Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG/GTAW)

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

THE PROCESS: TIG welding, is a fusion welding process that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode, inert shielding gas, and often a filler metal to create high-quality, spatter-free welds on various metals, including stainless steel and aluminum. It offers precise control for clean seams, especially on thin materials, and is used in industries like automotive and aerospace. This process requires significant manual dexterity to control both the torch and the filler wire simultaneously. 

WHAT YOU LEARN: Students will learn how to operate TIG equipment and set up machines, how to select and prepare tungsten and filler metals, and the proper techniques for striking and maintaining an arc for various metals like steel and aluminum. Students will also learn to perform fillet welds in three main positions, namely horizontal, vertical, and overhead. For AWS testing, students will perform a weld according to specific AWS welding codes and standards (like D1.1 for structural steel), and the resulting weld must pass Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) such as visual inspection and a guided bend test conducted by an AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI).

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: TIG weld tests, like the popular 6G pipe test, involve welding specific joint configurations in various positions (e.g., 1G flat, 5G horizontal fixed, 6G fixed 45° angle) under strict qualification requirements, often followed by destructive tests and visual inspections to ensure weld integrity and proper penetration. The test evaluates a welder’s ability to produce consistent, high‑quality welds under demanding conditions. It confirms their skill in a specific material, joint configuration, and welding position. Those who successfully pass the weld test in their designated position earn the American Welding Society (AWS) certificate, one of the most respected credentials in the welding industry, recognized nationwide, and required for many government and industrial projects. All associated testing 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.

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.