Madison Area Technical College

Madison Area Technical College – Madison, WI

Program Information

Madison Area Technical College, commonly known as Madison College, offers a wide range of skilled trade programs designed to support workforce needs across south-central Wisconsin. Trade-focused options include Welding, Carpentry, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Plumbing, and Automotive Technology. These programs are structured to combine classroom instruction with extensive hands-on lab training, allowing students to develop technical skills that align with entry-level employment and apprenticeship pathways.

The Welding program at Madison College covers multiple welding processes used in manufacturing, construction, and fabrication environments. Students receive instruction in MIG, TIG, and Stick welding, along with training in welding safety, measurement, and blueprint interpretation. Emphasis is placed on weld quality, proper setup, and technique consistency, helping students understand how welding tasks fit within larger production or construction projects.

Carpentry training focuses on core construction skills used in residential and light commercial settings. Coursework typically includes framing methods, interior and exterior finishes, material handling, and jobsite safety. Students learn to read construction drawings, use hand and power tools properly, and follow sequencing common to building projects. The program supports skill development applicable to both general carpentry work and formal apprenticeship preparation.

The HVAC program prepares students to work with heating and cooling systems commonly found in Wisconsin homes and businesses. Instruction covers system components, installation practices, electrical fundamentals, airflow, and troubleshooting techniques. Students gain experience servicing and maintaining HVAC systems while learning how temperature control, ventilation, and safety requirements interact in real-world environments.

Plumbing coursework introduces students to piping systems, drainage, water supply, fixtures, and code-related concepts. Training emphasizes correct installation methods, material selection, measurement accuracy, and safe work practices. Automotive Technology students study vehicle systems such as engines, brakes, steering and suspension, and electrical components, using diagnostic tools and service information to identify and repair issues in both domestic and imported vehicles.

Apprenticeship & Workforce Alignment

Madison College is recognized for its role in supporting registered apprenticeship pathways throughout Wisconsin. Many trade programs are designed to complement apprenticeship training, allowing students to complete related technical instruction while working in the field. This alignment helps students meet classroom requirements associated with apprenticeship programs while gaining on-the-job experience through employers participating in Wisconsin’s apprenticeship system.

Hands-On Technical Training

Hands-on learning is a central component of trade education at Madison College. Students spend significant time in labs and shop environments practicing trade-specific tasks under instructor supervision. This applied training reinforces classroom concepts and allows students to develop proficiency with tools, equipment, and procedures used in construction, maintenance, and service occupations.

Learning Environment

Courses are structured to introduce technical concepts through instruction and demonstration before moving into supervised lab application. Instructors typically bring industry experience into the classroom, helping students understand how technical standards, safety requirements, and productivity expectations apply in professional settings. This approach supports steady skill development and accountability throughout each program.

Program Length

Program length varies depending on the credential and trade area. Many technical diploma programs are designed to be completed in approximately one year, while associate degree pathways may take closer to two years. Completion time can vary based on course load, scheduling, and whether a student attends full-time or part-time.

Programs Offered

• Welding
• Carpentry
• HVAC
• Plumbing
• Automotive Technology

Program Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Submission of an application for admission to Madison Area Technical College
• Placement testing or exemption through qualifying ACT, SAT, Accuplacer scores, or prior college coursework
• Ability to meet physical and safety requirements associated with hands-on lab training
• Additional program-specific requirements may apply depending on the trade area

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