Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW / Stick)

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

THE PROCESS: SMAW or Stick welding is a manual arc welding process that uses a flux-coated, consumable stick electrode to create an electric arc, which melts and joins metal pieces. The flux coating creates a protective gas and slag layer to prevent oxidation, eliminating the need for an external shielding gas. This process is versatile and portable, making it ideal for outdoor use in industries like construction, shipbuilding, and heavy fabrication, despite challenges such as lower welding speed and more post-weld cleanup from the slag.

WHAT YOU LEARN: Learn to weld using stick electrodes with this course.  Students will learn to perform fillet welds in three main positions, namely horizontal, vertical, and overhead. Students learn to set up equipment, adjust voltage and wire feed speeds, and manage shielding gas flow to join metal parts safely. They practice proper techniques like gun angle, and travel speed to create strong welds. 

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: 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). 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 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.

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.