Welding Technology

What is Welding Technology?

If you marvel at the wonder of architecture and would like to be part of a building’s history, then look no further than a welding career. Welders who attend Somerset Community College have many employment opportunities available to them because the instruction and experience they gain is the first step to a successful welding career. And, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job prospects for welders should be excellent in the upcoming years.

SCC’s Welding program is a two-year area of study for students interested in the welding field. Students receive training in several areas of welding including: shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, and gas tungsten arc welding. There are several completion points in the program. Students are eligible to receive nine certificates, a diploma, and an Associate in Applied Science degree.

Welders often work with metal, and gain skills at this craft by learning and perfecting the method of joining two pieces of metal together with an intense heat source. The heat melts the metal and then permanently bonds the two pieces together. You can find welders working on ships, buildings, automobiles, and other manufacturing companies.

What are my career choices?

Welding jobs are found in manufacturing and construction. Jobs are concentrated in fabricated metal product manufacturing, transportation equipment manufacturing, machinery manufacturing, and architectural and structural metals manufacturing. Welding technologists can be found joining beams in the construction of buildings, bridges, and other structures and joining pipes in pipelines, power plants, and refineries.

What are my degree, diploma, or certificate options?

Certificates

Diploma

If you would like a PDF copy of a program plan, please email the program coordinator.

Location

This program is offered at the Laurel and Somerset Campuses.

Courses in blueprint reading, shop mathematics, and mechanical drawing are also part of the instruction at SCC. Knowledge of computers is gaining importance, especially for welding machine operators, who are becoming responsible for the programming of computer-controlled machines, including robots and CNC cutting systems.

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.