As qualified, skilled tradesmen, welders work with aluminum, brass, iron, or stainless steel in construction, manufacturing, and other industries. There were 418,200 welders employed in the United States in 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median pay was $44,190 per year or $21.25 per hour. The projected job growth is positive with an estimated 8 percent through 2030. Apart from the positive outlook, welding offers ease of entry – it does not require a degree as other professions. With basic skills gained in a Welding Technology Certificate or Welding Technology Diploma program, you can enter the industry and work your way up as you master the skills that employers want. Formal training will also include preparation for certification with the American Welding Society (AWS). The AWS credential demonstrates your achievement of a skill level sought by the industry. It is transferrable and not limited to a specific job, employer, or location.
Dallas College Eastfield Campus
The Welding Technology AAS Degree Program at Dallas College prepares students for entry-level employment as a welding technician. The program covers the basic processes of oxyacetylene and arc welding in addition to specialized welding applications to meet the specific needs of students. Instructors will also cover related support areas such as metallurgy, tooling, drafting, pattern layout, and characteristics of materials. This additional training will prepare students for entry-level employment as well as opportunities to work as welding inspectors. Course modules include an introduction to welding, introduction to oxy-fuel welding and cutting, introduction to shielded metal arc welding, introduction to welding metallurgy, intermediate shielded metal art welding, introduction to gas metal arc welding, introduction to gas tungsten arc welding, blueprint reading and sketching, advanced shielded metal arc welding, cooperative education welding, preparation for certified welding inspector exam, and advanced gas tungsten arc welding. Students will need to complete elective and general education courses.
Program overview:
Welding Technology – AAS
Duration: 4 semesters
Semester credit hours: 60
Prerequisites:
- Apply for enrollment at Dallas College
- Attend a pre-advising session with an enrollment representative
- Must meet with TSI requirements
- Attend an information session
- Register and pay for classes
- Applicants under 18 years of age
- Must provide documentation of high school graduation or equivalent
- Must be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Must have a valid social security number and state photo ID
Program cost:
Tuition costs $$4,740 for resident students. The cost of books, fees, and supplies must be added to the cost. Students must purchase a basic set of tools to use in class and later on the job.
- Website: https://www.dallascollege.edu/pages/default.aspx
- Address: 3737 Motley Drive, Mesquite TX 75150
- Phone: 972-860-7100
Universal Technical Institute, Inc.
The Welding Technology program at UTI is open to students of all skill levels. The program was designed in collaboration with Lincoln Electric – an industry leader. Students will learn the four different welding processes to become combination welders. They will have the opportunity to train on VRTEX® virtual welders to hone their skills in a simulated environment before picking up the torch for the first time. Course topics include Introduction to Welding, Safety and Careers, Principles of Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Engineering and Fabrication, Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), Pipe Welding, and Welding Applications. Graduates will have the skills and knowledge needed to take relevant industry welding tests or American Welding Society certifications used in structural, construction, and pipe projects.
Program overview:
Welding Technology – Diploma
Duration: 36 weeks
Clock hours: 900
Semester credit hours: 36
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 16 years of age
- Applicants enrolling under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian execute the enrollment agreement
- Must have completed high school or equivalent – a high school diploma, transcript, or DD Form 214 showing verification of high school graduation or GED
- Must not have been convicted or pleaded guilty or no contest to a violent crime involving a weapon
- Must be proficient in the English language
- Must be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Must have a valid social security number and state photo ID
Program cost:
The program cost of $22,245 includes tuition, textbooks, one work shirt, two t-shirts, safety glasses, registration fee, lab fee, and equipment fee.
- Website: https://www.uti.edu/
- Address: 5151 Regent Boulevard, Irving, TX 75063
- Phone: 972-505-2200
Lincoln Tech
The welding technology diploma program at Lincoln Tech prepares students for positions as entry-level pipe welders. Theory and hands-on training will support the development of key fundamental skills and the application of these skills using complex welding procedures. Welding procedures covered include Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG), Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW), and Gas Tungsten Arc Gas Welding (GTAW/TIG). The hands-on activities will cover welding plate and pipe in various positions including horizontal, vertical and overhead. Course topics include welding and cutting fundamentals, basic arc welding procedures, SMAW – plate welding, GMAW/FCAW MIG – plate welding, welding procedures, pipe welding, GMAW/FCAW (MIG) pipe welding, fabrication processes, introduction to pipe systems, and assembling and joining steel pipe. Graduates will possess a working knowledge and skills to become a structural or pipe welder and complete prequalification tests for any construction structural or pipe related projects. Day, afternoon, and evening schedules are available.
Program overview:
Welding Technology with Introduction to Pipefitting – Diploma
Duration: 52 weeks (day) 52 weeks (evening)
Instructional hours: 1200
Semester credit hours: 46.5
Prerequisites:
- Must be beyond the age of compulsory school attendance
- Must be a high school graduate or passed the High School Equivalency
- Must complete and sign an Enrollment Agreement
- Complete the Learner Assessment to determine readiness for academic success
- Attend a new student orientation
- Submit a completed application and pay the registration fee
Program cost:
The program cost of $35,012 includes tuition, books, uniforms, registration fee, student fee, technology fee, and tools.
- Website: https://www.lincolntech.edu/
- Address: 2915 Alouette Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052
- Phone: (972) 660-5701
MT Training Center
The Combination Welding Program at MT Training Center provides students with skills and competencies to perform entry-level welding duties. It will do so through classroom lectures, but primarily through hands-on experience in the school’s state-of-the-art simulation workshop. Students will learn to operate welding machine, cutting torch and other equipment both indoors and outdoors. Course topics include cutting processes, gas metal arc welding processes, shielded metal arc welding, flux-core welding, gas tungsten arc welding processes, introduction to pipe processes, blue print reading, technical mathematics, and welding pre-employment skills. Graduates will be prepared to meet ASME Code requirements and master the understanding of manual welding processes. Day classes meet Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 2:45 pm. Evening classes Monday through Friday from 4:00pm to 9:00 pm.
Program overview:
Combination Welding Technology– Diploma
Duration: 31 weeks (full-time) 41 weeks (part-time)
Instructional hours: 1070
Semester credit hours: 46.5
Prerequisites:
- Must provide a copy of high school diploma or GED or pass the Wonderlic Basic Skills Test
- Must schedule and attend an interview with the Admissions Office
- Complete the enrollment form
- Must have a valid ID and social security card
Program cost:
The program cost of $16,445 includes tuition and registration fee.
- Website: https://www.mttrainingcenter.org/
- Address: 1801 S. Great Southwest Pkwy, Grand Prairie, TX 75051
- Phone: 469.616.2700