North Dakota State College Will Launch Welding Course
The eight-week program in Fargo will begin on January 11, 2026, offering students nine college credits.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Financial Aid
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North Dakota State College of Science will launch an eight-week welding course at its Fargo facility on 19th Avenue North starting January 11, 2026. Students enrolled in the new program will earn nine college credits upon completion.
Why it matters
The initiative addresses regional shortages of skilled workers in trade positions, specifically within manufacturing, pipe, and ironwork industries. By providing specialized training, the program aims to prepare residents for high-demand careers in these critical trade sectors.
The intensive course runs for eight weeks, with daily lab sessions held from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The college provides all necessary protective equipment to students, who also complete theory and blueprint reading coursework online.
The players
North Dakota State College of Science
This public college operates several campuses and provides comprehensive technical and academic training for students.
The details
The program combines practical, hands-on lab time with remote learning components to ensure students gain both technical skills and theoretical knowledge. Because regional employers are seeking pipe, iron, and manufacturing workers, the curriculum is designed to help students quickly enter the local workforce.
Timeline
The welding course begins on January 11, 2026.
Culture Shift
This program reflects a broader societal shift toward prioritizing trade-based education as a viable alternative to traditional four-year degrees. By providing accelerated training, the institution helps bridge the gap between academic theory and the immediate needs of a changing industrial workforce.
Students can benefit from an accelerated timeline that allows them to earn nine college credits in just two months. Because the college provides all required protective gear, participants avoid the initial equipment costs often associated with starting a welding career.
The takeaway
Interested students should review the program requirements to prepare for the January start date. Maintaining a debt-free status is a core goal for many attendees, so verifying financial aid eligibility early is recommended.
Further reading
For more information on reducing educational costs, visit the Financial Aid section.
More information
To review course requirements or sign up, visit the college course registration portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WDAY Radio - AM 970 and FM 93.1.
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