The Certificate of Completion Welding prepares students for entry-level jobs in metal working fields. Required courses are applicable toward the AAS Welding degree. Click here to learn how this Career Pathway Certificate of Completion can lead to an AAS Welding and Fabrication.
Entry Requirements
Students are required to complete the College's placement process to determine skill level and readiness in math, reading and writing. As part of their training program, students must begin with the courses within their skill level as determined by the placement process.
Because a variety of working conditions exist in the welding field, a person generally should be in good physical condition and able to stand, stoop, kneel and bend without difficulty and be able to lift and carry at least 50 pounds. Good eyesight, especially depth perception, is necessary for a welder.
The Certificate of Completion Welding is an American Welding Society (AWS) entry-level welding certified program. Successfully completing the AWS portion of each welding course also qualifies the student for a Certificate of Completion from the AWS as an entry-level welder – a nationally recognized certificate.
By the second week of the term, students will need to purchase the proper PPE (personal protective equipment) required for the term. Required PPE includes: Welding hood, leathers or welding jacket, gauntlet gloves, safety glasses (clear and shade 5), and leather boots (steel toe is preferred).
Gainful Employment Disclosure
Southwestern is required by federal regulations to disclose information related to the College's educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation. This information is intended to provide students the opportunity to measure employment outcomes associated with certificate programs.
Gainful employment information for the Certificate of Completion Welding can be found online.
Graduation Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 47 credit hours with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. All courses in this program must be completed with a ‘C’ or better. One course must be completed at Southwestern before the Certificate of Completion Welding is awarded.
Complete the graduation application process one term prior to the term of completion (e.g., spring term graduates must apply during winter term).
Pre-Program Courses
Students are required to take the following courses prior to the program courses, depending on students' college placement information. See advisor for details:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CIS90 | Computer Basics (or demonstrate proficiency) | 2 |
| WR90 | Paragraph Fundamentals (or placement in higher level writing course) | 3-4 |
| or WR90R | Academic Literacy | |
Program Guide
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| DRFT105 | Blueprint Reading | 3 |
| WLD100 | Welding Process I | 3 |
| WLD101 | Shielded Metal Arc Welding | 6 |
| WR115 | Introduction to Expository Writing 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Winter | ||
| MTH20 | Basic Mathematics ( (or higher)) | 4 |
| WLD102 | Welding Lab A | 3 |
| WLD103 | Gas Metal Arc Welding | 3 |
| WLD104 | Flux Forded Arc Welding | 3 |
| WLD110 | Welding Cert for 1st Year ` | 3 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| BA110 | Group Dynamics for Teams 2 | 3 |
| WLD105 | Pipe Fitting and Welding I | 3 |
| WLD106 | Welding Lab B | 3 |
| WLD107 | Gas Tungsten Arc Welding | 3 |
| WLD202 | Forklift Operator Training and Cert | 1 |
| WLD4050 | Welding and Joining Processes | 3 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 47 | |
| 1 | WR121 English Composition or WR121H English Composition w/Honors may be substituted for WR115 Introduction to Expository Writing. |
| 2 | BA120 Leadership Development, BA285 Human Relations in Organizations; PSY100 Introduction to Psychology, PSY201 General Psychology, PSY201H General Psychology w/Honors, PSY203 General Psychology, or PSY203H General Psychology w/Honors course may be substituted for BA110 Group Dynamics for Teams. |
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program the student will be able to:
- Set-up and operate manual and semi-automatic welding and cutting equipment used in the metal fabrication industry.
- Perform basic layout and fabrication skills to produce welded metal parts and projects.
- Read and interpret blueprints and American Welding Society standard welding symbols.
- Perform as a team member and practice skills that reflect professional and ethical behavior in the workplace.