El Centro College - Fabrication Welding

Program Description

The Fabrication Welding program emphasizes the application of fabrication and layout skills. Major emphasis is also placed on welding’s usage in construction and structural shapes. It is an intensive training course that utilizes hands-on training that provides real-world experience. Each level of classes lasts approximately ten weeks, for a total of twenty weeks.

The Fabrication welding program consists of two levels of courses: Fundamentals of Welding, and Fabrication Welding. Fundamentals of Welding completion or instructor approval is required before taking Fabrication Welding courses.

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: Fabrication Welding
Rubric	Number	Course Name	Contact Hours
WLDG	1017	Introduction to Layout and Fabrication	100
WLDG	1053	Intermediate Layout and Fabrication	100
WLDG	2035	Advanced 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
Fabrication 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 welders making more than $24.38 an hour or $50,700 per year. Overtime is also readily available for those who wish to gain extra earnings. 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 Fabrication Welding program please call 214 860-5900.