The Welding program and certificates offers a selection of technology courses and programs that prepares graduates a career in welding. The content and instruction within welding centers on the traditional welding processes and practices of oxyacetylene welding and cutting, shielded metal arc (stick), gas tungsten arc (Tig-Heliarc), gas metal arc (MIG), as well as the non-traditional processes of plasma arc, resistance welding, fluxed core arc, submerged arc, and electron beam. Completion of the different sequences of instruction within the welding department prepares graduates for a rewarding career in metal fabrication, maintenance, education, supervision, sales and service, as well as many other opportunities associated with welding technology.
Graduates of the welding program or certificates will learn a wide range of skills and gain industry specific experience in:
- entry-level weldments.
- analyzing welding applications and quantifying the needed materials and equipment to perform tasks.
- FCAW (Flux Core Arc Welding) and its applications
- oxyacetylene welding
- joining plates by the SMAW process
- gas tungsten arc (TIG-Heliarc) welding
- gas metal arc (MIG-Wirefeeders) welding (GMAW)
- procedures in welding design and metal fabrication
- the science, technology and art of welding specific to processes using semiautomatic, automation and simulation control technology.
Programs
AAS in Welding
Recommended Program Map / Program Requirements
The recommended plan below meets the requirements to complete this program. For official requirements, visit the AWC Catalog. If the recommended classes listed below don’t fit your schedule or interests, you can take alternate classes.
To get started on your personalized Academic Plan, visit the Academic Planning page or schedule an appointment to meet with an advisor.
First Semester: Fall
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| WLD 105 | Techniques in Oxyacetylene Welding and Cutting | 3 | Major Requirement |
| WLD 108 | Techniques in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding | 3 | Major Requirement |
| WLD 109 | Techniques in Gas Metal Arc Welding | 3 | Major Requiremen |
|
ENG 100 or ENG 101 or ENG 107 |
Introduction to Composition or Freshman Composition 1/GE |
3 | GE- Composition |
| CIS 120 | Introduction to Computer Information Systems/GE (recommended) | 3 | GE- Additional Courses |
| DFT 100 | AutoCAD 1 ‐ Drafting | 3 | Departmental Requirement |
| 18 |
Second Semester: Spring
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| WLD 101 | Math Applications for Welders | 3 | Recommended |
| WLD 106 | Techniques in Shielded Metal Arc Welding | 3 | Major Requirement |
| WLD 123 | Manufacturing/Welding Technology Survey | 3 | Major Requirement |
| ENG 101 or ENG 107 | Freshman Composition 1/GE | 3 | GE- Composition |
| or | |||
| ENG 102 | Freshman Composition 2/GE | ||
| MAT 105 | Mathematics for Applied Sciences or higher level approved math | 3 | GE- Mathematics |
| MFG 195 | Materials Science and Metallurgy | 3 | Major Requirement |
| ENV 101 | Environmental Science/GE (recommended) | 4 | GE- Physical and Biological Sciences |
| 22 |
Third Semester: Fall
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFG 185 | Quality Control and Inspection | 3 | Major Requirement |
| WLD 104 | Introduction to Robotic Welding | 3 | Departmental Requirement |
| WLD 124 | Arc Welding Processes and Power Sources | 3 | Major Requirement |
| WLD 125 | Welding Design, Layout and Fabrication | 3 | Major Requirement |
| WLD 201 | Technical Writing (recommended) | 3 | Recommended |
| ECT 105 | Basic Electricity | 3 | Departmental Requirement |
| 18 |
Fourth Semester: Spring
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| WLD 127 | Welder Certification & Code Application | 6 | Recommended |
| WLD 224 | Technical Specialized Welding Process | 3 | Major Requirement |
| ENG 110 | Technical Writing | 3 | Departmental Requirement |
| TEC 165 | Employee and Occupational Safety | 3 | Departmental Requirement |
| PHI 105 | Ethics/GE | 3 | GE- Humanities |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology/GE (recommended) | 3 | GE- Social and Behavioral Science |
| 21 |
Welding Certificate
Recommended Program Map / Program Requirements
The recommended plan below meets the requirements to complete this program. For official requirements, visit the AWC Catalog. If the recommended classes listed below don’t fit your schedule or interests, you can take alternate classes.
To get started on your personalized Academic Plan, visit the Academic Planning page or schedule an appointment to meet with an advisor.
First Semester: Fall
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| WLD 105 | Techniques in Oxyacetylene Welding and Cutting | 3 | Major Requirement |
| WLD 108 | Techniques in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding | 3 | Major Requirement |
| WLD 109 | Techniques in Gas Metal Arc Welding | 3 | Major Requirement |
| DFT 100 | AutoCAD 1 - Drafting | 3 | Departmental Requirement |
| 12 |
Second Semester: Spring
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAT 106 | Math for Welders | 3 | Recommended |
| WLD 106 | Tehniques in Shielded Metal Arc Welding | 3 | Major Requirement |
| WLD 123 | Manufacturing/Welding Technology Survey | 3 | Major Requirement |
| MFG 195 | Materials Science and Metallurgy | 3 | Departmental Requirement |
| 12 |
Third Semester: Fall
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| WLD 124 | Arc Welding Processes and Power Sources | 3 | Major Requirement |
| WLD 125 | Welding Design Layout and Fabrication | 3 | Major Requirement |
| WLD 201 | Introduction to Robotic Welding | 4 | Major Requirement |
| MFG 185 | Quality Control and Inspection | 3 | Departmental Requirement |
| 14 |
Fourth Semester: Spring
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| WLD 127 | Welder Certification and Code Application | 6 | Major Requirement |
| TEC 165 | Employee and Occupational Safety | 3 | Departmental Requirement |
| 9 |
Welding Cert of Proficiency Gmaw/Fcaw Plate Certificate
Recommended Program Map / Program Requirements
The recommended plan below meets the requirements to complete this program. For official requirements, visit the AWC Catalog. If the recommended classes listed below don’t fit your schedule or interests, you can take alternate classes.
