Welding Technology

About the Program

The Welding Technology program is designed to prepare students to become certified welders under standards set by the American Welding Society, American Society of Mechanical Engineers and American Petroleum Institute. Certification examinations may be taken after completion of the courses.  To be successful in this program, students need basic competence in mathematics, must possess good eyesight at least with corrective lenses, sufficient physical stamina to be able to stand and bend for long periods, and not to be bothered by extended exposure to the outdoors.  Students who are still enrolled in high school and who are considering a career as an industrial welder are encouraged to take courses in mathematics, industrial education, and welding. Courses in physical sciences and physics would enhance a student's knowledge and broaden one's experiences.  The objective of this program is to teach students to read and follow blueprints and plans, lay out jobs to be done, cut and bend materials, operate an oxy-acetylene torch, shielded metal arc, flux core arc, and do mig and tig welding, and certify in the above processes.  For certified welders employment opportunities are virtually unlimited. High-paying jobs are open in both heavy and light industry throughout California as well as the nation and the world. As far as can be seen in the future, the job market for certified welders will be excellent.

Admission to the Program:
The Welding Technology program is a two-semester program and only starts in the Fall Semester. The prerequisites to the program are completion of WLD 20 and WLD 21. We accept 50 students, the program is currently impacted.  Contact the Department to start the process and paperwork that is required for this program. Please visit the Welding Technology Departments home page http://www.butte.edu/departments/careertech/welding/weldingapplication.html. Estimated expenses average about $5,200 - $6,200 for the entire program. This includes tools, books, tuition, and welding qualification documentation (if you pass the welding certification test). Financial aid is available to qualified students. Those students who complete the program can receive a Certificate in Welding Technology Level I, a Certificate in Welding Technology Level II, a Certificate in Welding Technology Level III, and a Certificate of Achievement and may elect to earn an Associate's degree in Welding Technology.

Program Requirements