What is Welding Technology?
Welding is the most common way to permanently joining metal parts. Welders work in a wide variety of industries, from car racing to manufacturing. The work that welders do and the equipment they use vary with the industry. Because of its strength, welding is used in shipbuilding, automobile manufacturing and repair, aerospace applications, and thousands of other manufacturing activities.
Our Welding faculty hold the Certified Welding Educator credential from the American Welding Society, and all Welding instructors have extensive hands-on experience in the field, which they bring into the classroom to enhance students' knowledge and better prepare them for careers in this high-demand occupation.
What are my career choices?
Most welders work in manufacturing industries. Others are employed by construction firms and repair services. A skilled welder may qualify as a technician, supervisor, inspector or owner of a welding business.
| Welding Technology Career | Median Annual Salary* |
|---|---|
| Gas Welder | $37,088 |
| Welder Helper | $37,088 |
| Tack Welder | $37,088 |
| Gas Metal Arc Welder | $37,088 |
| Shielded Metal Arc Welder | $37,088 |
| Gas Tungsten Arc Welder | $37,088 |
| Production Line Welder | $37,088 |
| Arc Welder | $37,088 |
| AWS National Skills Standards Level I | $37,088 |
| Combination Welder | $37,088 |
| Welding Technology | $37,088 |
Credentials Available at SKYCTC
| Gas Welder Certificate: 4 Total credit hours | |
| Welder Helper Certificate: 5 TOTAL CREDIT HOURS | |
| Tack WElder Certificate: 10 TOTAL CREDIT HOURS | |
| Gas Metal Arc Welder Certificate: 15-17 TOTAL CREDIT HOURS |
| Shielded Metal Arc Welder Certificate: 17 Total Credit Hours | |
| Gas Tungsten Arc Welder Certificate: 17 Total Credit Hours | |
| Production LIne Welder Certificate: 19 Total Credit Hours | |
| Arc Welder Certificate: 24 Total Credit Hours | |
| AWS National Skills Standards Level I Certificate: 33 Total Credit Hours | |
| Combination Welder Diploma: 50-54 Total Credit Hours | |
| Welding Technology Associate Degree: 60-65 Total Credit Hours |
Gainful Employment Disclosure Information
- Combination Welder
- Production Line Welder
- ARC Welder
- AWS National Skills Standards Level I
- Shielded Metal ARC Welder
- Gas Tungsten ARC Welder
Additional Information
For course description, see the Program Brochure.
For course sequence, see the course sequence example.
For program cost, see the estimate worksheet.
For Gainful Employment, see Gainful Employment Disclosure Information.
Admission Requirements
This program has no special admission requirements.
Length of Program
You can earn an associate in applied science degree in two years if you maintain full-time status.
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.
