Welding Technology

About the Program

Program Goal: Career

GE Pattern(s): Butte Local

Program Code: 01325.00AS

The Welding Technology program is designed to prepare students to become certified welders under standards set by the American Welding Society, American Society of Mechanical Engineers and American Petroleum Institute. Certification examinations may be taken after completion of the courses. To be successful in this program, students need basic competence in mathematics, must possess good eyesight at least with corrective lenses, sufficient physical stamina to be able to stand and bend for long periods, and not to be bothered by extended exposure to the outdoors. Students who are still enrolled in high school and who are considering a career as an industrial welder are encouraged to take courses in mathematics, industrial education, and welding. Courses in physical sciences and physics would enhance a student's knowledge and broaden one's experiences. The objective of this program is to teach students to read and follow blueprints and plans, lay out jobs to be done, cut and bend materials, operate an oxy-acetylene torch, shielded metal arc, flux core arc, and do mig and tig welding, and certify in the above processes. For certified welders employment opportunities are virtually unlimited. High-paying jobs are open in both heavy and light industry throughout California as well as the nation and the world. As far as can be seen in the future, the job market for certified welders will be excellent.

After completion of the program, students will be prepared to take the Welder Certification test. Students who complete the program can also receive a Certificate in Welding Technology Level I, a Certificate in Welding Technology Level II, a Certificate in Welding Technology Level III, and a Certificate of Achievement and may elect to earn an Associate's degree in Welding Technology.

Admission to the Program: The prerequisites to the Welding Technology program are completion of WLD 20 and WLD 21. The program is currently impacted. Contact the Department to start the process and paperwork that is required for this program. Please visit the Welding Technology Departments home page: http://www.butte.edu/departments/careertech/welding/weldingapplication.html. Estimated expenses average about $5,200 - $6,200 for the entire program. This includes tools, books, tuition, and welding qualification documentation (if you pass the welding certification test). Financial aid is available to qualified students.

Program Learning Outcome(s): Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to:

1. Setup and safely operate welding equipment.
2. Demonstrate the skill set necessary to qualify for an unlimited position welding qualification meeting AWS standards.
3. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication in a variety of situations, utilizing proper welding terminology and acronyms.