American Welding Society — Level 1
The American Welding Society certificate helps provide students with the technical skills needed to become a level 1 certified welder. The graduate will be proficient in SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, OFC, OAW, PAC and GTAW procedures, mathematic calculations and reading blueprints. Students receive various levels of welding proficiency after successfully completing tests that measure their welding skills.
Admission requirements
American Welding Society Level 1 is an open-enrollment program, meaning there are no criteria students must meet to be admitted. If you're interested in enrolling in this program, complete our steps to enroll, which include completing the free application for admission.
We encourage all prospective students to visit campus. We have several Explore Sandburg open houses throughout the year, or you can schedule a campus visit at your convenience.
Career and technical programs/courses are offered without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or status in any group protected by applicable federal, state or local law. For more information, contact the Title IX Coordinator at 309.341.5258 or the ADA/504 coordinator at 309.341.5262.
For additional information contact:
Welcome Center
309.345.3500
welcomecenter@sandburg.edu
Employment
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 3% growth in employment for welders, cutters, solderers and brazers from now to 2028. Due to the nation’s aging infrastructures, experienced welders, cutters, solderers and brazers will be needed to help rebuild highways, bridges and buildings.
The basic skills of welding are similar across industries making it easier for individuals trained in the field to shift from one industry to another. New jobs for welders are anticipated in manufacturing industries that produce fabricated metal products and transportation equipment. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020). 2019 median pay: $42,490 per year; $20.43 per hour
Potential careers
Welders, cutters and welder fitters
Welding, soldering and brazing machine setters, operators and tenders
Vocational education teachers, postsecondary
Career/technical education teachers, secondary school
Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products
Graduates from this program pursue careers in fields such as:
Sample course schedule for the American Welding Society Level 1 program
Sample schedule for American Welding Society Level 1 certificate
Program format
The Welding program offers both online and face-to-face class options.
Class formats
Sandburg offers courses in a variety of formats to best fit the needs of our students. To determine the formats for specific courses, please refer to our course schedule.
Regardless of the course format, you should have access to a reliable computer with broadband (high-speed) internet. All courses use online resources and require students to access course information through mySandburg. Accessing courses through a phone is discouraged. Both campuses have open computer labs for student use.
Estimated costs for this program
American Welding Society Level 1 certificate cost sheet
Financial aid
To apply for financial aid, visit our financial aid page for more information.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) helps job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. Contact the local office to see if you qualify for financial support.
- Hancock County | 550 N. Madison St. | Carthage, IL | 217.357.6749
- Warren/Henderson County | 1025 S. 2nd St | Monmouth, IL | 309.734.4745
- Knox County Bondi Building | 311 E. Main, Suite 612 | Galesburg, IL | 309.343.9832
- McDonough County | 440 N. Lafayette | Macomb, IL | 309.837.1280
Scholarships
Thanks to our generous donors, the Carl Sandburg College Foundation is able to award more than $100,000 each year in scholarship dollars to Sandburg students. High school, adult learners, and returning students — everyone is eligible to apply between October 1 and March 15 for the upcoming year.
Meet the Instructors
Ian Milligan
Welding & Industrial Process Professions Instructor
Jacob Milligan
Welding & Industrial Process Professions Instructor
Department of Career and Technical Education
2400 Tom L. Wilson Blvd.
Galesburg, IL 61401
309.341.5274
American Welding Society — Level 1
Please reference the Carl Sandburg College Academic Catalog for additional information.