Welding Technology - Catalog

The primary goal in the first year of the Welding Technology program is to give students the skills and instruction they need to enter the welding industry. With an emphasis on safety, students will receive hands-on, theoretical, and technical training in rigging, job estimation, blueprint reading, and layout and pattern making. In addition, students will receive extensive lab training in a wide variety of welding processes including S.M.A.W. (stick electrode), G.M.A.W. (wire processes), Pulse M.I.G., T.I.G., and Plasma cutting. The focus of the training is to give the students the skills necessary to successfully pass American Welding Society (A.W.S.) certifications. Our certification process is administered by an independent company approved by the American Welding Society. Students will also receive introductory instruction in design and fabrication, thus allowing them to perform repairs and fabricate projects.

The second year of the Welding Technology program is designed to teach students how to use their skills performing advanced fabrication and repair work on actual projects. Students will learn advanced fabrication techniques using a wide variety of equipment including shears, bending breaks, forming rolls, punches, drill presses, and track torches. This may include anything from a simple welding repair to refacing a D-9 Cat blade. Students will also receive training in various methods of pipe welding with an opportunity to take the A.W.S. certification test. Second year students will be given instruction in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) burn table programming and operation using Auto-Cad and Shop Data Systems software.

Helena College has been designated as one of ten regional training centers in the United States by Miller Electric, the industry leader in welding equipment. Students will receive training on state-of-the-art welding equipment from faculty who attend Miller Electric training schools, providing students with a distinct advantage when entering the work force.

Gainful Employment

Welding Technology
Associate of Applied Science

Career Outlook: According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics employment of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is expected to grow 15 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Employment growth reflects the need for welders in manufacturing 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. For example, welders laid off in the automotive manufacturing industry may be able to find work in the oil and gas industry.

Growth of the defense industry, including the manufacturing of aircrafts and missiles, is expected to contribute to employment growth.

In addition, the nation’s aging infrastructure will require the expertise of many welders, cutters, solderers, and braziers to rebuild bridges, highways, and buildings, resulting in some new jobs.

Overall job prospects will vary by skill level. Job prospects should be good for welders trained in the latest technologies. Welding schools report that graduates have little difficulty finding work, and many welding employers report difficulty finding properly skilled welders. However, welders who do not have up-to-date training may face competition for jobs.

For all welders, job prospects should be better for those willing to relocate.

For the most current salary information please refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics “Occupational Outlook Handbook found at www.bls.gov/ooh/.

Program Cost:
Approximately $7,400

Tool lists can be found here

The Helena College Welding Program is proudly affiliated with the American Welding Society as an Institutional Educational Member beginning Spring Semester 2013. We hold our students to the highest standards set by the American Welding Society.

Welding Technology

For more information, please contact the Student Support Center

Welding Technology

Gainful Employment

Certificate Name: Welding Technology

Job title & subsequent codes: 51-4121
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

PROGRAM STATISTICS

• Number of students completing this certificate program in most recent fiscal year: <10
• Number of certificates completed within normal time: N/A
• On-time completion rate: N/A
• Job Placement Rate: N/A
• Median loan debt for most recent program completers: N/A

For more information, please contact the Student Support Center