Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW)

Our Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW) Welding course consists of 96 instructional hours designed to build strong foundational and practical welding skills. With our flexible rolling enrollment, you can join at any time and progress at a pace that fits your schedule while still completing all required instructional hours.

THE PROCESS: Flux‑cored arc welding is a wire‑fed welding process that uses a continuously fed tubular wire filled with flux to create the weld. As the welder pulls the trigger, the wire feeds through the gun, an electric arc forms between the wire and the metal, and the flux inside the wire melts to create shielding that protects the molten weld pool. Depending on the wire type, this shielding can come from the flux alone (self‑shielded FCAW) or from a combination of flux and an external shielding gas (gas‑shielded FCAW).

WHAT YOU LEARN: Students in an FCAW class learn how to safely and effectively perform flux‑cored arc welding by understanding the differences between self‑shielded and gas‑shielded processes, using proper PPE, and following heat and UV safety protocols. They gain hands‑on experience setting up equipment, selecting the correct polarity, adjusting voltage and wire feed speed, and troubleshooting issues like birdnesting. Training also focuses on mastering gun angles, travel speed, and weld pool control.

CURRICULUM: Swaby Academy uses industry‑standard welding curriculum for each welding process, supported by an online learning platform that provides in‑depth instruction on welding safety, personal protective equipment (PPE), and core welding principles. Students are quizzed and graded on the material they study, ensuring they understand both the theory and the practical foundations required for success in the lab.

SCHEDULE: Classes are held Monday through Thursday, and on Saturdays. We offer morning, afternoon, and evening classes. Please contact us to build a schedule that works for you. We’re committed to flexibility and your success.

TESTING: Flux‑cored arc welding testing involves preparing and welding a designated test plate according to specific joint, position, and procedure requirements, then evaluating the weld for both appearance and structural integrity. After cooling and slag removal, visual inspection checks for defects such as undercut, porosity, cracks, or lack of fusion. After passing the visual, the plate is cut and bent to check for internal flaws. A weld passes when the bend specimens show no cracks or discontinuities beyond the allowable limits. Successful candidates receive a certificate and become AWS Certified Welders in whatever position(s) they've tested for. All test fees are included in your course cost, ensuring a seamless path from training to credentialing.

REQUIRED PPE: For this course, students with need required PPE's such as welding helmet, gloves, FR welding jacket, and work boots. Students can purchase their PPE packet from Swaby Group. All tools and welding consumables are provided by Swaby Academy as part of the course.

PAYMENT: You can pay for your course online, or you can mail or hand-deliver a check, or pay cash at our office in Orange, Virginia. All payments must be made before the start of the program.

Address: Swaby Academy, 385 Waugh Blvd, Orange, VA 22960

FINANCIAL AID: Swaby Academy is actively exploring financial aid options to help our students manage tuition costs. We are committed to identifying reliable funding sources that support access, affordability, and student success. As soon as these opportunities are confirmed, we will share detailed information with you.

INTERNATIONAL COST: Cost for International students includes all necessary PPE.