Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Dunwoody College of Technology is a private technology school offering more than 45 associate and bachelor’s degrees to high school students and individuals who want to pursue a career in different fields of study since 1914. Dunwoody provides state-of-the-art laboratories, real-world tools and equipment, and experienced educators to train graduates and meet the demands and expectations of different industries.

In just 2 years, students in the Sheet Metal Fabrication degree program at Dunwoody earn an associate degree that provides training in various cutting, welding, and fabrication processes necessary in different manufacturing facilities. The first year of the program focuses on the standard welding methods like oxygen-fuel and cutting, gas metal arc, shielded metal arc, and gas tungsten arc. In the following year, students mainly stay in the machine shop to learn engineering drawing, geometric dimensioning, and manual and CNC (computer numeric controlled) milling and turning. Some of the courses in the program are Welding Theory, Welding Math, Prints, and Symbols, Lean Manufacturing, Machine Tool Fundamentals, Engineering Drawings with SolidWorks, and Structural Drawing. Students who wish to take advanced studies may apply for the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering Technology and credit some of the courses in the associate degree. For more details about the program, go to dunwoody.edu.

Lancaster County Career and Technology Center (LCCTC) is a full-service career and technical school with five campuses in Willow Street, Ephrata, and Mount Joy, Pennsylvania. With programs in dental hygiene, industrial maintenance, welding, manufacturing, and health sciences, the center has been high school students and individuals for innovative and productive careers.

Offered by LCCTC’s Advanced Manufacturing Center in the Mount Joy campus, the Metal Fabrication course is a certificate program that enables students to earn National Skills Certificates from the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) and the state of Pennsylvania. Students in the program learn how to create and fabricate custom metalwork, operate advanced metal-shaping equipment, and build, manage, and troubleshoot advanced sheet metal systems. To find out more about the program, visit lancasterctc.edu.

Erwin Technical College, also known as D. G. Erwin Technical Center, is a public vocational school located in Tampa, Florida. The college, established in 1925, is operating under the Hillsborough County Public Schools system. It offers full-time programs in the fields of business, design, industrial, and medical.

The Welding Technology course at Erwin Technical College is a certificate program that aims to develop students’ manipulative skills and theoretical knowledge needed in entering the field of welding technology. The program involves instruction and training at a very high level.  The course includes instruction and practice in manual shielded arc welding, flux-cored arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, gas metal arc welding, carbon arc gouging, oxy-fuel cutting, plasma cutting, industrial math, and blueprints. Students may then take a welding certification examination before or after graduation. Learn more about the program curriculum at erwin.edu.

Founded as the Lee County Area Vocational Technical School in 1967, Fort Myers Technical College (FMTC) is a public technical college in Fort Myers, Florida that provides more than 20 programs in different occupational clusters. The school houses industry-standard equipment and technology and licensed and certified teaching professionals to enable students to become successful in their chosen fields. 

The Sheet Metal Technology at FMTC is a certificate program that introduces advanced welding techniques for metal manipulation and fabrication for construction, industrial, and artistic applications. Students are also trained to operate advanced welding equipment used by professionals in the industry by combined classroom instruction and hands-on laboratory experiences. At the end of the program, students are expected to know inert gas-shielded welding methods (MIG & TIG), oxyacetylene and electric arc methods, and other techniques in metal layout and fabrication. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to take the examination to earn the Certified Welder – SMAW Plate credential from the American Welding Society. Inquire about the program at fortmyerstech.edu.

Based in Los Altos Hills, California, Foothill College is a community college offering more than 180 degrees and certificates in the areas of communications, health sciences, engineering, fine arts, and business. The college has been serving nearly 15,000 students in its Los Altos Hills and Sunnyvale Center campuses, community and industry sites, and through online learning delivery format since 1957.

