Major Code: 238

The Welding Technology program is designed to prepare individuals with advanced welding skills that make them ideal candidates for employment for a wide range of industrial settings. Students in the program will weld plate and pipe in various processes in all positions to American Welding Society (AWS) standards. All technical courses in the program provide extensive hands-on experiences. Students will have a broad based foundation in welding that includes Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), TIG welding and MIG welding. Safety, selection of proper equipment, selection of appropriate filler materials, and proper weld techniques are stressed throughout the curriculum. In addition, students will be trained in reading prints with welding symbols and will have a basic understanding of metallurgy and layout and fabrication.

The Welding Technology 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.
• Employ or utilize information access and literacy skills.
• Demonstrate problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Employ mathematical and science literacy skills.
• Acquire a cultural, artistic and global perspective.
• Demonstrate professional and human relations skills.
• Demonstrate safe practices in all welding activities.
• Demonstrate ability to read and apply welding prints and symbols.
• Perform basic processes of oxyacetylene welding and cutting
• Demonstrate ability to weld Fillet welds in all positions to AWS standards
• Demonstrate ability to weld Groove welds in all positions on plate and pipe to AWS standards.
• Apply basic understanding of metallurgy in performing welds and selecting appropriate processes and materials.
• Understand how to start and complete a fabrication project.

The employment outlook is currently above average at the regional, state, and national levels. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report an average annual salary of $30,000 to $80,000 for welder and $55,000 to $120,000 for Welding supervisors. Career opportunities are available in a number of industries including manufacturing, fabrication, oil and gas, construction, and equipment maintenance and repair.

Job Titles: Aluminum Welder, Fabrication Welder, Fabricator, FCAW Welder, Fitter/Welder, Maintenance Welder, GMAW Welder, GTAW Welder, SMAW Welder

Wage and Employment Trends:

• Wage Range: $38,000 to $80,000 annual (Onet, 2016)
• Projected Growth 5-9% (Onet, 2016)
• Certification Options:  American Welding Society

CIP Code: 480508