Welding	4
WELD 1282	GMAW / GTAW Welding	4
Total		12

Advanced Welding Techniques

The Advanced Welding Techniques Certificate Program at Rend Lake College offers students the opportunity to refine their welding expertise with a focus on advanced skills and industry standards. This program includes courses such as GTAW Welding, Metallurgy and Heat Treatment, Weld Inspection for Quality Control, Blueprint Reading, and Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding 1. Students will dive deeper into the science and precision of welding, learning about the properties of metals, quality control measures, and the interpretation of technical blueprints. These advanced skills are highly applicable in industries that demand precision and high-quality workmanship, such as aerospace, automotive, and construction. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for career advancements, opening doors to specialized welding roles and supervisory positions in various sectors. This certificate is ideal for those looking to elevate their welding careers and stay competitive in the evolving job market.

Plan Your Advanced Welding Techniques Certificate

Costs for this program

Tuition & Fees at RLC

Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours
WELD 1284	GTAW Welding	3
WELD 2240	Metallurgy and Heat Treatment	2
WELD 2242	Weld Inspection for Quality Control	2
WELD 2274	Blueprint Reading	3
WELD 2275	Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding 1	2
Total		12

Pipe Welding Technology

The Pipe Welding Technology Certificate Program at Rend Lake College is designed for individuals seeking to specialize in pipe welding, a highly sought-after skill in industries such as oil and gas. To enroll, students must have completed the Welding Technology Certificate, possess five years of documented welding experience, and demonstrate their skills by passing the overhead and vertical up-bend tests with faculty approval. The program encompasses courses such as GMAW/GTAW Pipe Welding, Pipe Welding I, and Pipe Welding II, each providing intensive hands-on training. Students will master techniques essential for the precise and effective joining of pipes. These specialized skills are crucial for roles demanding exceptional craftsmanship and precision. Graduates are well-equipped to pursue advanced career opportunities in sectors that rely heavily on pipe welding expertise, making this program ideal for those aiming to enhance their professional credentials and advance their careers in a competitive field.

Plan Your Pipe Welding Technology Certificate

Costs for this program

Tuition & Fees at RLC

Prerequisite: The Welding Technology Certificate or five years documented experience as a welder, ability to pass the overhead and vertical up-bend test, and permission of the instructor.

Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours
WELD 1283	GMAW / GTAW Pipe Welding	4
WELD 2262	Pipe Welding I	4
WELD 2285	Pipe Welding II	4
Total		12

Advanced Metalworking

This certificate is for those students who are seeking to improve their skills for the metalworking industry. Students will increase their skills in the welding, machining and layout processes that are commonly used in the metalworking industry. The skills learned will provide students with the necessary entry-level skills required by most small- to medium-sized metalworking job shops.

Plan Your Advanced Metalworking Certificate

Costs for this program

Tuition & Fees at RLC

Semester	Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours
Fall Semester	WELD 1270	Introduction to Welding Processes	4
	WELD 1272	Structural Shielded Metal Arc Welding	4
	WELD 1282	GMAW / GTAW Welding	4
	WELD 2274	Blueprint Reading for Welders	3
	Total		15
Second Semester	MACH 1201	Machining Technology I	4
Total			19

Welding Technology

Plan Your Welding Technology Certificate

Costs for this program

Tuition & Fees at RLC

Certificate	Semester	Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours
WELDING TECHNOLOGY CERTIFICATE	Fall Semester	WELD 1270	Introduction to Welding Processes	4
		WELD 1272	Structural Shielded Metal Arc Welding	4
		WELD 1282	GMAW / GTAW Welding	4
		WELD 2274	Blueprint Reading	3
		Total		15
WELDING TECHNOLOGY CERTIFICATE	Spring Semester	WELD 1284	GTAW Welding	3
		WELD 2240	Metallurgy and Heat Treatment	2
		WELD 2242	Weld Inspection for Quality Control	2
		WELD 2275	Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding	2
		Total		9
WELDING FUNDAMENTALS CERTIFICATE		WELD 1270	Introduction to Welding Processes	4
		WELD 1272	Structural Shielded Metal Arc Welding	4
		WELD 1282	GMAW / GTAW Welding	4
	Total			12
ADVANCED WELDING TECHNIQUES CERTIFICATE		WELD 1284	GTAW Welding	3
		WELD 2240	Metallurgy and Heat Treatment	2
		WELD 2242	Weld Inspection for Quality Control	2
		WELD 2274	Blueprint Reading	3
		WELD 2275	Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding 1	2
	Total			12
				Total = 24 Hours