The Sheet Metal Trade program at Foothill offers three degree options to individuals: a 63-credit Associate in Science in Sheet Metal Trade, a 58-unit Certificate of Achievement in Sheet Metal Building Trades, and a 6-unit Sheet Metal Air Conditioning Specialist Career Certificate. All of the programs prepare students in fabricating and installing various sheet metal products with the aim to reach optimum environmental and energy efficiency.  Some of the courses in the degree curriculum are Sheet Metal Tools and Shop, Soldering and Common Seams, Drafting Introduction and Views, Beginning Duct Fittings, Radial Line Lay Out and Ogee Offsets, Basics of Architectural Metal Sheet, Metal Roofing, and Basic AutoCAD. More information can be seen at foothill.edu.

Originally named Lakeshore Technical Institute, Lakeshore Technical College is a public community college with its main campus in Cleveland, Wisconsin, and additional learning and community education centers in Manitowoc and Sheboygan. It is part of the 16-institution Wisconsin Technical College System and is one of the leading providers of technical education offering career programs, customized training for business, continuing education programs, and basic skills education.

The Sheet Metal Apprenticeship at Lakeshore Technical College is a technical diploma program that teaches students the basics of planning and lay-outing of blueprints and sketches, fabrication of parts using hand and power equipment, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) assembly, and installation of assembled units. The program is an employer-sponsored, hands-on training program that consists of 9,000 hours of work including 512 hours of paid related instruction and 250 hours of night school. Graduates of the program receive a Certificate of Completion for the paid-related instruction from the college, and a Certificate of Completion of the Apprenticeship and Journey worker card given by the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards. Students may also transfer 39 credits and apply for a Journey worker Technical Studies Associate Degree. Explore the program details at gotoltc.edu.

Bates Technical College is a public technical college situated in Tacoma, Washington D.C. offering career training, continuing education, high school, general education, child studies, and basic studies. The college began providing technical education in 1940 as the Tacoma Vocational School with the goal to enrich communities through student learning, greater achievements, and career training for employment.  

The Sheet Metal Technology degree at Bates Technical College is the only associate degree program in the region that prepares students for an apprenticeship under the Western Washington Sheet Metal Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee. Students complete customer projects in the classroom and shop which trains students with the necessary foundational skills and theoretical knowledge to succeed in the profession. The program curriculum includes instruction and training in equipment operation, blueprint reading, fabrication and installation of different ventilation systems, air distribution, computer-aided drafting, and material handling. Go to batestech.edu to view the entire program curriculum.

Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC), located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is among the 16 technical and community colleges under the Wisconsin Technical College System. The campus serves the Chippewa Falls, Neillsville, Menomonie, River Falls, and nearby communities. CVTC embraces critical thinking, integrity, and diversity as reflected in the programs they offer.

Offered at the Eau Claire campus at CVTC, the two-year sheet metal Fabrication course is a program that offers advanced instruction and training on fabrication, programming, design, inspection, and quality control. The curriculum covers a lot of areas in the welding industry such as CAD basics, advanced processes, advanced fabrication, core manufacturing skills, pipe welding, advanced robotic welding, non-destructive testing and welding codes, welding applications, and advanced programming. Through a series of hands-on exercises under the supervision of skilled instructors, students absorb skills and techniques in welding, layout and fabrication, blueprint reading, and metallurgy. Read more about the program at cvtc.edu.

As part of the Illinois Community College System, Shawnee Community College (SCC) is a public two-year community college located in Ullin, Illinois. Established in 1967, the college has numerous extension sites in Anna, Metropolis, Cairo, and Vienna serving nearby counties. SCC offers more than 40 programs of study in the fields of healthcare, business, information technology, accounting, and many more.

The one-year sheet metal welding program at SCC is a certificate program designed to equip students with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills for entry-level employment in the areas of oxyacetylene and electric welding. Some of the courses are Technical Mathematics, Introduction to Welding, Maintenance Welding, Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding, Pipe Welding, and Blueprint Reading for Welding. For additional information about the program, visit shawneecc.edu.

Chartered in 1968, Hillsborough Community College is a two-year community college situated in Hillsborough County, Florida. It is a member of the 28-institution Florida College System, accommodating over 47,000 students each year. With more than 190 academic programs to educate students, the college has five additional campuses and three academic centers to provide students an engaging and diverse learning environment.

