Welding is a part of our everyday lives. Our kitchen appliances, vehicles, manufacturing products, major bridges, and buildings would be non-existent without welding. We would not have trains, planes, and ships without this industry – so our travel will be limited. Most people do not spare a thought for this industry that plays such a critical part in our lives. Welding is not an easy job. It’s hands-on, manual, and risky at times, but it is rewarding and essential to our existence. Based on the number of schools offering welding programs and small volume of enrollment, it is clear that skilled trades like welding do not attract a large percentage of workers. As more professional welders reach retirement age, employers offer numerous incentives to recruit new workers and drive campaigns to create interest in the sector. In 2020, welders earned a median salary of $44,190 – not including incentives and overtime. The industry is expected to add $34,100 new jobs in the next decade.
San Diego College of Continuing Education
The shielded metal arc welding program at San Diego College of Continuing Education provides basic instruction in the SMAW process on steel plates and shapes. The training will cover topics such as orientation, safety, measuring tools, ferrous materials, print reading, material types, metal cutting and preparation, and SMAW procedures and practices. Instructors will also cover workplace skills such as math, communication, and business ethics. Students must complete Shielded Metal Arc Welding I and Shielded Metal Arc Welding II for successful completion of the program. Graduates will be prepared for entry-level positions in the industry.
Program overview:
Shielded Metal Arc Welding
Duration: 24 weeks
Clock hours: 600
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be a high school graduate or have a GED
- Must have a current state ID and social security card
- Must register for the program
Program cost:
The training is provided at no cost to students. Equipment fees may be waived in some instances.
Website: https://sdcce.edu/
Address: 4343 Ocean View Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92113-1915
Phone: 619-388-4956
Palomar College
The Welding Technology Certificate of Achievement offered by Palomar College provides training that will enable graduates to start a career in the field of welding. Students will learn basic welding processes and have the option to concentrate in one or more of the basic welding processes to prepare for the industrial certification test. Course topics include Welding I, Technical Mathematics, Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc and Flux Cored Arc Welding, Print Reading for Welders, Qualification of Welders, Pipe Welding, Welding Inspection, and Metal Layout for Fabrication. Graduates will have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to assume entry-level welding positions.
Program overview:
Welding Technology – Certificate of Achievement
Duration: 51 weeks
Units: 30
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must have graduated from an accredited high school or a non-high school graduate 18 years of age or older
- Must have a current state ID and social security card
- Must register for the program
Program cost:
The cost of tuition and fees is $3,770.57 if the program is completed in the normal time of 51 weeks. Financial aid may be available for eligible students.
Website: https://www2.palomar.edu/
Address: Bldg T-111, 1140 West Mission Road, San Marcos, CA 92069
Phone: (760) 744-1150
Center For Employment Training
The welding program at CET emphasizes hands-on training to help students acquire skills and training needed for entry-level employment as a welder. The curriculum covers a total of 900 clock hours. Some courses may be delivered online. The program will start with the basics like shop safety, shop math, shop English, and interpretation of blueprints. Instructors will then cover welding theories such as SMAW process, GTAW process, GMAW process, FCAW process, and Oxy-Fuel process. As students’ complete projects they will become familiar with common tools and equipment such as grinders, cutters, and welding machines. In the final preparation for the world of work, instructors will introduce students to essential skills such as job preparation – interviewing and resume skills – and customer service. Job placement assistance is available for all students. Graduates will have the confidence, knowledge, and skills to assume entry-level employment as a fabrication welder, MIG welder, fitter/welder, maintenance welder, or sub arc operator. The class size is limited to 20 to 25 students per cycle. The school is an American Welding Society (AWS) Sense approved educational institution.
Program overview:
Welding Fabrication – Certificate
Duration: 8-9 months
Clock hours: 900
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must have graduated from an accredited high school or a non-high school graduate 18 years of age or older
- Must have a current state ID and social security card
- Must register for the program
Program cost:
The program cost of $14,500 includes books, project supplies, and tools. Financial aid may be available via grants, scholarships, and/or federal student loans.
Website: https://cetweb.edu/
Address: 4153 Market Street, Suite C, San Diego, CA 92102
Phone: (619) 527-4895