Welding Technology (WATC)
Program Location: UAFS Campus
Options: Morning and afternoon
Welding is essential to the United States economy, but as the current workforce ages, we find ourselves facing a welding shortage. You can help fill this gap, start a great career, and keep our economy moving by gaining the skills necessary to become a welder. In this program you will learn basic and advanced welding in three areas (arc, tungsten inert gas, metal inert gas) along with basic welding layout and fabrication. Students must reach the American Welding Society (AWS) certification test standards for both structural and high-pressure vessel welding. Upon successful completion of both years of the program, you can earn certificates of proficiency in ARC, TIG, and MIG.
Career Titles: Welder, Cutter, Solderer, Brazer
Industry: Construction, Manufacturing, Aerospace, Oil & Gas
Outlook: 3 percent growth
Arkansas Median Wage: $40,000 – $89,000 (varies by specialty)
NOTE: Classes are on an 8-week rotation. Students will take two eight-week classes each semester. Grading scale is different, and students need a 77% or above to complete course with a ‘C’ or better and move on to the next course in sequence.
| Fall Semester First Year |
Spring Semester First Year |
Fall Semester Second Year |
Spring Semester Second Year |
|
Layout and Fabrication |
ARC Welding – Basic |
MIG Welding – Basic |
TIG Welding – Basic |
|
Intro to Welding & Blueprint Reading |
ARC Welding – Advanced |
MIG Welding – Advanced |
TIG Welding – Advanced |
Sample schedule only. Actual schedules may vary.
Credentials students can potentially earn while in WATC:
- Certificate of Proficiency in ARC Welding
- Certificate of Proficiency in MIG Welding
- Certificate of Proficiency in TIG Welding
- Technical Certificate in Welding
Degree options to complete at UAFS:
- Associate of Science in General Technology - Welding