Frequently Asked Questions

What does a welder do?
A welder utilizes various methods, technologies and techniques to prepare and join pieces of metal together. Common welding processes taught at Tri-C include shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding and oxy-fuel welding. In addition to these basic processes, the College offers instruction in robotic welding, nondestructive testing and structural fabrication.

Do I need previous experience or knowledge of this field?
No. You will be trained on state-of-the-art Lincoln Electric equipment and learn your craft at the College.

What are the start dates?
Start dates vary by semester and course. On this registration web page, enter the term you are interested in starting and select “Continue.” In the “Subject” section, enter “ISET,” select it, and then click “Search.” Now, you can view the course schedule for the selected term/semester.

What will I receive upon completing the program?
Tri-C has three welding programs. Each program offers a college-issued certificate or associate degree.

The short-term certificate in Introductory Welding is designed for students with no prior experience or education in welding. It provides a quick introductory education to students looking to get an entry-level welding job as soon as possible. In addition to the College-issued certificate awarded upon completion of the Introductory Welding program, students may also earn nationally recognized third-party welding certifications through the American Welding Society (AWS) based on welding testing levels (2F to 4G).

The certificate of proficiency in Industrial Welding combines the short-term certificate in Introductory Welding and introduces additional industry technologies, including the programming of welding robots, fabrication, nondestructive testing techniques, flux core welding and workplace safety, into one comprehensive program.

Students who complete the Introductory Welding Short-Term Certificate can apply their earned credits toward the Industrial Welding Certificate of Proficiency.

The Industrial Welding Associate of Applied Science is different from a welding certificate. It provides a more comprehensive education, including not only practical welding skills but also theoretical knowledge about welding processes, safety procedures, material science and industry standards, often with additional coursework on fabrication and related manufacturing practices. This enables graduates to pursue more advanced welding positions and potentially supervisory roles compared to those with just a certificate. Essentially, an associate degree offers a deeper understanding of the welding field beyond just hands-on techniques.

What types of jobs will this training prepare me for?
Students who complete the Introductory Welding program can find entry-level employment as a welder. Those who complete the Industrial Welding certificate can find more lucrative employment in welding or secure a position in fabrication or robotic welding programming and operation.

Students who complete the associate degree in Industrial Welding can access more advanced welding positions, such as welding inspector, fabrication specialist or a supervisory role. The degree also provides a deeper understanding of welding principles, techniques and codes, preparing graduates for careers in manufacturing, construction and other industries.

Is a job or internship guaranteed?
The College cannot guarantee a job or internship. However, internship and job search assistance are available. For help with your resume, interviewing techniques and more, visit Tri-C’s Career Center.

Which companies have hired graduates from Tri-C’s welding program?
The Great Lakes Group, Hose Master, Anchor Manufacturing Group, OhioGratings, Lincoln Electric, TMG Performance Products, Stainless Works, EBNER Furnaces, AT&F, Alloy Precision Technologies, Cleveland-Cliffs, Charter Steel, Cargill and many more have hired Tri-C grads.

When do classes meet?
Classes are held either during the day or in the evenings. View the steps in the third question (“What are the start dates?”) to access the course schedule for each term/semester.

What level of reading is needed to be successful in this program?
For the Introductory and Industrial Welding certificate programs, students are more likely to succeed if they can read and comprehend at an early high school level. Strong writing and grammar skills, along with the ability to follow directions and communicate effectively, are essential. While an English reading assessment is available at the College, it is not required for these certificate programs.

For the Industrial Welding associate degree program, a higher level of reading proficiency in English may be necessary. Before enrolling in the first English course in the program, students may need to take an English placement test and complete remedial English courses if required. Prior standardized tests, such as the SAT or ACT, may also be accepted in place of placement testing.

What level of math is needed for success in this program?
There is no college math requirement for the Introductory and Industrial Welding certificate programs. However, essential math skills include basic fractions, decimals and fundamental geometry. Students may use these skills to read blueprints, calculate measurements and make accurate cuts in the lab. While more advanced tasks might require algebra and trigonometry, these are generally not necessary for the Introductory and Industrial Welding certificate programs.

For the Industrial Welding associate degree program, a higher level of math proficiency is required. Prior to taking the first math class in the program, a math placement test may be necessary, along with remedial math courses, if needed. Prior testing, such as the SAT or ACT, may be acceptable in place of placement testing or remedial math classes.

What are the next steps to continue learning in this field?
Students who complete the Introductory Welding Short-Term Certificate can apply their earned credits toward the Industrial Welding Certificate of Proficiency. Pursuing the associate degree in Industrial Welding is another potential route.

Are scholarships available for this program?
Tri-C does not offer welding-specific scholarships, but general student scholarships are available for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) occupations. View more information on scholarships.

Contact a Tri-C financial aid representative at 216-273-1075 or via email to learn about financing and scholarship options.

How much does the program cost?
Tri-C is one of the most affordable options in Northeast Ohio. The College maintains modest tuition and fees through support from Cuyahoga County taxpayers and assistance from the state of Ohio. View Tri-C’s tuition and payment schedule.

Are there any additional fees for the welding program?
There are additional lab fees each student must pay in addition to tuition. Lab fees cover the American Welding Society (AWS) qualification in each discipline (STICK, MIG and TIG) as well as the PPE gear and all the welding rods, metals and gases students will use. 

I’m interested! What’s the next step?
Complete a Tri-C application, then review the New Student Checklist for what you need to get started.