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Welding Technology

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Amanda Seidenzahl

Forge Your Future in a High-Demand Industry

Welding is essential to the U.S. economy, but as experienced welders retire, industries face a growing shortage of skilled professionals. WATC's Welding Technology Program provides students with hands-on training and industry certifications, preparing them for high-paying careers in welding, fabrication, and metalworking.

Location: Baldor Technology Center (UAFS Campus)

Times Offered: Morning and afternoon sessions available

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How to Get Started

Take the first step toward future success. Follow these steps to enroll.

  1. Apply for Admission - Complete UAFS's Application for Early College Program Admission.
  2. Meet with your High School Counselor - Work with your counselor to integrate WATC courses into your schedule. 
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    What You Will Learn

    Students in WATC’s Welding Technology Program will gain real-world welding skills, including:

    Certification Requirement: Students must meet American Welding Society (AWS) certification standards for structural and high-pressure vessel welding, ensuring they are ready for industry employment.

    Earn Industry and University Credentials

    Students in WATC’s Welding Technology Program can earn university and industry-recognized credentials, including:

    These certificates help students stand out in the job market and provide a direct pathway to a college degree and employment.

    Continue Your Education at UAFS

    High school students who complete this program can continue at UAFS to earn:

    This degree opens doors to higher-paying positions and career advancement in welding, fabrication, and industrial technology.

    Sample Schedule and Course Progression

    This two-year program integrates with your high school schedule, allowing you to gain hands-on experience while earning college credit. Below is a sample schedule of the courses you may take:

    Please note: Classes are on an eight-week rotation. Students will take two eight-week courses each semester. This program’s grading scale is different, and students will need a 77% or above score to complete the course with a C or better. A C is required to pass each course and advance through the program.

    Fall Semester – First Year

    Spring Semester – First Year

    Fall Semester – Second Year

    Spring Semester – Second Year

    Welding Blueprint Reading (WELD 1234)

    Layout Fabrication – Sheet Metal (WELD 1454)

    MIG Basic (WELD 1404)

    TIG Basic (WELD 1384)

    ARC Basic (WELD 1284)

    ARC Advanced (WELD 2284)

    MIG Advanced (WELD 2404)

    TIG Advanced (WELD 2384)

    -

    -

    -

    ARC Basic (WELD 1284)

    -

    -

    -

    ARC Advanced (WELD 2284)

    * * This is a sample schedule. Actual course offerings may vary.

    Career Opportunities & Industries

    Students who complete the Welding Program and those who earn a college degree in this field are in high demand across Arkansas’s River Valley region, where construction, manufacturing, and metal fabrication fuel the economy.

    • Welder
    • Fabricator
    • Cutter
    • Pipefitter and Steamfitter
    • Structural Welder
    • Boilermaker
    • Aerospace Welder

    • Construction and Structural Fabrication
      • Major Employers: Nabholz, Forsgren, SSI Fabricated, RHC Construction
      • Why It’s Important: Welders are needed for bridges, pipelines, buildings, and infrastructure projects.

    • Advanced Manufacturing and Metal Fabrication
      • Major Employers: ABB, Rheem, ArcBest, Gerdau
      • Why It’s Important: Heavy equipment, machinery, and industrial parts require skilled welders for fabrication and repair

    • Transportation and Heavy Equipment Manufacturing
      • Major Employers: Gerber, Hytrol, OK Foods
      • Why It’s Important: Welding is crucial for building and repairing transportation systems, trailers, and logistics equipment.

    • Aerospace and Defense
      • Major Employers: Lockheed Martin, Foreign Military Sales Project (Fort Smith)
      • Why It’s Important: Welders work on aircraft components, defense systems, and high-performance materials.

    • Energy and Oil and Gas Pipelines
      • Major Employers: OG&E, Summit Utilities
      • Why It’s Important: Welders are critical for pipeline construction, power plant maintenance, and energy infrastructure.