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Welding Technology Associate Degree

award
AAS Associate of Applied Science Degree
type of award
2 Years
total Credits
90-93
Financial Aid Available
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Overview

Create a spark for a bright future in welding 

Are you looking for a rewarding career in a skilled trade? The Welding Technology Associate Degree at Clackamas Community College can help you achieve your goals. Our welding degree provides you with the knowledge and hands-on experience you need to succeed in welding, fabrication, construction and other related fields. 

Our instructors are certified by the American Welding Society (AWS), ensuring you receive top-notch training that meets industry standards. The curriculum follows the AWS national guidelines for entry-level welders. 

Choose classes that fit your schedule 

Clackamas Community College offers flexible learning options to fit your schedule. Dive in with our daytime track if you are able to make earlier class hours work. Or take advantage of our evening track that allows you to gain new welding skills without sacrificing your day job. 

For a part-time option, contact Jodi Stapleton at jodis@clackamas.edu or 503-594-3857. 

Short-term welding training options 

If you are looking to enter the workforce quickly, we can create a personalized education and employment plan for you. This plan will focus on the specific knowledge and skills you need to jumpstart your career or switch paths. To learn more, contact Dustin Bates at 503-594-3973 or dustinb@clackamas.edu. 

For detailed description and outcomes for this program, view the course catalog.
Classes

Required classes for Welding Technology Associate Degree

Job Outlook

Get ahead with lucrative welding jobs 

The welding industry is growing, and there is a demand for qualified welders. With a Welding Technology Associate Degree from Clackamas Community College, you will be prepared to enter the workforce with the skills and knowledge employers are looking for. 

Search related careers and regional data on wages and job outlook on WorkSource.

For more information on career opportunities for this program, view the course catalog.
Skills

Master the art of welding 

The welding technology program focuses on developing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. You'll learn to perform various welds using different techniques and materials: 

  • Welding processes: Shielded metal arc (SMAW), gas metal arc (GMAW), flux-core arc (FCAW) and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). 
  • Materials: Steel, stainless steel and aluminum. 
  • Electrodes: We will cover a variety of electrodes to suit different applications. 
  • Cutting techniques: Plasma arc (PAC), air carbon arc (CAC-A) cutting and gouging, as well as manual and automatic oxy-fuel cutting (OFC and OFC-Track Burner). 

Beyond the basics 

The program goes beyond just welding techniques. You will also gain knowledge in: 

  • Materials science and welding theory: Understand the science behind creating strong and lasting welds. 
  • Blueprint reading: Learn to interpret technical drawings used in fabrication. 
  • Inspection, quality and safety: Ensure your welds meet industry standards and prioritize safety practices in the workshop. 
  • Shop practices: Develop essential skills for working effectively in a fabrication environment. 
  • Fabrication techniques: Learn cost calculations, layout, sketching, creating bills of materials, fitting and cutting techniques applied to real-world projects designed in collaboration with industry partners. 
For more information on expected outcomes of successfully completing this program, view the course catalog.
Cost

Investing in your future

Clackamas Community College offers some of the lowest tuition rates in the Portland metro area. To begin building the cost for your program, you can start with the base estimate below. 

This estimate includes the cost of tuition and the general fees applied per class and per academic term. This estimate does not include additional fees required for many courses or the cost of course materials. Contact the program to learn more about additional costs that may apply. 

You can also find more information about the costs of attending CCC on the Tuition and Fees page.

Get help paying for college

Scholarships and grants (free money!) are available for students in this program. For help with financial aid and scholarships, contact the Financial Aid Resource Lab.  

 

Transfer Option

Transfer seamlessly to a four-year degree at the Oregon Institute of Technology

Planning to shift to a four-year college? The Automotive and Welding Department works with the Oregon Institute of Technology to offer classes that seamlessly transfer into their Bachelor of Applied Technology and Management program.  

Learn more about transfer options 

Talk to an advisor to ensure you have the most up-to-date transfer information. For information, contact Dustin Bates at 503-594-3973 or dustinb@clackamas.edu. You can also contact the Automotive and Welding Department at 503-594-3047

Earn a certificate on the way to your degree

Many degree programs at CCC offer opportunities to earn professional certificates along the way. These certificates can give your resume a boost and qualify you for jobs, even before you graduate. Every step you take gets you closer to your dreams. Even if you decide to change direction later, you will have a solid foundation to build on to keep moving forward.

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Tuition and Fees

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