El Centro College - Combination Welder

Program Description

The Combination Welder program prepares students for an entry-level position in the world of welding. This is a highly intensive program that teaches both basic and advanced welding skills. Courses utilize hands-on training that give you real-world experience. Each section of the program lasts approximately ten weeks, for a total of thirty weeks.

The Combination Welder program consists of a combination of Fundamentals of Welding, Maintenance Welding, and Pipe Welding. Fundamentals of Welding must be completed before beginning Maintenance Welding or Pipe Welding.

Level One: Fundamentals of Welding
Rubric	Number	Course Name	Contact Hours
WLDG	1021	Welding Fundamentals	172
WLDG	1002	Introduction to Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)(MIG)	48
WLDG	1006	Fundamentals of Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)(TIG)	78
WLDG	1013	Blue Print Reading	48

Level Two: Pipe Welding
Rubric	Number	Course Name	Contact Hours
WLDG	1023	Welding Safety, Tools, and Equipment	48
WLDG	1035	Introduction to Pipe Welding	162
WLDG	1041	Pipe Welding	120

Level Three: Maintenance Welding
Rubric	Number	Course Name	Contact Hours
WLDG	1015	Maintenance Welding	100
WLDG	1017	Introduction To Layout and Fabrication	100
WLDG	1053	Intermediate Layout and Fabrication	100

When can I start? Flexible entry/exit. Call 214 860-5900 for details.
When do I attend classes? 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

Tuition and Fees

Career Exploration

Program	Cost
Fundamentals of Welding	Call
Maintenance Welding	Call
Pipe Welding	Call

Who pays for the training?
Financial assistance is available through a variety of sources.

Welding As A Career

Welding occupations report a higher than average income with $15.10 and hour being the median income in 2006. Most job opportunities are found within fabricated metal product manufacturing, transportation equipment manufacturing, machinery manufacturing, architectural and structural metals manufacturing, and construction.

With training and experience, there is much room for advancement within welding. Many become welding technicians, supervisors, inspectors, and instructors. Welding engineering is also an opportunity for those who have obtained a bachelor’s degree.

Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*Net Center, national statistics report a 3-6% growth rate for welders, however the state of Texas projects a 25% increase over the next ten years. Job prospects are excellent for welders as many employers are reporting difficulties in finding qualified individuals.

With a growing emphasis on environmentally conscious enterprises, and the development of new green technologies, new avenues are going to become available. This may include the manufacture of materials for alternative energy sources, for instance windmills and solar panels. Also, job growth in other industries, such as oil and gas, are anticipated to create many new opportunities for welders, as well.

Automation is not as much of a threat to welders, as it is to other occupations within manufacturing. Experienced welders are still needed to operate machines, inspect welds, and make adjustments. Also, only simple welds may be automated, and custom jobs must still be performed by individuals.

For more information on the Combination Welder program please call 214 860-5900.