North Central Kansas Technical College

North Central Kansas Technical College – Welding Program

Program Information

The Welding Program at North Central Kansas Technical College (NCK Tech) is designed for students who want intensive, hands-on training focused on real fabrication and production welding rather than theory-heavy coursework. The program emphasizes repetition, technique refinement, and shop discipline—skills that matter most when entering welding jobs in manufacturing, construction, and repair environments.

Students spend a significant portion of their training time in the welding lab working with industry-standard equipment. Instruction begins with fundamental welding safety, equipment setup, and metal preparation before moving into progressively more demanding welding tasks. Rather than learning one process in isolation, students are trained to understand how different welding methods are applied in real job settings.

Core welding processes covered include:

• MIG (GMAW) welding for production and fabrication work
• TIG (GTAW) welding for precision and thinner materials
• Stick (SMAW) welding for structural and field applications

Training is not limited to running beads. Students are taught how weld quality is evaluated and why certain techniques succeed or fail. Instruction regularly includes:

• Joint design and proper fit-up
• Welding in multiple positions
• Controlling heat input and distortion
• Identifying and correcting common weld defects

Blueprint reading and fabrication layout are integrated throughout the program. Students learn how to interpret basic drawings, welding symbols, and measurements so they can translate plans into finished metal components. Metallurgy and material identification are also emphasized, helping students understand how different metals react to heat and why process selection matters.

Because many welding jobs require independence and problem-solving, students are encouraged to troubleshoot issues as they arise—adjusting machine settings, selecting appropriate filler materials, and correcting technique based on results rather than guesswork.

Program Length

The Welding Program is designed to be completed in approximately one year. Full-time and part-time attendance options allow students to choose a pace that fits their schedule. The condensed timeline prioritizes hands-on lab hours, giving students extensive arc time within a relatively short training period.

Program Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and handle welding equipment
• Comfort working in a shop environment with heat, noise, and protective gear
• Willingness to follow safety procedures and accept instructor feedback

Graduates of the program are typically prepared for entry-level welding and fabrication roles and may pursue industry-recognized certifications, including AWS testing, depending on skill level and employer requirements. The training provides a solid foundation for students who plan to enter the workforce quickly or continue building experience through on-the-job learning.

North Central Kansas Technical College’s Welding Program is often a strong fit for students who prefer learning by doing, want concentrated shop time, and are looking for practical welding skills that translate directly to production and fabrication work.

Apply/Contact

We’re still collecting verified tuition and earnings data for this school. Check back soon — College Scorecard updates are made regularly by the U.S. Department of Education.