Welding

The Welding Technology program is designed for persons to acquire the technical knowledge and skills required to obtain a career in welding, fabrication, and related occupations. Graduates may qualify for positions in industries such as machinery fabrication, structural fabrication, pipe fabrication, plant maintenance, and trade occupations which require welding skills. Students who complete the first year of the program will gain sufficient training to obtain entry-level employment. The second year of the program will focus on advanced skills in welding applications in specialty areas.

Persons who complete the two-year program of study may earn the Associate in Applied Science degree in Welding Technology with an emphasis in structural welding, industrial production welding or pipe welding. The one-year welding certificate of achievement is available for students who do not wish to complete a two-year degree. Local employers indicate that there are jobs available for students who complete either the certificate or the AAS degree. Interested students must work out their individual programs with a department advisor.

This program has been designed to allow students to enroll at the beginning of each quarter. Students entering the program will progress sequentially through the lab classes; lecture classes are offered during scheduled quarters only.

Program Outcomes
Career Possibilities
Transfer Options
Industry Connections
Scholarships & Grants
  1. Students demonstrate safe shop practice by safely using tools and equipment.
  2. Students demonstrate competent cutting procedures and welds to appropriate welding codes.
  3. Students diagnose and cure common welding defects.
  4. Students will be able to communicate clearly and effectively within a workplace context.
  5. Students will be able to reason mathematically using methods appropriate to the profession.
  6. Students will be able to demonstrate teamwork and/or workplace specific skills related to human relations.

For job shadows, tours, and internships, check out the Career Services.

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Degrees & Certificates

AAS Welding Technology Degree

Total Credits: 111
Learning Outcomes:

  • Students demonstrate safe shop practice by safely using tools and equipment.
  • Students demonstrate competent cutting procedures and welds to appropriate welding codes.
  • Students diagnose and cure common welding defects.
  • Students will be able to communicate clearly and effectively within a workplace context.
  • Students will be able to reason mathematically using methods appropriate to the profession.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate teamwork and/or workplace specific skills related to human relations.

Year 1

Fall Quarter
Winter Quarter
Spring Quarter

Course Credits
Related Instruction BUS/CMST/ENGL/MAP 3-5
WLD 110 5
WLD 111 6
WLD112 3
WLD 151 3

Course Credits
Related Instruction BUS/CMST/ENGL/MAP 3-5
WLD 120 5
WLD 121 6
WLD 122 3
WLD 152 3

Course Credits
Related instruction BUS/CMST/ENGL/MAP 3-5
WLD 130 5
WLD 131 6
WLD 132 3
WLD 153 3

Year 2

Fall Quarter
Winter Quarter
Spring Quarter

Course Credits
FAD 150 and/or Remaining Related Instruction 2+
WLD 205 4
WLD 212 3
If doing Structural Welding Option
WLD 241
6
If doing Production Welding option
WLD 261
6
If doing Pipe Welding Option
WLD 281
6

Course Credits
FAD 150 and/or Remaining Related Instruction 2+
WLD 206 4
If doing Structural Welding Option
WLD 242 (3 credits)
WLD 243 (6 credits)
9
If doing Production Welding Option
WLD 262 (3 credits)
WLD 263 (6 credits)
9
If doing Pipe Welding Option
WLD 282 (3 credits)
WLD 283 (6 credits)
9

Course Credits
FAD 150 and/or Remaining Related Instruction 2+
WLD 207 4
If doing Structural Welding Option
WLD 244 (3 credits)
WLD 245 (6 credits)
9
If doing Production Welding Option
WLD 264 (3 credits)
WLD 265 (6 credits)
9
If doing Pipe Welding Option
WLD 284 (3 credits)
WLD 285 (6 credits)
9

Welding Certificate of Achievement

Total Credits: 52
Learning Outcomes:

  1. Students demonstrate safe shop practice by safely using tools and equipment.
  2. Students demonstrate competent cutting procedures and welds to appropriate welding codes.
  3. Students will be able to communicate clearly and effectively within a workplace context.
  4. Students will be able to reason mathematically using methods appropriate to the profession.
  5. Students will be able to demonstrate teamwork and/or workplace specific skills related to human relations.

Course Credits
BUS 120 – Human Relations on the Job 4
CMST 100 – Human Communication 4
ENGL 109 – Applied Technical Writing 3
FAD 150 – Industrial First Aid & CPR 2
MAP 101 – Applied Mathematics (AUT/WLD) 5
WLD 110 – Welding Theory I 5
WLD 111 – Welding Process I 6
WLD 112 – Thermal Cutting & Welding 3
WLD 120 – Welding Theory II 5
WLD 121 – Welding Process II 6
WLD 122 – Gas Metal Arc Welding I 3
WLD 151 – Technical Drawing Interpretation 3
WLD 152 – Welding Layout I 3

Welding Certificate of Accomplishment

Total Credits: 37
Learning Outcomes:

  1. Demonstrate safe shop practice by safely using basic tools and equipment.
  2. Students demonstrate competent cutting procedures and correct operation of equipment.

Course Credits
WLD 110 – Welding Theory I 5
WLD 111 – Welding Process I 6
WLD 112 – Thermal Cutting & Welding 3
WLD 120 – Welding Theory II 5
WLD 121 – Welding Process II 6
WLD 122 – Gas Metal Arc Welding I 3
WLD 132 – Gas Tungsten Arc Welding I (TIG) 3
WLD 151 – Technical Drawing Interpretation 3
WLD 152 – Welding Layout I 3

Welding Contact
Welding Faculty/Staff
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Crawford, Joel

Welding Associate Faculty
joelc@bigbend.edu
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Dechter, Duke

Welding Lab Assistant
duked@bigbend.edu
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Johnson, Robert

Welding Associate Faculty
robertj@bigbend.edu
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McDaniel, Shawn

Welding Faculty
shawnm@bigbend.edu
(509) 793-2262
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