Welding Technology

Program available at/via: [Walla Walla] [Clarkston] [Corrections Education - CRCC & WSP]

Department Overview: Welding Technology offers a certified, state-of-the-art welding facility complemented by Instructors holding Certified Welding Inspector and Educator certifications. Students train and learn to meet the current certification requirements of manufacturing and construction industries and explore many career alternatives related to the welding industry. The program’s technical training meets or exceeds standards defined by American Welding Society and Washington Association of Building Officials. WWCC Welding Technology develops and establishes the students’ understanding of welding, related sciences, satisfies employers’ expectations, and increases students’ ability to compete in the welding industry. Training includes Oxyacetylene cutting/welding, Brazing, SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, blueprint/layout standards and methods, welding procedure specifications, visual inspection, testing methods, quality control, metallurgy, and safe and ethical work practices. Welder certifications are conducted according to WABO (Washington Association of Building Officials) standards. Process certifications are available and include plate and pipe welding using shielded metal arc, gas metal arc, flux cored, and gas tungsten arc welding. Special Metals instruction (stainless, aluminum) are also available. The Welding Technology curriculum is reviewed by an advisory board composed of local and regional industry members.

Program Level Outcomes:

Demonstrate the highest standards of personal and professional safety.
Analyze the challenges of welding and apply current industry technology, processes, and procedures to develop solutions that are culturally and environmentally sound.
Display respect, accountability, and honesty in communication with colleagues, supervisors and clients in the welding industry.
Perform required processes for the appropriate welding certifications.
Identify opportunities for continued professional growth and education.
Effectively promote and preserve respect for the welding industry.
Demonstrate knowledge and ability to perform welding procedures that meet or exceed industry standards.

Degrees: Students may earn an Associate in Applied 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 three specific welding courses and related instruction during the first year of instruction in the program.

Industry Description: The welding industry involves the joining of two or more metal parts by melting and fusing them together, and is a critical process used in many industries, including structural and pipeline construction, manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, repair, and shipbuilding. There are many different welding techniques, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on factors such as the type of metal being welded, the thickness of the metal, the desired strength of the joint, available equipment and application. Overall, the welding industry plays a crucial role in the manufacturing and construction sectors, and is constantly evolving with the development of new welding techniques and technologies

Entrance Requirements: Students must apply for admission to WWCC and take placement exams for English and Math. In addition, students must submit a short essay (typed) that addresses the following prompts: Why are you interested in studying Welding Technology? and What do you see as your role in the future of the Welding Industry? Students must also schedule an interview with a Welding Technology instructor through the workforce navigator. This interview may take place in-person, online, or via phone. Process does not apply to DOC campuses.

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

Courses

Welding Technology