The Fundamentals of Welding program prepares students for an entry-level position in welding. Through hands-on training and real-world experience, students learn basic skills that are essential in obtaining a job in the field. These skills include using various welding processes, blue print reading, and safety training. Safety classes are taught by an OSHA certified trainer and students receive completion cards at the end of the training. The Fundamentals of Welding program is an intensive training class that lasts for approximately 11 weeks.

Fundamentals of Welding

Rubric	Number	Course Name	Clock Hours
OSHT	1000	OSHA Basic Safety and Health	30
WLDG	1002	Fundamentals of Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) MIG	48
WLDG	1006	Fundamentals of Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) TIG	78
WLDG	1013	Blue Print Reading for Welders	48
WLDG	1021	Welding Fundamentals	155
		Total	359

When can I start? Courses start each semester! Call 214-860-5900 for details.

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

Fabrication Welding

Rubric	Number	Course Name	Clock Hours
WLDG	1017	Introduction to Layout and Fabrication	115
WLDG	1053	Intermediate Layout and Fabrication	115
WLDG	2035	Advanced Layout and Fabrication	100
		Total	330

Maintenance Welding

Rubric	Number	Course Name	Clock Hours
WLDG	1015	Maintenance Welding	100
WLDG	1017	Introduction to Layout and Fabrication	115
WLDG	1053	Intermediate Layout and Fabrication	115
		Total	330

Pipe Welding

Rubric	Number	Course Name	Clock Hours
WLDG	1023	Welding Safety, Tools, and Equipment	48
WLDG	1035	Introduction to Pipe Welding	176
WLDG	1041	Pipe Welding	128
		Total	352

Advanced Welder Technologist

Rubric	Number	Course Name	Clock Hours
WLDG	2043	Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding	64
WLDG	2051	Intermediate Layout and Fabrication	90
WLDG	2053	Advanced Pipe Welding	176
		Total	330

Program	Cost
Fundamentals of Welding	$2,513
Maintenance Welding	$2,310
Pipe Welding	$2,464
Fabrication Welding	$2,310
Art Metals	$2,100
Advanced Welder Technologist	$2,640

Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, national statistics report a 10-19% growth rate for welders, with a projected 337,000 jobs opening over the next ten years. Many opportunities are available as an increase in retired welders creates a shortage of qualified individuals. Many sectors of the economy depend upon an increasingly skill-extensive welding industry. Automobiles, aircrafts, bridges and highways, and oil and natural gas pipelines are only a few examples. A growing emphasis on environmentally conscious enterprises, growth in oil and gas industries, and increasing amount of products relying on efficient welding provides numerous ventures for an individual to pursue.
 
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. Individuals must still perform custom jobs.
 
The median wage for welders is $17.27/hourly or $35,920/annually. The pay is often on a hourly basis and overtime is readily available for those who wish to gain extra earnings. Many industries provide lodging, meal allowances, and other incentives. Mastering more welding processes also allows one to gain more earnings.  Overall, experience, education, and specialization gives welders the opportunity to make extra income!