The welding program is designed to prepare students with in-depth training and skills for entry-level employment in a wide variety of careers as a welder in light or heavy fabrication, construction, and manufacturing.  Training focuses on the theory and application to provide essential skills in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) processes in all positions, using plate and pipe.  Students will also gain knowledge in layout and fabrication as well as blueprint reading for welders, safety and metallurgy.  The program is offered at the Wharton campus only.

Students will graduate with experience in (4) welding processes: Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding and Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) in all positions: fillets, plates and pipes.  Carbon Arc Gouging, Oxy-Acetylene Cutting/Beveling, Plasma Arc Cutting/Beveling and Shearing will be taught as well.

In addition to the WCJC course completion certificate, graduates will leave the program with (16) additional certificates from the American Welding Society (AWS).  

• Combination Welding Course Completion Certificate issued by WCJC
• Code Testing - demonstrates skills developed and comprehension for each semester of training (in accordance to AWS D1.1 welding code/administered by a 3rd party CWI) 
• Fillet Break Test - Semester I (WLDG 1428)
• Plate Bend Test - Semester II (WLDG 1457)
• Pipe Bend Test - Semester III (WLDG 2453)
• (12) AWS certificates in welding-related topics through the American Welding Society Online Library 
  • Science of Non-Destructive Testing
  • Welding Safety
  • Welding Fundamentals I
  • Welding Fundamentals II
  • Welding Fundamentals III
  • Welding Symbols
  • Metallurgy I
  • Metallurgy II
  • Fabrication Math I
  • Fabrication Math II
  • Destructive Testing
  • Welding Economics

Entrance Requirements:

• Must apply and meet all admission requirements to Wharton County Junior College https://www.wcjc.edu/Admissions/index.aspx
• College entrance testing (TSI) is NOT required for acceptance into the program
• Students will be required to provide their own tools and personal protective equipment

Program Cost: Level I Certificate (40 hours)