Overview
The Certificate in Welding offered by Great Bay Community College, held at our campus in Rochester, New Hampshire, provides graduates with the ability to meet the needs of entry and intermediate skill levels to acquire sustainable jobs in the field of welding. Upon completion of the program, students may be proficient in the use of welding equipment, set up, and operation for the five major processes; MIG, TIG, Stick, Oxy-fuel, and Plasma as well as many of the auxiliary processes such as; FCAW, Aluminum-TIG, Spool guns, etc. The curriculum will also provide students with a solid range of welding theory, blueprint reading, electricity, and fabrication techniques. Upon completion of the program, students will also be prepared for AWS Certification Testing. The program, offered in the evening will consist of three 12 week semesters.
Potential Jobs
- Fitters: Welders that set up material, pipe or plate, for the certified welder.
- Tack Welders: Fitters that tack the weld joints prior to large weldments.
- Fabricators: Welders who use welding to fabricate items with metal.
- Welders: Welders usually in the manufacturing industry, with only one process.
- Combination Welders: Welders that can weld with more than one process.
- Certified Welder: Welder with credentials that prove his ability to repeat 100% weld quality.
- Solders: Welders who work with low-temperature material joining.
- Welder Inspector: Those certified to inspect the welding from other welders.
- Welding Engineer: A mechanical engineer certified in the welding specifications.
- Welding Sales: Individuals who work for the suppliers for the welding field.
- Shop Owners: Business owners that are established in the welding field.
Related Degrees
Dual enrollment: Students enrolled in the Welding Certificate program may elect to enroll in the Associate Degree in Technical Studies. Dual enrollment is contingent upon the active or graduate status of the certificate. Completion of the Welding certificate satisfies the requirement for the technical specialty core (24 credits) of the Technical Studies degree.
| Course ID | Course | Theory | Lab | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WELD100G | Basic Welding Technologies | 5 | 3 | 6 |
| WELD150G | Intermediate Welding Technologies | 3 | 6 | 6 |
| WELD200G | Advanced Welding Technologies | 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |||
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the Welding Technologies certificate program will:
- Possess basic competency in the five major welding processes.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the use of welding equipment, set up, and operation for the five major processes: MIG, TIG, Stick, Oxy-fuel, and Plasma.
- Demonstrate basic concepts and practices of technical drawing and blueprint reading in accordance with industry standards.
- Articulate safety guidelines and use of machine tools.
- Refine skills to meet code requirements and specifications.
- Demonstrate knowledge of material strengths and weaknesses.
- Articulate industrial quality control procedures.
- Demonstrate fabrication techniques and cost estimation.
Program Specific Requirements
Technical Standards
This program includes work in a welding shop and requires participants to physically perform functions that require the following:
• Normal vision for reading instructions and for performing tasks (corrective vision is acceptable).
• Manual dexterity with both hands; good hand and eye coordination.
• No medical electronic implants such as pacemakers are allowed in the welding shop.
Health and Safety Considerations
This program includes work in a welding shop where high temperatures and explosive gases are used. Students will be taught industry standards for safety of themselves and others in the shop and will be expected to follow all safety procedures. Personal protective equipment must always be worn in the shop.
Admissions Criteria
• Complete an application to the program.
• Provide proof of high school completion or equivalent.
Required Tool and Equipment List
The following equipment is required at an additional cost before the start of class. These items are available from multiple suppliers.
1. Safety toe high top leather works boots priced $40-$100+
2. Heavy quality cotton work jeans and long sleeve shirt (no manmade materials such as polyester, rayon, spandex, etc.)
3. Safety glasses with an ANSI rating of Z87 or higher (Z87+, Z87.1, Z87.2, etc) around $10-15
The following Personal Protective Equipment is also required at additional cost. We recommend that you wait to meet with your instructor before purchasing the following:
1. TIG welding gloves from a welding supply store $15-20
2. STICK welding gloves from the same store $10-$20
3. Shade 3-5 cutting glasses from the same store $10-20
4. Shade 11-12 welding helmet same store $40-$100+
5. Welding sleeves or jacket either fire resistant or leather $30-100+
6. Chipping Hammer $10
7. Wire Brush $5
8. Pliers $15
9. Tip cleaners $5
According to the American Welding Society (AWS), there are currently 600,000 welding jobs available in the U.S. With the lack of skilled workers, only half of those positions are currently filled. Employers are currently seeking a new skilled workforce with an understanding of fabrication, welding, and repair techniques as well as other differentiated attributes. The welding career field has a variety of job levels and responsibilities. Great Bay Community College has partnered with Seacoast School of Technology to provide a convenient and affordable option for those seeking employment as a welder.
Industry and Transportation
STEM and Advanced Manufacturing