Program Details Page NEW Welding Precision Fabrication Technology Certificate and AAS

This program has been proposed to begin in fall 2025.

Here is a general overview of what your classes will look like following each quarter. This information may be subject to change at any time without notice. Please contact your advisor for more information regarding the courses.

Bookstore Information

an open book Information regarding the materials can be found at the RTC bookstore. Just fill in the course information and you will be set!

The bookstore has what you need in regards to materials so be sure to check it out! It is always better to be prepared than to wait last second to buy your materials!

General Overview

When can I start? Fall (September), Spring (April)

How long is the program?

Fabrication Technology Certificate of Completion: 6 quarters (18 months) with 80 total credits
Fabrication Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree: 6 quarters (18 months) with 90 total credits

When do classes meet? In-Person Day and Evening

Are summer classes required? No.

The Precision Fabrication Technology program provides classroom instruction and hands-on practical experience in the seven most common manual and semi-automatic welding processes, including machining fundamentals, 2D technologies, CAD/CAM, and robotic welding. Instruction is delivered through a combination of individualized training and group lessons, allowing students to progress based on their prior experience, motivation, and skill development. A student's ability to master program competencies determines their level of achievement in each welding process. Students in this program have the opportunity to earn Washington state welder certification (WABO - Washington Association of Building Officials)

What does a welder do?

What is the average salary?

$64,510 annually in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area. Most custodial services workers earn at least $61,730; there is a wide salary range.

Who can I contact for questions?

New students, please visit our Zoom lobby (Links to an external site.) to talk with someone by video chat, or e-mail our advising department.
For current students, please visit RTC's advising page (Links to an external site and look for the faculty counselor assigned to Contemporary Business Administration.

(Links to an external site.)

Overall Materials Needed:

Access to a functioning laptop or computer (you may use computers on the RTC campus)
USB drive (thumb drive)
Webcam
Headset with microphone
Working internet connection

Minimum grades or GPA to graduate

You need a 1.0 or higher in each class, and your cumulative or overall GPA must be 2.0 or higher to complete your certificate.

Materials Warning

If you rent a textbook, make sure you return it by the deadline. If you purchase a textbook, you can sell it back to the RTC bookstore -- but make sure that you won't need the book again for classes in the future!

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Fall

Quarter 1: Fall

You will learn use of personal protective equipment, understand welding processes and methods of application. Students will also learn oxyacetylene welding and safe operation of a traffic control (flagging) and powder-actuated tools
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
COL 101	College Success	NO	2
WELD 101	Thermal Cutting	NO	3
WELD 102	Oxyacetylene Welding & Brazing	NO	7
WTD 109	Safety, Tool and Equipment Certification	NO	3

Quarter 2: Winter

This quarter includes individualized instruction in gas metal arc welding, short circuited arc, and spray arc with additional instruction in gas tungsten arc welding. Students are introduced to Ohm’s Law and basic electrical math principles. Students study ratio and proportion, geometry, and basic algebra as applied to the construction trades.
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
WELD 111	Gas Metal Arc Welding	NO	7
WELD 114	Gas Tungsten Arc Welding I	NO	7
WTD 168	Math for Trades	NO	4

Quarter 3: Spring

Students will learn basic and intermediate robot programming geared toward creating an understanding of robotics and their place in manufacturing. Students will also develop team work and industry communication skills.
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
WELD 146	Robotics Welding I	NO	6
WELD 147	Robotics Welding II	NO	6
WTD 175	Communication for Trades	NO	1

Quarter 4: Fall

You will be introduced to communication skills needed in the construction, maintenance, and manufacturing trades. You'll also learn skills needed to locate, interview for, and negotiate employment in the construction, maintenance, and manufacturing trades
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
WELD 115	Gas Tungsten Arc Welding II	NO	6
WELD 140	Certification GMAW/FCAW	NO	6
WTD 180	Human Relations for Trades	NO	2

Quarter 5: Winter

Students learn introductory machining utilizing conventional lathes and mills in a fully equipped manufacturing facility. Basic concepts in the fundamentals of creating and interpreting blueprints and/or engineering drawings will also be covered.
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
MTEC 121	Machining Fundamentals - Lathe & Mill	NO	8
MTEC 111	Blueprint Reading I	NO	4
for AAS degree only	General Education Communication or Humanities for AAS degree	NO	5

Quarter 6: Spring

This quarter will introduce you to computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) theory and applications as well as the application of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software to create precise 2D cut profiles using plasma, laser, and waterjet cutting systems
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
MTEC 241	CAD/CAM Fundamentals	NO	4
MTEC 242	2D CNC Applications	NO	4
for AAS degree only	General Education Social Science for AAS degree	NO	5

Grand Total Estimate for Your Welding Precision Fabrication Technology Certificate: $13,896

Grand Total Estimate for Your Welding Precision Fabrication Technology AAS: $14,960

Spring

Quarter 1: Spring

You will learn use of personal protective equipment, understand welding processes and methods of application. Students will also learn oxyacetylene welding and safe operation of a traffic control (flagging) and powder-actuated tools
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
COL 101	College Success	NO	2
WELD 101	Thermal Cutting	NO	3
WELD 102	Oxyacetylene Welding & Brazing	NO	7
WTD 109	Safety, Tool and Equipment Certification	NO	3

Quarter 2: Fall

This quarter includes individualized instruction in gas metal arc welding, short circuited arc, and spray arc with additional instruction in gas tungsten arc welding. Students are introduced to Ohm’s Law and basic electrical math principles. Students study ratio and proportion, geometry, and basic algebra as applied to the construction trades.
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
WELD 111	Gas Metal Arc Welding	NO	7
WELD 114	Gas Tungsten Arc Welding I	NO	7
WTD 168	Math for Trades	NO	4

Quarter 3: Winter

*You will learn industry best practices for maintaining common areas, hallways, laundry rooms, leasing offices, and tenant-occupied units.*
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
WELD 115	Gas Tungsten Arc Welding II	NO	6
WELD 140	Certification GMAW/FCAW	NO	6
WTD 180	Human Relations for Trades	NO	2

Quarter 4: Spring

Students will learn basic and intermediate robot programming geared toward creating an understanding of robotics and their place in manufacturing. Students will also develop team work and industry communication skills.
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
WELD 146	Robotics Welding I	NO	6
WELD 147	Robotics Welding II	NO	6
WTD 175	Communication for Trades	NO	1

Quarter 5: Fall

Students learn introductory machining utilizing conventional lathes and mills in a fully equipped manufacturing facility. Basic concepts in the fundamentals of creating and interpreting blueprints and/or engineering drawings will also be covered.
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
MTEC 121	Machining Fundamentals - Lathe & Mill	NO	8
MTEC 111	Blueprint Reading I	NO	4
GENED	General education communication or humanities for AAS degree	NO	5

Quarter 6: Winter

This quarter will introduce you to computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) theory and applications as well as the application of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software to create precise 2D cut profiles using plasma, laser, and waterjet cutting systems.
**It's time to apply for your credential!**
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
MTEC 241	CAD/CAM Fundamentals	NO	4
MTEC 242	2D CNC Applications	NO	4
GENED	General education social science for AAS degree	NO	5

Grand Total Estimate for Your Welding Precision Fabrication Technology Certificate: $13,046

Grand Total Estimate for Your Welding Precision Fabrication Technology AAS: $14,110

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