Welding Technology
As infrastructure ages throughout the country, demand for welders is expected to continue to grow. Welding technician jobs exist in nearly all manufacturing, construction, repair, and processing industries.
Centralia College offers two distinct tracks - a two-year associate degree program and a shorter-term evening welding certificate program.
The Welding program prepares students for advanced welding skills in Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG), Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG), and Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW or Stick).
Students will also have the opportunity to gain the Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO) Welding Certification.
Career Possibilities
The Welding Technology program prepares students to compete for jobs as entry-level welders in building trades, ship building, structural fabrication, automatic and semiautomatic welding, and in maintenance welding.
Upon successful completion, students will have demonstrated the ability to:
- Follow industry safety practices and recognize the effects of welding on health.
- Set-up and adjust SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, and oxy- fuel equipment and accessories.
- Apply principles and welding design practices to welding fabrication and inspection.
- Identify and make repairs to finished welds.
- Interpret information on welding blueprints.
- Apply principles of Metallurgy to welding fabrication and inspection.
- Develop basic computer aided drafting skills.
- Perform 3-G and 4-G AWS - WABO welding code qualification tests.
Degree: Associate in Applied Science
Emphasis: Welding Technology
Total Units: 93-107
| First Year | |
| Fall Term |
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| Winter Term |
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| Spring Term |
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| Second Year | |
| Fall Term |
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| Winter Term |
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| Spring Term |
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* WELD 285 Art Cert may be taken more than once (up to 15 units) in order to practice and earn specific WABO welding certifications, as needed. Each unit equals 2 lab hours. This course may be taken any quarter during the second year of the program. Credits can span the second year of the programs. Consult your advisor to develop a term sequence.
Degree: Certificate of Completion
Emphasis: Welding (Evening)
Total Credits: 20
Complete one of the following classes per quarter. When all classes are completed (20 credits total) a Certificate of Completion will be awarded.
- WELD 180 Oxyfuel & GTAW - 5 credits
- WELD 181 Shielded Metal Arc Welding - 5 credits
- WELD 182 Gas Metal Arc Welding - 5 credits
- WELD 285 Arc Welding Certification - 5 credits
Download the Welding Tool List (pdf)
| Estimated Price Range for Required Tools |
$925-1,035 |
| Description |
Quantity |
| Chipping Hammer |
1 |
| 3 Lb. Cross Pein Hammer |
1 |
| 8 Oz. Brass Plumb Bob |
1 |
| Mayhew 1" Cold Chisel | 1 |
| Speed Square 12" |
1 |
| Propane Torch 7 Pc. Kit |
1 |
| MIG Pliers |
1 |
| Hex Key Set |
1 |
| Aluminum Framing Square 16x24 |
1 |
| Combo Square |
1 |
| Torpedo Level |
1 |
| Fillet Weld Guage |
1 |
| Medium Pipe Wrap |
1 |
| S.S. Protractor |
1 |
| Automatic Center Punch |
1 |
| Stay Clean Flux |
1 |
| Stay Brite Solder |
1 |
| SH5 Cutting Glasses |
1 |
| Combo Scribe |
1 |
| Round Soapstone & Holder |
1 |
| Tape Measure, 1"x25' Mag Grip |
1 |
| Half Mask Respirator |
1 |
| Silver Pencils |
1 |
| 14" Half Round Pipeliner File |
1 |
| Wire Brush |
1 |
| Welders Cap |
1 |
| Yellow Paint Marker |
1 |
| Blue Welding Gloves |
1 |
| Lightweight Jacket FR |
1 |
| Welders Gear Bag |
1 |
| Striker |
1 |
| Flashlight |
1 |
| Vise Grip C-Clamp |
2 |
| TIG Gloves |
1 |
| Leather Welding Jacket |
1 |
| 12" Crescent Wrench |
1 |
| Tip Cleaners |
1 |
| Welding Helmet |
1 |
Important Notes
- All clothing should be cotton, wool, or natural blends. No synthetics (nylon, polyester, spandex, etc.) are allowed in the shop.
- Trousers with cuffs, holes, or frayed edges should be avoided. No shorts are allowed in the shop.
- Shirts with exposed pockets or open necks should be avoided. Wear long-sleeved height neck shirts for protection from welding arc UV rays.
ContactCareer & Technical EducationTech (TEC) Building, Room 114 360-623-8963 cte@centralia.edu |
Chuck Hegsted Assistant Professor Office: TEC 103B 360-623-8745 Email Chuck Hegsted |
Zachary Peters Associate Professor Office: TEC 103A 360-623-8576 Email Zachary Peters |