Welding Technology

What is Welding Technology?

WKCTC's welding courses are offered days and evenings depending upon semester scheduling to fit your needs. The Welding Program is using some of the most modern welding equipment available. Students are taught to do electric arc welding; oxyacetylene gas welding and cutting; metal inert gas welding (MIG); and tungsten inert gas welding (TIG). In the lab, students weld various kinds of metals such as mild steel, aluminum, cast iron, stainless steel, etc. Classroom time is spent learning how to read blueprints and studying the theory of welding processes, metals, welding rods, etc. Lab includes shop training in the use of saws, drill presses, grinders, power shears, metal brakes and rolls, and numerous other hand tools. Students fabricate shop jobs such as trailers, frames, racks, and swings using steel plates, angle iron, pipes, channel iron, and other structural steel shapes. During the course of training, most students become skilled to pass welders' certification tests that the majority of industries now require for employment. Welding is a skill that takes many hours of practice in order to become proficient. There is always a demand for good welders; but to be most successful, one must become a master of his/her trade. The equipment and skills levels vary because welding processes differ and are used for a variety of purposes. Jobs may range from those of highly-skilled manual welders, who can use both gas and electrical arc welding equipment and who can plan their work from blueprints or other specifications, to those of unskilled, welding helpers.

What are my career options?

Welding jobs are found in manufacturing. Jobs are concentrated in fabricated metal product manufacturing, transportation equipment manufacturing, machinery manufacturing, architectural and structural metals manufacturing, and construction.

What are my degree, diploma, or certificate options?

Students can earn the Associate in Applied Science in General Occupational/Technical Studies. This degree provides flexible alternatives for meeting student and employer needs. Credit earned through certificate and diploma program completion is applicable toward the Associate in Applied Science degree in General Occupational/Technical Studies degree when consistent with the objectives of the students individual plan of study.

Diploma

• Combination Welder

Certificates

• ARC Cutter
• ARC Welder
• AWS National Skills Standard Level I
• Gas Metal Arc Welding
• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
• Gas Welder
• Pipeline Welder (New students are not being accepted into this major.)
• Production Line Welder
• Shielded Metal Arc Welding
• Tack Welder
• Welder Helper

Additional Information

Length of Program

Students seeking a diploma can complete their plan of study in three semesters by completing a total of 62-65 credit hours of technical and general education courses. Certificates embedded within the diploma may be awarded as credential requirements are met. An Associate in Applied Science in General Occupational/Technical Studies (AAS-GOTS) degree can be completed by meeting the diploma requirements and completing additional general education requirements for a total of 60-76 credit hours. Day and evening classes are offered during two 16week semesters (August-December and January-May) each academic year. Dual credit courses are accepted from local high school districts and allow the student to enter in their second semester of the program.

Admission Requirements

There are no special admission requirements for this program. Please consult WKCTC's general admission requirements.

Industry Related Associations:

American Welding Society

For information on AWS National accredited testing please contact your instructor.

You can earn an associate in applied science degree in two years if you maintain full-time status.

This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.

Field Licensure Requirements

Some employers in the welding industry require welder certification.  There are numerous welder certification tests available to students. Welder certification is not required to complete the program at the college, but students are encouraged to become certified welders to improve their job prospects.

Financial Resources

How to Apply for Scholarships

How to Pay for College