Welding Technology Program

Description

The Associate in Science in Welding Technology Program is designed to provide comprehensive occupational training in common types of welding methods related to today’s welding industries. The Welding Technology Program offers an Associate in Science degree, as well as five Certificate options: Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc and Flux Core Arc Welding, Pipe Code Welding, Structural Code Welding, and Welding Assistant/Helper. The Certificates are linked in the list, below.

This Program provides students with manipulative skills and technical knowledge required to perform in a variety of entry- to mid-level welding careers in manufacturing, petroleum, fabrication, and others.

The courses and training will prepare students to take the necessary code tests required in several occupational fields for employment.

Earnings Potential

An associate degree in occupational welding technology offers you the salary potential of $39,694 two years after graduation from Taft College, with expected increases to $51,140 by five years, based on five-year studies of graduates by California Community Colleges. These do not reflect salaries with a four-year degree.1

The median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is $47,010; and the highest ten percent of earners had wages of more than $63,660, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.2

1 California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. Salary Surfer. 2021. https://salarysurfer.cccco.edu. Accessed 19 April 2023.

2 “Occupational Outlook Handbook.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 8 Sept. 2022. www.bls.gov/ooh. Accessed 19 April 2023.

Degree Program

To earn an Associate in Science in Welding Technology, students must complete: (1) all course requirements with a minimum grade of “C” in each course; and (2) complete General Education Graduation Requirements with an overall GPA of 2.0 or better.

See the degree requirements in the Taft College Catalog. Please note: This links to an external website.

See Certificate Programs listed below.

Program Learning Outcomes

After completing the Welding Technology Program, a student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate proper safety practices when working in a welding environment.
  2. Demonstrate technical welding skills and knowledge sufficient to meet industry standards and perform various welding projects.
  3. Apply various hand, measuring, and layout tools to welding projects.
  4. Apply skills in reading and applied mathematics as related to welding.
  5. Demonstrate work attributes that contribute to personal success and contribute to the goals of an organization for which one is or will be employed.
  6. Pass industry code testing certifications required for employment based upon area of interest.

For more information: 

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