The Welding Technology department is committed to training students to become the best welders they can be. The field of welding continues to evolve with significant advances in technology. In our state-of-the-art welding shop, students begin by using our Virtual Reality VRTEX 360 Simulators. The VRTEX 360s prepare students to become skilled welders, learning proper body positions, gun and rod angles and positions, travel speeds, and overall welding techniques in an eco-friendly manner. Students apply the knowledge and skills learned on the simulators to an actual state-of-the-art welding shop, using a live welder. In addition, students will apply safe working practices and read welding symbols and blueprints.
Upon completion of the Welding Technology program, graduates will be prepared for employment as a welder in manufacturing, maintenance, and repair, building and construction trades. Graduates will have skills acquired in gas metal arc, short circuit transfer, spray transfer, metalcore arc welding, oxy-acetylene, braze welding, gas tungsten arc welding, flux core arc welding, oxyacetylene cutting, plasma arc cutting, and shield metal arc welding.
Students entering the Welding Technology program should have good math, reading and computer skills to successfully complete the required courses.
Welding has become a dominant force in virtually every aspect of life, and with the continued advances the industry is experiencing, welding will provide endless opportunities for those on the cutting edge. Upon successful completion of the Welding Technology certificate program, students may be eligible to become AWS Certified if they meet the testing requirements.
Industry Expectations
Due to the stringent safety requirements and rigorous physical demands of operating specific tools, equipment, and machinery, students participating in the UTTC Heavy Equipment Operations, Welding, and Automotive Technology programs must meet certain physical requirements. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by any employee in specific industries to successfully perform the essential functions of the training and industry jobs. Reasonable accommodations may be requested by individuals with disabilities. The Disabilities Services Coordinator will determine, on a case-by-case basis, if the accommodation requested is reasonable.
- The student is regularly required to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble large and very small objects or controls.
- The student is frequently required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, and crouch, or crawl.
- The student must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/ or move up to 100+ pounds with assistance.