What is Welding Technology?
Certified welders are among the highest paid of all the skilled trades. Welders join metals by applying intense heat from a gas or electric source to melt metal to form a permanent bond with or without the use of filler metals. Welders plan the sequence of operations and select the equipment to be used according to the kinds of metals involved and the type of weld to be made. Course work and practical experience will give you the skills and knowledge to determine and perform appropriate welding techniques. You will also learn blueprint reading and flame cutting of metals.
What are my career choices?
A majority of welders work in manufacturing industries. Others are employed by construction firms and businesses performing various repair services. A skilled welder may qualify as a technician, supervisor, inspector, or as an owner of a welding business.
What are my degree, diploma, or certificate options?
Degrees and Transfer
Credit earned through certificate and diploma program completion will be applicable toward the Associate in Applied Science in General Occupational / Technical Studies (GOTS) degree when consistent with the objectives of the student's individual plan of study. This heavily advisor-driven model can combine certificates and / or diplomas in different disciplines for meeting employer needs for unique skill combinations for which there is no established degree program. As many as twenty (20) hours of credit for experiential learning may be applied toward degree completion. KCTCS certificate and diploma credit and acceptable credit transferred from other colleges may also be applied to a student's program completion plan. At least twenty-five percent (25%) of the approved curriculum credits must be completed at the KCTCS institution granting the degree.
Diploma
Certificates
- ARC Cutter (5 credit hours)
- ARC Welder (24-25 credit hours)
- AWS National Skills Standard Level I (33-34 credit hours)
- Gas Metal Arc Welder (15-18 credit hours)
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welder (17-18 credit hours)
- Gas Welder (4 credit hours)
- Pipeline Welder (29-40 credit hours)
- Production Line Welder (19-20 credit hours)
- Shielded Metal Arc Welder (17-18 credit hours)
- Tack Welder (7-10 credit hours)
- Welder Helper (2-5 credit hours)
Admission Requirements
This program has no special admission requirements. Please consult the admission & registration guidelines.
Scholarship Information
Students majoring in Welding Technology may be eligible for scholarship support through the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship Program. This support could include full-tuition for the program. Check out the details at the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship site.
Length of Program
You can earn an associate in applied science degree in two years if you maintain full-time status and take 15 credit hours per term.
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.