The Welding Technology program at Hillsborough is a post-secondary adult vocational program that provides a solid foundation in various welding techniques and applications. More advanced welding methods such as gas metal arc, gas tungsten arc, shielded metal arc, flux-cored arc, and pipe welder are also covered in the program. Towards the end of the program, students must complete an internship in preparation for the certification from the American Welding Society. More details can be found at hccfl.edu.

Started offering courses in 1971 in Reno and Sparks, Nevada, Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) is a public community college and technical college that offers credit and non-credit programs to more than 25,000 annually.  It operates under the Nevada System of Higher Education with five educational sites and over 20 community locations.

The AAS in Manufacturing Technologies - Sheet Metal at TMCC is a program that provides students the necessary instruction and training to earn the structural steel certification from the American Welding Society and establish careers in the fields of construction and manufacturing. The program focuses on training the students with the four major welding processes, explanation of technical drawings by applying print reading techniques, and safe and proper use of welding equipment, tools, and accessories. Aside from the general education requirements, students are required to finish emphasis-specific courses like Print Reading for Industry, Introduction to Information Systems, Welding, Introduction to Machine Shop, Basic Metals, Metallurgy, and Introduction to Robotic Welding. Access the entire program curriculum at tmcc.edu.

Headquartered in San Marcos, California, Palomar College is a public two-year community college that has three academic centers and four education sites across the north San Diego County. The college educates nearly 30,000 full-time and part-time students through over 200 certificate and associate degree program offerings.

The five-year apprenticeship in Sheet Metal at Palomar College provides students the necessary theoretical knowledge and training to perform the duties of sheet metal workers. Students encounter various metals like cold-rolled steel, mild steel, tin, titanium, nickel, aluminum, copper, and brass. In the program, students master a variety of tasks such as cutting, forming, fabrication, assembly, and installation of sheet metal items, construction of electric signs, and reading of blueprints to lay out, cut, and form the metal. Visit palomar.edu to inquire about the program.

As one of the members of the Illinois Community College System, Rock Valley College (RVC) is a public comprehensive two-year community college based in Rockford, Illinois. RVC offers over 100 courses for transfer and 30 certificate and degree programs to individuals in nearby counties such as Winnebago, Boone County, Stephenson, and Ogle Counties.

The RVC Welding program offers two comprehensive certificate options: Advanced Welder and Industrial Welder. For both programs, graduates are qualified to take the certification examinations after program completion. While both programs cover the common manual and semi-automatic welding processes, industrial safety, blueprint reading, welding, and basic metal fabrication, the Advanced Sheet Metal Certificate includes training in various welding types like oxy-fuel, shielded metal arc (STICK), gas metal arc (MIG), gas tungsten arc (TIG), and flux-core arc welding. Learn more about the program at rockvalleycollege.edu.

Columbia Basin College (CBC) is a public community college with campuses in Pasco and Richland, Washington. It provides more than two- and four-year 100 degree programs in the fields of business, technical education, computer science, health sciences, and humanities to provide the educational needs of individuals in the region and state.

The two-year sheet metal program at CBC provides the theoretical knowledge and practical training needed in basic and advanced welding techniques for students entering the construction and fabrication industry. The courses in the curriculum include Basic Welding, Oxy-Acetylene Process, Fundamentals Major Processes and Their Consumables, Fabrication Principles, Shield Metal Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding, Pipe Welding, and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. For further information about the program, go to columbiabasin.edu.

With campuses in Belleville, Granite City, and Red Bud, Illinois, Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) is a public community college founded in 1946 as Belleville Junior College. The college has off-campus sites in Scott Air Force Base and East St. Louis Community College Center where students engage in over 150 certificate and degree program options.

Under the Construction Trades Apprenticeship Training at SWIC, the Construction Sheetmetal program is an associate degree program that prepares students in pursuing a career in the construction industry. The program consists of classes in different construction blueprints and specifications, construction materials and methods, occupational safety and health, construction estimating - cost accounting, and fundamentals of labor relations. To access the program curriculum, go to swic.edu.

As one of the best community colleges in the United States, Saint Paul College is a public community college located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System that educates approximately 15,000 students in the area through numerous associate degree, career certificate, and diploma program offerings.