To get started on your personalized Academic Plan, visit the Academic Planning page or schedule an appointment to meet with an advisor.
First Semester: Fall
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| DFT 100 | AutoCAD 1 - Drafting | 3 | Departmental Requirement |
| WLD 109 | Techniques in Gas Metal Arc Welding | 3 | Major Requirement |
| 6 |
Second Semester: Spring
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAT 106 | Math for Welders | 3 | Major Requirement |
| WLD 104 | Techniques in Flux Core Arc Welding | 3 | Major Requirement |
| 6 |
Third Semester: Fall
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| WLD 125 | Welding Design, Layout and Fabrication | 3 | Major Requirement |
| WLD 201 | Introduction to Robotic Welding | 4 | Major Requirement |
| 7 |
Welding Cert of Proficiency Smaw Plate Certificate
Recommended Program Map / Program Requirements
The recommended plan below meets the requirements to complete this program. For official requirements, visit the AWC Catalog. If the recommended classes listed below don’t fit your schedule or interests, you can take alternate classes.
To get started on your personalized Academic Plan, visit the Academic Planning page or schedule an appointment to meet with an advisor.
First Semester: Fall
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| DFT 100 | Auto CAD 1 Drafting | 3 | Major Requirement |
| WLD 105 | Techniques in Oxyacetylene Welding and Cutting | 3 | Major Requirement |
| WLD 106 | Techniques in Shielded Metal Arc Welding | 3 | Major Requirement |
| 9 |
Second Semester: Spring
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAT 106 | Math for Welders | 3 | Departmental Requirement |
| WLD 127 | Welder Certification and Code Application | 6 | Major Requirement |
| 9 |
Third Semester: Fall
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| WLD 125 | Welding Design, Layout, and Fabrication | 3 | Major Requirement |
| WLD 201 | Introduction to Robotic Welding | 4 | Major Requirement |
Welding Entry Level Certificate
Recommended Program Map / Program Requirements
The recommended plan below meets the requirements to complete this program. For official requirements, visit the AWC Catalog. If the recommended classes listed below don’t fit your schedule or interests, you can take alternate classes.
To get started on your personalized Academic Plan, visit the Academic Planning page or schedule an appointment to meet with an advisor.
First Semester: Fall
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| WLD 105 | Techniques in Oxyacetylene Welding and Cutting | 3 | Major Requirement |
| WLD 106 | Tehniques in Shielded Metal Arc Welding | 3 | Major Requirement |
| WLD 108 | Techniques in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding | 3 | Major Requirement |
| WLD 109 | Techniques in Gas Metal Arc Welding | 3 | Major Requirement |
| 12 |
Second Semester: Spring
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAT 106 | Math for Welders | 3 | Major Requirement |
| WLD 127 | Welder Certification and Code Application | 6 | Departmental Requirement |
| 9 |
Explore the Program & Lab
Career Overview & Job Outlook
Successful completion of the welding program or certificates may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations and annual median wages. For the higher paying welder positions, additional certifications and or schooling are needed. Welders in the structural and aerospace fields often work 60 – 70-hour work weeks. Welders can also join unions which provide better jobs.
| Local welders (Yuma) in the agriculture or welding industries Welders fabricate and assemble metal structures and equipment through the use of welders, cutters, shapers and measuring tools and produce metal products according to customer or employer specifications. |
$28,800-$57,600 |
|
Structural Welders Structural welders create the metal framework for buildings and bridges as well as cut and repair beams, columns, and girders. They work for construction companies, manufacturers, ship builders, mining companies, oil and gas companies, and aerospace industries. |
$50,000-$85,000 |
| Pipefitters/Pipe Welders Pipefitters measure and mark pipes for cutting, threading and welding and use tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, benders, and welders. |
$65,000-$110,000 |
| Underwater Welders Welder-divers are required to perform various duties that include fitting and rigging, inspection and non-destructive testing, drafting, underwater photography and underwater cutting. |
$80,000-$175,000 |
| Aerospace Welders Install, diagnose, and repair sound, security, and navigation equipment in motor vehicles. |
$65,000-$150,000 |
Contact Information
Noberto Alvarado
Professor of Welding
(928) 344-7570
Kenia Lopez
Senior Secretary, Construction and Technology Programs
(928) 344-7752
Pasquale Lamaestra
Director of Construction and Technology Programs
(928) 317-6005