The Welding Technology curriculum provides students with a sound understanding of the science, technology, and applications essential for successful employment in the welding and metalworking industry.
Instruction includes consumable and non-consumable electrode welding and cutting processes. Courses may include math, print reading, metallurgy, welding inspection, and destructive and non-destructive testing providing the student with industry-standard skills developed through classroom training and practical application.
Graduates of the Welding Technology curriculum may be employed as entry-level technicians in welding and metalworking industries. Career opportunities also exist in construction, manufacturing, fabrication, sales, quality control, supervision, and welding-related self-employment.
Learning Outcomes
- Examine and validate underlying assumptions dealing with welding shop and construction safety procedures, practices, chemical/
solvent disposal, adhere to the EPA/OSHA regulatory requirements and management of waste streams.
- Demonstrate the knowledge and abilities necessary to achieve “American Welding Society, (AWS)”certification.
- Be able to seek best information, measure, analyze, design, layout, and correct equipment operation in the following processes:
- Shielded Metal Arc (SMAW)
- Gas Metal Arc (MIG)
- Gas Tungsten Arc (TIG)
Contact Information
Pathways
This part of the website is currently undergoing maintenance. Please refer to the
WCC Catalog for program information.
Technical Standards
The Welding Technology program technical standards have been developed to inform students of the nonacademic essential functions of the program and profession. Examples are not all inclusive.
| Standard |
Essential Function |
Examples |
Communication
Oral / Written |
- Skills sufficient to communicate information and ideas so others will understand
|
- Communicate with coworkers and customers
|
| Mobility / Motor Skills |
- Motor skills sufficient to move the hands and use hands to grasp or manipulate objects
- Mobility sufficient to perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and moving the whole body
- Ability to work in varied spaces
|
- Use hand tools
- Perform tasks in multiple positions (flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead) at floor level and at heights over six feet
- Work in confined spaces
- Physical activities may include:
- Stooping
- Reaching
- Squatting
- Lifting
- Bending
|
| Physical Strength and Stamina |
- Ability sufficient to lift and carry
|
- Lift steel plates, parts, fixtures, etc.
|
Sensory
- Sight
- Sound
- Taste
- Touch
- Smell
|
- Visual skills sufficient to see details at close range
- Ability to take precise measurements
- Ability to visualize two- and three-dimensional objects and spaces
- Ability to distinguish colors, shades, and textures
- Visual skills to inspect or assess for safety
|
- Understand and interpret information from books, handouts, diagrams, charts, and tables
- Read a tape measure
- View blueprints and sketches
- Inspect an area or piece of equipment for potential failures or safety issues
|
| Environmental / Occupational Exposure |
- Possible exposure to extreme noise levels
- Possible exposure to extreme weather
- Possible exposure to dust, chemicals, and fumes
- Ability to tolerate variations in lighting
|
|
| Field or Industry Professional Standards |
- Ability to wear safety equipment
|
|
Disability Services Statement
Wilkes Community College is an ADA compliant institution. WCC does not discriminate based on a disability in the admissions process or in access to its programs, services, and/or activities for qualified individuals who meet eligibility requirements. WCC will provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with documented disabilities who are eligible to receive or participate in college programs, services, and/or activities. If a student believes that he/she cannot meet one or more of a program’s essential functions without accommodations, the student is encouraged to disclose this to Disability Services as soon as possible.
