Welding Program

Welders are masters of flames and hot metal. Using a variety of methods from plasma cutting to robotic welding, welders and fabricators build and maintain bridges, help manufacture everything from vehicles to buildings, and fix anything from a field goal post to a snowmobile trailer. If you want skills in a career where employers are waiting for you to graduate, check out Welding at Ridgewater.

Program Requirements and Job Outlook

Industrial Welding AAS Industrial Welding Diploma Welder-Entry Level Certificate Welding Diploma

Program delivery

• Hutchinson and Willmar campuses
• Fall start
• Spring start, if space available.  Contact admissions to learn if spring is an option, as this varies each year.

Skills you will learn

• Safety first
• Welding methods: from TIG and MIG to electric and robotic
• Use of a variety of metals and alloys
• Metal fabrication and finishing techniques
• Project layouts and blueprint reading

Tools you will use

• Advanced multi-process welding machines
• Computer Numerical Control plasma and laser cutting equipment
• Plate shears and rollers
• Robotic welders
• Press brakes

Choose Ridgewater

Ridgewater’s industrial Welding program offers several career path options, from a short-term certificate to a two-year advanced technical welding degree. Our two-year diploma is one of only a few such offerings in the state. Want a high-tech career great earning potential for motivated workers? Try welding! Students work on state-of-the-art equipment in a spacious facility to master their skills, learning from experienced faculty stay current with today’s industry of new alloys, fillers and processes. 

Program distinction

Certified American Welding Society Testing Facility

Program attributes that help students thrive

• Daily hands-on application of new skills
• Supportive industry partnerships who hire graduates like you
• Strong competitive tradition to prove your welding and fabrication excellence, e. SkillsUSA and Behind the Mask
• Current industry equipment
• Active Welding Club
• Industry-experienced, available instructors
• Only program in the state with on-campus X-ray lab to inspect student work to share practical feedback

Training = job. That’s the goal, right?