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ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE

WELDING TECHNOLOGY

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Length

6 quarters ( 19 months )

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Format

In-Person | MV Campus

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Entry Terms

Cohort Start: Fall*

 

Career Outlook


Successful completion of this program may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Check the below for additional information.

The Occupational Information Network (O*NET) is the nation’s primary source of occupational information. The O*Net Online database is an interactive research tool for exploring and searching occupations. The database, developed by the US Department of Labor, contains information on hundreds of standardized and occupation-specific descriptors and provides a variety of FREE Career Exploration Tools.

O-Net Online

  • SOC – 51-4121.06 – Welders, Cutters, Welder Fitters
  • SOC – 51-4121.07 – Solderers and Brazers
  • SOC – 51-2041.00 – Structural Metal Fabricators & Fitters
  • SOC – 47-2211.00 – Sheet Metal Workers
  • SOC – 47-2221.00 – Structural Iron and Steel Workers

Job opportunities in this profession are expected to be excellent. In the Northwest Workforce Development Area, which includes Whatcom, Skagit and Island counties, welding-related occupations are listed as “in demand.” About 65 percent of all welding jobs are found in manufacturing. Jobs were concentrated in fabricated metal product manufacturing, transportation equipment manufacturing, machinery manufacturing, architectural and structural metals manufacturing, and construction. Good job opportunities are expected for skilled welders because some employers are reporting difficulty finding qualified workers. The employment outlook for welders in manufacturing is stronger than that for other occupations in this industry because of the importance and versatility of welding as a manufacturing process. The basic skills of welding are the same across industries, so welders can easily shift from one industry to another, depending on where they are needed most. Job prospects for welders will vary with the welder’s skill level. Prospects should be good for welders trained in the latest technologies.

For more detailed information about welding employment trends, wage rates, employment opportunities, job tasks, etc. search the websites listed below:

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Click Here

WorkForce Explorer - Click Here

America’s Career InfoNet – Career One Stop - Click Here

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Contact Us

Matt Williams
Welding Instructor
Mount Vernon Campus
360.416.7703
matt.williams@skagit.edu
 
Yoden Ortmann Wight
Certified Welding Inspector
Mount Vernon Campus
360.416.6722
yoden.ortmann-wight@skagit.edu

EXPLORE OTHER OPTIONS:

The Welding Technology Certificate provides students with foundational skills in various welding techniques, including MIG, TIG, and arc welding. This program emphasizes hands-on training with modern welding equipment, preparing students for entry-level roles in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and fabrication. Graduates are well-equipped to contribute to projects involving structural welding, repair, and assembly. This certificate serves as a strong starting point for those interested in pursuing specialized welding certifications or advanced welding careers.

The Aluminum Welding Specialty Certificate focuses on advanced techniques in aluminum welding, preparing students to work with lightweight, corrosion-resistant materials. This program offers hands-on training in processes such as TIG and MIG welding, specifically tailored to aluminum applications. Graduates are well-prepared for roles in industries like aerospace, marine, and automotive manufacturing, where aluminum components play a critical role. This certificate is ideal for students looking to specialize in a high-demand area of welding.

The Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) Specialty Certificate equips students with advanced skills in flux-cored welding, a technique used for heavy-duty applications in construction, shipbuilding, and industrial manufacturing. This program emphasizes practical training with flux-cored arc welding equipment, preparing students for roles that involve welding in demanding environments. Graduates are well-suited for careers that require precision and durability in large-scale welding projects.

 

The Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) Specialty Certificate provides students with specialized training in stick welding, a widely used technique for construction, repair, and industrial applications. This program offers hands-on practice with SMAW equipment, focusing on welding steel and other metals in various positions. Graduates are prepared for roles in industries such as structural fabrication, pipeline construction, and equipment repair, where SMAW is a critical skill.

The WABO Certification prepares students to meet the welding standards set by the Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO), focusing on the skills required for structural and construction welding. This program provides hands-on training in industry-standard welding techniques and prepares students to pass the WABO certification exam. Graduates with WABO certification are highly qualified for roles in construction, infrastructure projects, and other welding applications requiring compliance with state-specific standards.