The Sheet Metal, HVAC Ducts and Fittings program at Saint Paul College offers two degree options: a Diploma and an Associate of Applied Science. The associate degree programs teach students on how to read blueprints, prepare layouts, and operate fabricating devices like special hand tools, nibbler, power shears, and bar folders. Students are also trained to gather details and specifications from blueprints in fabricating and installation of ducts for heating, filtering, cooling, and humidifying the air. Some of the courses in the program are Sheet Metal Fitting Layout and Design, Sheet Metal Fitting Fabrication, Sheet Metal CAD/CAM Systems, and Sheet Metal Welding. Explore the program details at saintpaul.edu.

With campuses in Columbus and Delaware, Ohio, Columbus State Community College (CSCC) is a public community college founded in 1963 as the Columbus Area Technician's School. The college also has six regional learning centers across the state where over 45,000 full-time and part-time students study in the fields of humanities, business, computer science, health sciences, and education.

The Associate of Applied Science in Skilled Trades Technology with a major in Sheet Metal at CSCC is a program that graduates for various employment opportunities in the sheet metalworking industry. Students are trained to handle the design, installation, repair, and maintenance of different sheet metal applications. The courses in the program include Sheet Metal Fabrication, Introduction to Welding, Fundamentals of MIG Welding, Principles of Refrigeration, MIG and TIG Welding Applications, Heating Systems, and Automatic and Manual Control Valves. More information is available at cscc.edu.

Known as the first college in Indiana that was established in 1801, Vincennes University is a premier institution of higher learning with campuses in Vincennes and Jasper and additional learning sites in Lebanon, Indianapolis, and Gibson County. Across all locations, the university educates more than 17,000 students engaged in the areas of business, public service, health sciences, humanities, engineering, and social sciences.

Offered at the Vincennes campus, the Sheet Metal program is a two-year associate degree program that prepares students for employment in the welding field as well as for certification examination from the American Welding Society. The program includes instruction and training in the four common methods of welding: oxy-acetylene welding, shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, and gas tungsten arc welding. Students are also trained on air carbon arc cutting, plasma arc cutting, print reading, inspection and fabrication methods, and automation. Check the entire program curriculum at vinu.edu.

Located in the heart of Honolulu, Hawai?i, Honolulu Community College (HCC) is a public community college under the University of Hawai?i system. As one of the best community colleges in the United States, HCC specializes in providing industrial programs such as automotive and aircraft maintenance. Students also have direct transfers to several branches of the University of Hawai?i System and other universities in Hawai?i.

The Sheet Metal Technology degree at HCC offers two degree options: an Associate in Applied Science and a Certificate of Achievement. The program aims to provide technical training on sheet metal and plastic technology to meet the demands of the industry. The curriculum helps students develop technical knowledge and practical skills in the fabrication of air conditioning ducts, architectural metal work, welding and fabrication of plastics, and pattern development. Some of the courses in the program are Hand Tool and Machine Processes, Fabrication Processes, Introduction to Surface Development, Advanced Fabrication Processes, and Blueprint Reading. Inquire about the program at honolulu.hawaii.edu.

With numerous programs in the areas of allied health, liberal arts, business, and skilled trades, Terra State Community College is a public community college located in Fremont, Ohio that provides associate, certificate, and transfer degree options. It was established in 1968 as the Vanguard Technical Institute, offering technical classes in data processing, computer technology, mechanical design, and electronics.

The top ranked sheet metal degree at Terra Community College is an associate degree program that covers both traditional and advanced welding methods to prepare students for entry-level employment in the field of welding technology. With a combination of theoretical instruction and hands-on instruction, students are equipped with the modern welding processes, welding metallurgy, and heat-treating principles in order to select the appropriate process, equipment, accessories, and procedures required in the manufacturing or fabrication of materials. The courses in the program include Blueprint Reading, Inspection. GMAW and GTAW Welding Theory, Structural Steel Fabrication, and Welding Codes and Procedures. Learn more about the program curriculum at terra.edu.