Welding Fundamentals

Plan Your Welding Fundamentals Certificate

Costs for this program

Tuition & Fees at RLC

Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours
WELD 1270	Introduction to Welding Processes	4
WELD 1272	Structural Shielded Metal Arc Welding	4
WELD 1282	GMAW / GTAW Welding	4
Total		12

Advanced Welding Techniques

Plan Your Advanced Welding Techniques Certificate

Costs for this program

Tuition & Fees at RLC

Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours
WELD 1284	GTAW Welding	3
WELD 2240	Metallurgy and Heat Treatment	2
WELD 2242	Weld Inspection for Quality Control	2
WELD 2274	Blueprint Reading	3
WELD 2275	Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding 1	2
Total		12

Pipe Welding Technology

Plan Your Pipe Welding Technology Certificate

Costs for this program

Tuition & Fees at RLC

Prerequisite: The Welding Technology Certificate or five years documented experience as a welder, ability to pass the overhead and vertical up-bend test, and permission of the instructor.

Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours
WELD 1283	GMAW / GTAW Pipe Welding	4
WELD 2262	Pipe Welding I	4
WELD 2285	Pipe Welding II	4
Total		12

Advanced Metalworking

Plan Your Advanced Metalworking Certificate

Costs for this program

Tuition & Fees at RLC

Semester	Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours
Fall Semester	WELD 1270	Introduction to Welding Processes	4
	WELD 1272	Structural Shielded Metal Arc Welding	4
	WELD 1282	GMAW / GTAW Welding	4
	WELD 2274	Blueprint Reading for Welders	3
	Total		15
Second Semester	MACH 1201	Machining Technology I	4
Total			19

Program Outcomes

1. Demonstrate the key aspects of welding, including polarities, positions, joint designs and preparation methods.

2. Exhibit proficiency in interpreting welding blueprints, including symbols, abbreviations and measurement techniques in both imperial and metric systems.

3. Demonstrate competency in various welding techniques by performing standard welds in accordance with AWS standards.

4. Demonstrate appropriate welding processes based on material classification.

5. Demonstrate skills in various weld examination methods to identify welding discontinuities and defects.

Manufacturing

Career Connection

Manufacturing Career Cluster

Featuring:

Scott Kieger, General Manager. Jason Meilott and Riley Wayne Brannan, Welders & Machinists, Lay’s Mining Service, Inc., Mt. Vernon, IL

Allison Allgaier, President, Phoenix Modular Elevator, Mt. Vernon, IL

Brandon Schulte, owner and Stephan Barton, Final Assembly, Schulte Industries Inc., Mt. Vernon, IL

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Transfer Information

Students who graduate with an Associate Degree can transfer their credits to a university and pursue a Bachelor's degree and beyond.

Articulation agreements - also known as Transfer Guides - document the pathway between RLC and the university. Historically, RLC has built articulation agreements with midwestern universities. However, students have worked with both institutions to build a pathway.

View our transfer guides and more about articulation agreements

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Transfer Guides

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Since 1969, Rend Lake College has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), one of six regional accreditors in the United States. Accreditation is vital to what we do. It serves as a measure of quality, allows us to access and distribute federal student aid, facilitates the transfer of classes between institutions and more. The Higher Learning Commission is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

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Programs

Welding Technology

At My Pace

New A.M.P. Model Unlocks Potential

Associate in Applied Science Degree

Welding Technology

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Short-Term

Certificates

Welding Technology

Welding Fundamentals

Advanced Welding Techniques

Pipe Welding Technology

Advanced Metalworking

Welding Technology

Welding Fundamentals

Advanced Welding Techniques

Pipe Welding Technology

Advanced Metalworking

Program Outcomes

Manufacturing

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