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Welding
Program Description
AAS in Welding Technology STEM Emphasis degree is no longer available to new students. Students considering a transfer pathway can choose the traditional AAS degree and complete an AGEC-A certificate to prepare to enter a university.
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.
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Career 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 |
Classroom/Lab Tour
Program Photos
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Contact Information
Department Contact(s)
Faculty/Staff Contact(s)
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noberto Alvarado | Professor of Welding | (928) 344-7570 | Noberto.Alvarado@azwestern.edu |
| Teresa Livingston | Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director & Dean CTE Programs | (928) 344-7752 | Teresa.Livingston@azwestern.edu |