Students welding in the welding lab.

American Welding Society — Level 1

The American Welding Society certificate helps provide students with the technical skills needed to become a level 1 certified welder. The graduate will be proficient in SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, OFC, OAW, PAC and GTAW procedures, mathematic calculations and reading blueprints. Students receive various levels of welding proficiency after successfully completing tests that measure their welding skills.

Admission requirements

American Welding Society Level 1 is an open-enrollment program, meaning there are no criteria students must meet to be admitted. If you're interested in enrolling in this program, complete our steps to enroll, which include completing the free application for admission.

We encourage all prospective students to visit campus. We have several Explore Sandburg open houses throughout the year, or you can schedule a campus visit at your convenience.

Career and technical programs/courses are offered without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or status in any group protected by applicable federal, state or local law. For more information, contact the Title IX Coordinator at 309.341.5258 or the ADA/504 coordinator at 309.341.5262.

For additional information contact:

Welcome Center
309.345.3500
welcomecenter@sandburg.edu

Employment

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 3% growth in employment for welders, cutters, solderers and brazers from now to 2028. Due to the nation’s aging infrastructures, experienced welders, cutters, solderers and brazers will be needed to help rebuild highways, bridges and buildings.

The basic skills of welding are similar across industries making it easier for individuals trained in the field to shift from one industry to another. New jobs for welders are anticipated in manufacturing industries that produce fabricated metal products and transportation equipment. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020). 2019 median pay: $42,490 per year; $20.43 per hour 

Potential careers 

Welders, cutters and welder fitters 

Welding, soldering and brazing machine setters, operators and tenders

Vocational education teachers, postsecondary 

Career/technical education teachers, secondary school

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products

Graduates from this program pursue careers in fields such as:

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Learn more

Sample course schedule for the American Welding Society Level 1 program

Sample schedule for American Welding Society Level 1 certificate

 

Program format

The Welding program offers both online and face-to-face class options. 

Class formats

Sandburg offers courses in a variety of formats to best fit the needs of our students. To determine the formats for specific courses, please refer to our course schedule.

Regardless of the course format, you should have access to a reliable computer with broadband (high-speed) internet. All courses use online resources and require students to access course information through mySandburg. Accessing courses through a phone is discouraged. Both campuses have open computer labs for student use.

View class formats.

Estimated costs for this program

American Welding Society Level 1 certificate cost sheet

 

Financial aid

To apply for financial aid, visit our   financial aid page  for more information.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) helps job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. Contact the local office to see if you qualify for financial support. 

  • Hancock County | 550 N. Madison St.   | Carthage, IL | 217.357.6749
  • Warren/Henderson County | 1025 S. 2 nd St | Monmouth, IL | 309.734.4745
  • Knox County Bondi Building | 311 E. Main, Suite 612 | Galesburg, IL | 309.343.9832               
  • McDonough County | 440 N. Lafayette | Macomb, IL | 309.837.1280

 

Scholarships

Thanks to our generous donors, the   Carl Sandburg College Foundation  is able to award more than $100,000 each year in scholarship dollars to Sandburg students. High school, adult learners, and returning students — everyone is eligible to apply between October 1 and March 15 for the upcoming year.

Meet the Instructors 

Ian Milligan
Welding & Industrial Process Professions Instructor

Jacob Milligan
Welding & Industrial Process Professions Instructor


Department of Career and Technical Education
2400 Tom L. Wilson Blvd.
Galesburg, IL 61401
309.341.5274

American Welding Society — Level 1

Please reference the Carl Sandburg College Academic Catalog for additional information.