Major Code: 239

The Oil & Gas Pipe Welding program is designed to prepare an individual with the advanced skills needed for the ever changing job market. Students in the program will weld pipe utilizing Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) in all positions to American Welding Society (AWS) standards. All technical courses in the program provide extensive hands-on experiences.

The Oil & Gas Pipe Welding program has been designed as an integrated program of study with secondary (high school) programs in the College’s service area in West Virginia. Students completing a secondary program may be eligible for advanced standing and should confer with program faculty and/or advisors about processes to obtain advanced standing.

Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

• Communicate effectively in oral and written formats.
• Demonstrate problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Employ mathematical and science literacy skills.
• Demonstrate safe practices in all welding activities.
• Demonstrate ability to weld pipe in the 5G and 6G positions using SMAW in the downhill progression
• Demonstrate how to read and identify drawings, prints and symbols.
• Demonstrate the ability to layout and cut pipe manually for branch and butt joints.

Job Opportunities: Graduating students will have the skills necessary to find work as a construction pipe welder, pipeline welder, or facility maintenance welder in a variety of settings.   Career opportunities are available in a number of industries including manufacturing, fabrication, oil and gas, construction, and equipment maintenance and repair. 

Wage and Employment Trends:

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), oil and gas pipe welders earn an average annual salary of $40,000 to $80,000 per year. 
• The employment outlook is currently above average at the regional, state, and national levels.

CIP Code: 480508