The Welding and Metal Fabrication trade is a very important part of industry and construction trades.

The Welding and Metal Fabrication program at Bristol TEC is a one-year intensive training program. Those who successfully complete the training may convert the 900-clock hours credit toward a state-approved apprenticeship-training program.

Students receive instruction in shop math, blueprint reading and welding safety. Students receive training in the following welding skills:

  • Oxy-fuel Processes
  • Plasma Cutting
  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding (Stick)
  • Gas Metal Arc Welding  (MIG)
  • Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG)
  • Fabrication and Repair Welding

Students who successfully complete the course will be eligible for certification testing to American Welding Society (AWS) standards.

After learning the skills at Bristol TEC students can pursue careers in:

  • Aircraft Welding
  • Bridge Welding
  • Pipeline Welding
  • Auto Body Welding
  • Artistic Welding
  • Fabrication
  • Underwater Welding
  • Shipyard Welding
  • Blacksmith/Forging
  • Forge Shop Workers
  • Boilermaker

The welder may work alone or with a team, work indoors or outdoors, travel or operate their own business. Most welders work year-round and can be exposed to a variety of work locations. After graduation you may wish to join an apprenticeship program or if you have the ability and the interest, go directly to work as a journeyman or an independent welder.

The job outlook is and has been great for our previous students who wanted to enter the welding trade. The Department of Labor forecasts indicate that the trade will remain at the same level of opportunity for the foreseeable future.  Welding students have an excellent placement record, both inside and outside of the state of Connecticut.

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  • OSHA 1926 (Construction) Certification
  • Qualifications in GMAW (MIG), SMAW (Stick), and GTAW (TIG) to American Welding Society (AWS) standards.