This program prepares graduates with well-rounded metal fabrications skills in welding, machining, and sheet metal fabrication. The combination of hands-on skills will allow graduates the ability to work for a variety of industries or as an entrepreneur.
Program highlights:
Competitive Edge. The unique combination of welding, machining, and sheet metal fabrication will give graduates a strong technical background, increasing their competiveness in the job market.
Designed to meet industry demands. Curriculum has been designed to meet industry demands for skilled workers.
Small class sizes. This guarantees that students receive individualized attention and more hands-on time in labs.
Keep going. Earn two degrees in as little as three years. Graduates of the metal fabrication technology major can complete an associate’s degree in welding technology or machine tool technology with an additional year of study.
Management Skills. Add management skills to your technical background with a degree in applied management. This major allows associate-degree graduates to earn a bachelor’s degree in as little as two years.
Program Specs
- Application/Major Code: MF – view in catalog
- School: Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies
- Degree Type: Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
- Total Credits: 65
About the curriculum
Classes
View the classes you will be attending in the College Catalog.
Accreditation & Industry Connections
The machining course work in this associate degree is included in the Accredited Testing/Certification Institute for the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS). This accreditation enables our certified faculty to offer NIMS certification exams to our students or to award alternative credit to those students who have already successfully completed certification exams.
After Graduation
Continue Education
Graduates of the MF major can continue their education and expand their job skills in the metal fabrication, welding or manufacturing industry. With an additional year of study MF graduates can complete an associate’s degree in either welding technology or machine tool technology. Graduates can also pursue a bachelor’s degree in Welding & Fabrication Engineering Technology (BWE) or Manufacturing Engineering Technology (BAF).
Career Opportunities
Metal fabricators, assemblers, machinist, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) technician, production technician, manufacturing assistant, production welder. These opportunities exist in companies that specialize in custom metal fabrication, specialty parts fabrication, all forms of industrial manufacturing, and classic vehicle maintenance and repair.
Earnings
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for structural metal fabricators and fitters was $39,290 in May 2018. The top 10 percent earned more than $60,150.
Industries with the highest published employment for this occupation are:
| Industry | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing (3323 and 3324 only) | 30,490 | $19.24 | $40,020 |
| Machinery Manufacturing (3331, 3332, 3334, and 3339 only) | 6,260 | $19.59 | $40,740 |
| Ship and Boat Building | 5,190 | $24.26 | $50,460 |
| Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing (3321, 3322, 3325, 3326, and 3329 only) | 4,530 | $19.75 | $41,090 |
| Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors | 3,560 | $20.25 | $42,110 |
Statistics reported in May 2018
Transfer Procedures
This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/TransferringCredits.htm ). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean
Tools, Personal Protection Equipment & Supplies
Tools
The first two semesters of the program focus on machining courses. It is recommended that students review the Automated Manufacturing & Machining Required Tools list to determine what tools and supplies they will need to purchase for this phase of the major.
The final two semesters of the program focus on welding courses. It is recommended that students review the Welding Tools & Supplies list to determine what tools and supplies they will need to purchase for this phase of the major.
Personal Protection Equipment and tools are available for purchase through The College Store.
Clubs & Activities
American Welding Society (AWS)
SkillsUSA Champions at Work
SAE Baja
View the entire student organizations listing or Greek Life listing.
Welding Advisory Committee
- Mr. Richard A Conrad, Jr., '02, Field Application Engineer, Hobart/Miller Electric
- Mr. Wayne A Leone, Welder Training & Testing for Susq. Nuclear Power Plant, PP&L
- Mr. Dwight L Myers, Director of Marketing Filler Metals, ESAB Welding & Cutting Products
- Mr. Michael Sebergandio, '01, '03, Quality Engineer - Welding, Case New Holland
- Mr. Dave Watson, Sales Engineer, Lincoln Electric
Advisory committees, which act as recommending bodies to the faculty and administration, consist of in-field professionals who act as partners in the development of curriculum. Their curricular and equipment advice as well as their industry connections and internship opportunities are invaluable to our students and to the growth of our institution.
