Welding Technology

Welding Technology Degrees and Courses

Program Description

The Welding Technology (WT) program prepares students to work as entry-level welders, fitters, or metal fabricators in a variety of industries including boat-building, construction, industrial maintenance, and manufacturing. Students study a variety of layout, fabrication, and metal joining techniques using steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Processes include oxyfuel cutting, shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, flux cored arc welding, and gas tungsten arc welding. Instructional facilities include individual welding practice booths and a large metal fabrication area.

The Welding Program stays current with industry needs through an active Advisory Committee made up of representatives from local businesses that regularly seek our graduates for employment. SVC is an accredited through the American Welding Society entry-level welder training program. SVC is also a certified Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO) testing site. Students will move from theory to application to certification in all common manual and semi-automatic welding processes.

Students may enter at any quarter. Depending on the degree or certificate specialty, program completion time averages four to seven quarters. Because the program is performance-based, students may complete the program in a shorter or longer time period, depending on their individual progress. Experienced welders may upgrade their skills through special coursework.

Students are required to supply various tools, protective clothing, and welding consumables. A complete list can be obtained by contacting Michael Baker at michael.baker@skagit.edu or 360 416-7703.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Welding Technology program will be able to:

Utilize effective techniques for proper care and safe use of welding tools and other related equipment.
Understand characteristics of a variety of metals used in the fabrication industry.
Demonstrate competence in the selected welding processes: SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW.
Analyze & interpret welding blueprints, specifications, & instructions for construction assemblies.
Apply and practice workplace safety policies and procedures.
Select and apply the most appropriate welding process to industrial applications.
Demonstrate basic and precision measurement methods.
Participate and contribute to the effectiveness of work teams.
Communicate effectively using verbal and written methods.
Work effectively in a metalworking environment.
Complete a resume, develop a job search plan, & present oneself positively in a job interview.
Prepare for and pass the Washington State Building Officials (WABO) welding tests in the applicable processes.

Entry into the Program

Please apply at Enrollment Services. Welding is a precision craft that demands good eyesight, hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and the ability to work in awkward positions. The ability to read English at the 8th grade level is highly recommended. Advanced standing may be requested. For more information, contact the Department Chair or Enrollment Services.

Tech Prep

Please see Academic Information for information regarding Tech Prep.

Work-Based Learning

Students will integrate classroom learning with work-based learning experience in Cooperative Education (WT 199 ) at a supervised work site. Department Chair approval is required. Credits and grades are based on job-hours worked, work performance, and completion of the learning objectives specified in the learning contract. Concurrent enrollment in a Cooperative Education Seminar or equivalent is required.

Program Options

The Welding Program offers a wide variety of classes with morning, afternoon, evening, and Saturday options. Students may choose brief skills enhancing classes, any of several specialized Micro-Certificates, Program Certificates, or a 2-year ATA Degree. See details below.

Associate in Technical Arts Degree

Graduates of the two-year Welding Technology Associate in Technical Arts degree program (ATA) become proficient in all of the common industrial welding and cutting processes used in the boatbuilding, industrial maintenance, construction, and manufacturing, industries. Students receive advanced training in diverse topics ranging from welding metallurgy to computer-numerical-controlled (CNC) metalworking operations.

An Associate in Technical Arts degree (ATA) is awarded upon completion of a minimum of 90 credits in courses numbered 100 or above with an accumulated grade point average of 2.0. Courses must include completion of the technical major and general education requirements.

Program Certificates

A Professional Technical Certificate prepares students for entry into a technical field of employment. Certificates include completion of the technical major required courses and related instruction in communication, math, and human relation skills. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA or above in all required course work.

Welding Specialty Certificates

These certificates focus on specific welding process skills. Each certificate culminates with the passing of a standard welder qualification test using the covered process. These are strictly skills-based certificates. The training time needed to pass the culminating welder qualification test will vary based on past experience and pace of learning. To qualify for certification, students must maintain a 2.0 GPA or above in all required course work.

Individual Technical Certificate

An Individual Technical Certificate may be developed in conjunction with other programs to meet marketable objectives and goals with Department Chair approval.

American Welding Society Certificate

The SVC Welding program is an approved participant in the American Welding Society Entry-Level Welder Training program. Students who complete coursework requirements and pass written and performance exams will earn a certificate from the AWS (nominal
fee required).

WABO Certification

The SVC Welding Program is an approved test lab for the Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO) welder certification program. Students completing certification or degree programs will have the opportunity to earn this important industry credential (a nominal fee is required). Special coursework is available to prepare experienced welders for this test.

Micro-Certificates

Micro-Certificates of Completion are designed for taking courses over a short period of time focusing on enhancement or development of a specific skill or set of skills. Micro-Certificate courses can help enhance employability skills or provide preparation for continuing education in the program area. The Welding Program offers several Micro-Certificate options. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA or above in all required course work.

Welding Fundamental Micro-Certificates

This program is designed to familiarize students with the SVC Welding program and to provide an introduction to the manual and semiautomatic welding processes used in industry today. Students will learn the basic theory of operation and safety requirements for each of the covered processes and be introduced to hands-on welding techniques in the shop setting. To earn the certificate, students must maintain a 2.0 or better GPA in all required courses. There are two Welding Fundamentals specialty options to choose from.

Welding Technology Degrees and Courses

Programs

Courses

Welding Technology