Create. Build. Transform.
Shape what’s next, one precise weld at a time.
Owens’ Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) certificate places you at the center of an industry that keeps the world moving. From building steel frameworks and repairing industrial machinery to shaping vehicles and ships, your work will have a visible impact.
With this certificate, you’ll be able to launch your career and advance into specialized roles with ease. This trade is a craft, a challenge and a source of pride. Forge your future with every weld.
Standout traits in successful welders:
- Attention to detail: Maintain control over equipment and processes, understanding that small errors significantly impact weld integrity
- Safety consciousness: Adhere to protective protocols when working with high-temperature equipment and hazardous materials
- Patience: Demonstrate steady composure and deliberate technique to achieve consistent, high-quality results
Small Classes. Expert Guidance.
Our instructors are experts who take pride in your success. Combined with our small class sizes, you’ll get one-on-one mentorship and precise technical feedback tailored to your goals.
Award Type
Certificate
Department
Department of Skilled Trades
Required Credit Hours
4
An Inside Glimpse
4
Credits—stackable into AAS program
14:1
Student-instructor ratio for personalized mentorship and support
86%
Owens’ technical programs commonly show 86% job placement within 2 years
From Wire to Weld
This four-credit certification course begins by covering essential modern welding techniques, then progresses to practical, hands-on experience with gas metal arc welding (GMAW). You’ll gain expertise in GMAW equipment configuration and operational methods while working with different types of electrode wires.
Through lab-intensive experience and expert instruction, you’ll develop the confidence, safety knowledge and technical expertise needed to excel in the welding industry.
Start your welding career right away with a marketable certificate, or advance to Owens’ Welding Major, AAS—your credits will transfer seamlessly.
Career Outcomes
Graduate ready to work as a GMAW Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welder in a wide range of industries. With this certificate, you’ll be ready to work in manufacturing plants, construction sites or automotive repair shops.
Build the steel framework for skyscrapers, repair heavy machinery in industrial plants or craft precision parts for the aerospace industry. MIG welders also play key roles in shipbuilding, energy pipelines and custom metal fabrication.
Job titles you might pursue include welder/fabricator, manufacturing welder, structural welder, maintenance welder, marine welder or robotic welding operator. Wherever metal needs to be joined, your skills will be in demand.
Explore the employment data to understand trends in our area.
In Their Words
“Owens is a great place to gain a lot of knowledge and experience for a lifetime.”
Austen Nissen, STEM grad, ’22
Getting Started at Owens
Begin your high-quality education at an affordable price today!
Enrollment is easy—just fill out an online admissions application to get started. We’ll ask you to submit your transcripts for course placement and college credit.
Upon acceptance, schedule a meeting with your admissions advisor to register for classes. Next, attend an on-campus orientation and meet with your student financial services advisor to discuss ways to pay for college.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE). For more information concerning accreditation standards, contact the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE), 310 W. Lake St., Suite 111, Elmhurst, IL 60126 phone: (630) 433-4514 web: atmae.org.