Career & Technical Education
Welding Technology
Program Overview
Program Description
Our Welding program provides tremendous opportunities in new welding
development like exotic metal types, laser welding, and working with
automated plasma cutters.
Welding is the most common method for permanently bonding metal parts. Due to its strength, welding is used to construct and repair cars, appliances, buildings, highway bridges, and it is extensively used in petrol-chemical piping.
Skilled welders work from drawings and specifications, set up and create welds, and examine and inspect welds to ensure specifications are met. Program emphasis is on processes including SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, and structural and pipe welding. Cowley College provides well-equipped laboratories that enable students to receive instruction in oxyacetylene welding and cutting, shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), metallurgy, plasma cam cutting and allied processes.
Skills Required:
The Welding program at Cowley College will provide students with measurement
and blueprint reading skills, operation of welding and fabricating
equipment, applied mathematics knowledge, and effective communication
skills.
Career Opportunities:
Most welders work in manufacturing industries that produce transportation
equipment, industrial machinery and equipment, and fabricated metal
products. Welders are also employed in the construction of buildings
and bridges, and to join pipes in pipelines, power plants, railroads,
and refineries.
The Welding Technology program provides students the opportunity to learn practical knowledge and skill competencies associated with welding, metal fabrication and related processes. Opportunities for those who wish to become welders are predicted to be good through the year 2015, as the number of qualified (certified) welders graduating from technical schools and community colleges is expected to be below the number of job openings (courtesy Department of Labor Statistics 2002).
What Can I Earn in this Field?
The Kansas Wage Survey reported that welders earned an average hourly
wage of $13/hour to $28/hour and higher. Potential earnings
depend on the industry, location and qualifications (courtesy Kansas
Dept of Commerce, Kansas Wage Survey, 2004).
What Kind of Training and Education is Available?
Both Certificate and Associate in Applied Science Degree programs are
available. A certificate program requires 49 credit hours and an
associate of applied science degree requires 64. Additional information
on the welding profession can be found at the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Class Schedule
In addition to technical classes, five related courses are also required
for all students. These include: Applied Economics, Blueprint
Reading, Industrial Materials, Technical Math, and OSHA 10. For
AAS degree-seeking students, there are 15 additional specified general
education credits required.
Mission
The Welding program challenges students to master specific academic and
skill related competencies set forth by our advisory committee. These
skills are intended to assure Business and Industry with a qualified
and productive employee and to reward the student with responsibility,
pride, and the opportunity to enjoy a quality lifestyle.
Vision
The Welding program promotes
education in welding-related technologies, enhances skill levels, and
guides students toward opportunities for advancement in the welding
industry.