Located in El Dorado, Kansas, Butler Community College is a public two-year community college established as El Dorado Junior College in 1927. As the second-largest community college in Kansas, the college accommodates around 13,000 students engaged in more than 90 academic programs across numerous learning sites within the state.

The sheet metal degree at Butler is an associate degree that prepares students for a career in the field of welding. The program covers the four major welding processes namely shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), and oxy-fuel welding applied to ferrous and non-ferrous metals as well as to position and out of position welding. Students are also introduced to several industry-recognized cutting processes, manual and CNC (computer numerically controlled), and training in blueprint reading and metallurgy. Graduates of the program are then qualified to take the certification examination in the SMAW, GTAW, and GMAW processes from the American Welding Society. Go to butlercc.edu to explore the program curriculum.

As one of the regional colleges in the Wisconsin Technical College System, Mid-State Technical College is a technical college in Central Wisconsin with campuses and learning centers in Adams, Stevens Point, Marshfield, and Wisconsin Rapids. The college offers certificates, technical diplomas, and associate degrees in various in-demand career fields that meet the local workforce needs.

Offered at the Wisconsin Rapids campus, the Welding program at Mid-State is a technical diploma that prepares students for entry-level employment in the production, manufacturing, construction, and servicing industries. The program covers several welding processes such as shielded metal arc, gas metal arc, gas tungsten arc, submerged arc, plasma arc, oxyacetylene cutting, and arc-air cutting. Students are also trained to identify different types of metals for fabrication and welding under industry codes. Some of the courses in the program are Welding Metallurgy, Weld Inspections and Testing, Machine Shop Fundamentals, Industrial Safety, Welding Print Reading, and Sheet Metal Cutting for welding.  

Marion Technical College is a technical vocational school that serves students and professionals in Marion Country by providing a broad and diverse range of programs tailored to meet their career goals and the needs of the industry. The college, located on its campus in Ocala, Florida, ensures the delivery of consistent, high-quality programs, training, and services in educating its students.

The Department of Manufacturing at Marion Technical College offers a 32-week Sheet Metal program that prepares individuals for employment in various welding-related positions in the industrial, manufacturing, and utility industries. The program covers the basic concepts and skills of four major welding processes namely Shielded Metal Arc (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc (GMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc (GTAW), and Flux-Cored Arc (FCAW) welding processes. The courses in the program include Shop and Personal Safety, SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and FCAW processes, Blueprint Reading, and Basic Principles of Pipe Welding. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the certification exams as Certified Welder as well as separate welding certifications accredited by the American Welding Society. To know more about the program, go to mariontc.edu.

Considered the top transfer college for California State University - Sacramento and the University of California, Davis, American River College (ARC) is a public community college located in Sacramento, California. It is a member of the California Community Colleges System that offers a wide selection of academic and career-focused associate and transfer degrees across three additional campuses in Mather, McClellan, and Natomas centers.

The Sheet Metal Apprenticeship program at ARC is a certificate program that focuses on training students to different levels required for the construction industry. The program emphasizes safety, residential and commercial processes, estimation, blueprint reading, building codes, and other related sheet metal topics. Students in the program learn how to analyze and apply national building codes and blueprints for sheet metal construction through exhibiting proficiency in the concepts, principles, and applications of metal fabrication methods. The program also has an option of an Associate in Arts degree which may be obtained by completing the required program, general education requirements, and specific electives. For more information about the programs, visit arc.losrios.edu.

Originated in 1963 as Indiana Vocational Technical College, Ivy Tech Community College - Central Indiana is a two-year community college serving Marion, Hancock, Shelby, and six other counties in the area. The college has several campuses in Indianapolis, Franklin, Avon, and five more locations where programs in business, social services, information technology, and health sciences are offered.

Under Ivy Tech’s Industrial Technology program, the 34-credit Structural Welding program is a technical certificate program that can be taken full-time, part-time, and accelerated to give students the flexibility to earn a career in the welding industry. The college also offers a 21-credit Structural Welding certificate program that also provides students the technical knowledge and practical skills to pursue a career in the field. Both programs prepare students for the certification examinations given by the American Welding Society. Inquire about the program at ivytech.edu to view the curriculum.