Welcome to the Welding/Metal Fabrication program at Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES, where students ignite their passion for crafting and shaping metal into works of art and utility. Our program offers a comprehensive education that prepares aspiring welders and metal fabricators for successful careers in the diverse and dynamic field of metalworking.

Led by experienced instructors with a wealth of expertise in welding and metal fabrication, our program provides students with hands-on training in a variety of essential skills, including oxy-fuel welding, shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), and metal fabrication techniques. Students develop the technical expertise and artistic flair needed to excel in the field through a blend of classroom instruction and practical experience in our state-of-the-art welding facilities.

At Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES, we believe in the power of experiential learning. That’s why our students don’t just learn in the classroom, they work on real-world projects. From creating metal sculptures to fabricating structural components, our students gain valuable hands-on experience that prepares them for success in the industry.

In addition to technical skills, our program emphasizes safety, precision, and creativity—qualities essential for producing high-quality welds and fabrications. Students also can earn industry-recognized certifications, such as AWS Welding Certification, enhancing their credentials and employability in the competitive job market.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are not just prepared, they are equipped to pursue various career paths in welding, metal fabrication, construction, manufacturing, and more. Whether you dream of working in aerospace, automotive, construction, or artistic metalworking, the Welding/Metal Fabrication program at Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to turn your passion for metalworking into a successful and fulfilling career. Join us and spark your future today.

The Welding/Metal Fabrication Program enables students to develop specialized and sought-after skills for employment in the welding and metal fabrication industry. Students learn up-to-date welding and metal fabrication techniques and procedures in a variety of areas, such as electric arc or SMAW (stick) welding, metal inert gas (MIG) welding, tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding, oxy-acetylene cutting and welding, flux-cored arc welding, and plasma arc cutting. Students also learn testing and inspection protocols, safety procedures, and appropriate safety/protective equipment use. Further areas of study to support welding and metal fabrication include blueprint reading, layout and joint design, and metallurgy. Students in this program develop the skills necessary to succeed in welding/metal fabrication occupations in sectors such as the oil and gas, manufacturing, and transportation industries and all military branches. Students can intern with area welding businesses, manufacturers, and custom vehicle companies.

• Alfred State College
• Bryant & Stratton College
• Niagara County Community College
• SUNY Delhi
• Trocaire College

• Shielding Metal Arc Welding
• GMAW Certification
• GTAW (Aluminum) Certification
• GTAW (Stainless Steel) Certification
• FCAW Certification
• OSHA 10-Hour Safety Certification

• Ironworker or Sheet Metal Worker
• Metal Fabricator/Fitter
• Boilermaker
• Pipefitter/Steamfitter/Sprinkler Fitter
• Structural Metal Worker
• Underwater Welder
• Welding/Materials Engineer
• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)