Program Description
Competencies achieved in the study of oxyfuel cutting (OFC), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) prepare students for qualification tests required to meet national welding and joining codes and standards.

Length of Program
Four quarters

Entrance Date
Students are accepted quarterly.

Entrance Requirements
OTC Placement Exam
Visual acuity test is strongly recommended

Age
16 years of age or older

Education
High School Diploma or GED required before graduation

Advisor
An advisor should be consulted prior to enrolling in any course. A program advisor will be assigned by admissions.

Salary Range
Salary Range $16,640 to $37,440 annually

Job Market
Welders perform the actual welding.
Tack welders make small welds to hold parts in place.
Welding operators, operate machines and equipment.
Welders’ helpers maintain shop and equipment.
Other jobs include welder assemblers, fitters, inspectors, sales.

Personal Traits Required
Important attributes for a welder are good eyesight, manual dexterity, hand eye coordination, critical thinking skills, problem solving, and the ability to apply technology to the work requirement.

Diploma Curriculum

Course		Title		Credit Hours
1st Quarter
MAT 100		Basic Mathematics		3
WLD 100		Introduction to Welding		6
WLD 101		Oxyfuel Cutting		4
WLD 104		Shielded Metal Arc Welding		6
2nd Quarter
ENG 100		English		5
WLD 103		Blueprint Reading I		3
WLD 105		Shielded Metal Arc Welding II		6
WLD 106		Shielded Metal Arc Welding III		6
3rd Quarter
EMP 100		Interpersonal Relations & Professional Development		3
WLD 107		Shielded Metal Arc Welding IV		6
WLD 108		Blueprint Reading II		3
WLD 109		Gas Metal Arc Welding		6
4th Quarter
SCT 100		Introduction to Microcomputers		3
WLD 110		Gas Tungsten Arc Welding		4
WLD 112		Prep for Industrial Qualification		4
Elective		Elective		5
		Total Hours Required		73