Welding
The welding program aligns with the American Welding Society (AWS) training and certifications.
Certificates
The certificate programs concentrate on the “traditional” welding processes and practices of oxy-acetylene welding & cutting, plasma cutting, carbon air arc cutting, shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding and flux core arc welding. Participation in, and completion of, the different sequences of instruction within the welding program prepares the student for a rewarding career in metal fabrication, maintenance, education, supervision, sales and services, as well as many other opportunities associated with welding technology. Students have the opportunity to learn skills that can lead to immediate employment.
There are seven certificate programs available:
- Fillet Weld Certificate (WFILL)- This certificate provides students an introduction to the foundational principles of welding, including workplace safety, cutting, and welding to the level of fillet welds using multiple welding processes and in varying positions. It provides theoretical knowledge related to terminology, blueprints, symbols and mathematics specific to the welding industry.
- GMAW/FCAW Pipe Certificate (WCMAP)- This certificate provides students with the opportunity to obtain an industry-recognized qualification in the Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Flex Core Arc Welding (FCAW) processes for steel pipe at the 1G, 2G, 5G and 6G positions.
- GMAW/FCAW Plate Certificate (WGMFC)- This certificate provides students with the opportunity to obtain an industry-recognized qualification in the Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Flex Core Arc Welding (FCAW) processes for steel plate at all positions.
- GTAW Pipe Certificate (WGTAP)- This certificate provides students with the opportunity to obtain an industry-recognized qualification in the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) process for pipe in the 1G, 2G, 5G and 6G positions.
- GTAW Plate Certificate (WGTAW)- This certificate provides students with the opportunity to obtain an industry-recognized qualification in the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) process for steel plate at all positions.
- SMAW Pipe Certificate (WSMAP)- This certificate provides students with the opportunity to obtain an industry-recognized qualification in the Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) process for steel pipe at 1G, 2G, 5G and 6G positions.
- SMAW Plate Certificate (WSMAW)- This certificate provides students with the opportunity to obtain an industry-recognized qualification in the Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) process for steel plate at all positions.
Welding Certification Testing
Those interested in gaining their AWS (American Welding Society) certification can complete their testing at Mohave Community College. MCC is one of the few facilities in Arizona to receive the national accreditation necessary in order to certify welders in particular skill areas. You don’t have to be an MCC student to complete the testing. Testing is open to anyone who is interested. For additional information visit the Weld Testing and Training page, and for questions regarding testing, please contact Weld Testing Director Jim Hill at JHill@mohave.edu – 509.250.3808.
Visit Weld Testing & Training
Frequently Asked Questions
How well are Welders paid?
The average salary for welders in Mohave County is $36,460 and the average hourly rate is $17.53, according to 2017 figures from the U.S. Department of Labor. Students are also earning $13.00 to $31.50 per hour. Two students performing underwater welding are receiving $118.00 per hour plus $1.00 for every 22 feet they dive, and $1.00 for every foot they go inside something (pipe). They are paid a minimum of four hours per dive and are also paid $37.00 per hour when traveling to the job site. Highly skilled Welders and Welding Engineers can earn more than $60,000 a year.
Is there a demand for Welders?
Yes. An article in the Wall Street Journal has stated there is a shortage of Welders; the average age of Welders is currently 54 and climbing. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that over the next 7 years another 22,500 welders will be needed in America.
What are some typical tasks that a Welder would do?
Welding, Fitting, Layout, and Cutting.
What are the typical working conditions for Welders?
Welders will find a lot of different working conditions:
- Hours might vary from 40 to 70 hours a week.
- Some Welders might work in a shop, others will travel the country or world.
- The conditions of some jobs vary from very dirty to a sterile, cleanroom setting.
What is a Welder?
A Welder is the person who operates the welding machine that is used to join metal.
What is welding?
Welding is the art of heating metal to the melting point and then allowing parts of the metal and filler metal to flow together. Welding is a diverse technology, and there are 94 welding and allied processes.
What skills, traits, or preparatory classes would be helpful for the Welding Technology program?
- A positive attitude
- Good reading, writing, and math skills
- Ability to work accurately
- Ability to evaluate and make decisions
- Mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity
- Basic computer skills
What will I learn in the Welding Technology program?
- Weld in the flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead position
- Weld using the Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) processes
- Weld using the Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) process
- Weld using the Flux Cored Arc Welding Self Shielded (FCAW-SS) processes
- Weld using the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) processes
- Weld and cut using Oxyacetylene
- Weld on plate, tubing, and pipe
- You will gain knowledge on what is safe to do and what is not safe in the welding industry.
Eric Pope
Ryan Walker
Zach Drew
Kelly Nockideneh
Jim Hill