Welding is only one type of metal fabrication.
Varieties of ways are available to form and fabricate metal into pieces of art, decorative sculptures or utilitarian pieces. Metal fabrication involves the construction of metal formations by means of cutting, bending, and assembling. Metal fabricators mainly consist of sheet metal workers, welders and ironworkers. All of the above technicians need a college degree to enter the metal fabrication work force, as they must acquire skills such as blueprint reading, welding and computer numerical control machine operation. Metal fabrication colleges are usually two-year vocational or technical colleges. However, certificates in metal casting, welding, metal sculpture and sheet metal can be obtained in less than two years.
Tooling University
Tooling University is an online option for obtaining a metal fabrication degree. The program utilizes illustrations, audio voice-overs, streaming videos, an interactive glossary and interactive note taking. A wide assortment of courses are available that offer a broad range of classes, from computer numerical control machine training to welding. The benefit of an online college is completing your tasks and training on your own schedule from your home.
Houston Community College
Houston Community College in Houston, Texas, offers certificates and associate degrees in a variety of metal fabrication areas. For example, its manufacturing engineering technology associate degree program deals with the study of substances used for metal fabrication and the study of computer-aided manufacture. Students are able to take advantage of 40 manual machines, several computer numerical control machines and mills to gain real-world experience that prepares them for working in the field.
Central Tech
Central Tech, in Drumright, Oklahoma, provides a program in fabrication technologies and welding. At the end of the program, students are assessed by qualification tests recognized by the metal fabrication industry. For students interested in expanding their general education by taking mathematics and writing classes, there is free tutoring in math and writing in the math lab or science lab on campus open Monday through Friday. Applicants can apply for financial aid. Students at Central Tech have access to disability services and a job placement service that provides students with temporary employment opportunities, counseling and advising.
San Juan College
San Juan College in Farmington, New Mexico, has a one-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program for Welding and Metal Fabrication. Students in this program receive welding training and learn fabricate pipes and steel plates, as well as read blueprints. According to San Juan College's website, students in the program for Welding and Metal Fabrication spend three-quarters of the time obtaining real-world practical experience and one-quarter of the time in classroom learning.
