Welding Technology offers a certified, state-of-the-art welding facility complemented by certified welding instructors. Students train and learn to meet the current certification requirements of manufacturing and construction industries and exploring many career alternatives related to the welding industry. The program's technical training complies with American Welding Society (AWS) standards, increases the students' understanding of welding, meets employers' expectations, and increases the students' ability to compete in the employment marketplace. Training includes oxyacetylene cutting and welding, brazing, soldering, SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, blueprint/layout standards and methods, welding procedures specifications, testing methods, quality control, metallurgy, and safe work practices. Welder certifications are conducted according to AWS and WABO (Washington Association of Building Officials) standards. Process certifications are available and include plate and pipe welding using shielded metal arc, gas metal arc, and gas tungsten arc welding. The Welding Technology curriculum is reviewed by an advisory board composed of local and regional industry members.

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Mission

The mission of the Welding program is to provide quality training for entry-level skills and the related technical knowledge necessary for entry and advancement in the metals welding industry.

• Assure the Welding program is in full compliance with AWS standards and the needs of the metals welding industry.
  
• Upgrade welding curriculum in terms of relevance to employer technical needs in the region.
  
• Enhance student enrollment, retention, and completion rates.
  
• Fully institutionalize aluminum and stainless steel welding certificate programs.

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Degree Options

Students may earn an Associate in Applied Arts and Science in Welding Technology upon completion of the second year of instruction. To demonstrate welding proficiencies, students must pass certification tests prior to completion. Welding certifications include plate and pipe welding using shielded metal arc, gas metal arc, and gas tungsten arc welding processes. To meet the degree requirements, welding students must become certified in at least two processes, with at least one according to WABO Standards. A Welding Technology Certificate is available upon completion of the first year of instruction in the program.

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Entrance Requirements

It is recommended that the student contact the lead instructor regarding appropriate program placement and paying a priority list fee to determine specific quarter start in the program. Students may enter the program fall, winter or spring quarter, however, due to course sequencing it is recommended to begin in the fall. A placement test and mechanical reasoning test offered by the Student Development Center must be completed prior to admittance to the program.

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Certification

The Welding program's technical training complies with standards set by the American Welding Society (AWS), the Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

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Career Opportunities

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Other Information

For additional information including regional employment data, completion rates, student characteristics, and employment see http://www.wtb.wa.gov/etp.