About Our Program
The Welding Technology program at Green River College offers you training in multiple welding styles, in preparation for immediate employment in this diverse field. Job placement of graduates from this program is excellent.
Welders join pieces of metal by placing them close together, heating them until the metal flows, and fuses to form a cohesive bond. They control this joining process by concentrating the heat from a gas torch or electric arc and by using metal rods to supply extra metal. Welders must wear protective clothing, shoes, hoods, and goggles to prevent burns.
The AAS degree is designed to train the student for employment in the welding field as a structural steel detailer, trade welder, engineering aide and sales engineer, as well as for rapid advancement to inspection, shop planning, supervision or one of the many related fields.
The Trade Welder program is designed to train a student in the shortest time possible to reach the level of proficiency required to pass the American Welding Society or the Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO) tests. An individual working in the metal fabrication field may also enter this program to acquire skills and gain experience with various specialized welding processes available to Green River College.
Program Notes
Students may enter the Welding Technology program at the beginning of any quarter
Prerequisites
A consultation with the welding department faculty is required before admission to
the program.
A high school diploma or GED® and a recent general math class is highly recommended.
Additional expenses include tools and safety gear. Approximate total cost over the two-year period is $200. This amount is split into individual quarters.
To become certified in one or many areas of welding, you will need to pass a test through the Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO). This test can be taken through the college. It consists of a written exam and hands-on welding procedures. A $40 fee is paid to the state.
Employment
Job placement of graduates from Green River's Welding program is excellent. At this time, more positions are available than we have students to refer. The Student Employment Office maintains contact with construction firms, wood products industries, and metal fabrications firms needing to hire trained welders. The staff also helps students write resumes and develop interviewing skills. There is also a definite demand for women in the welding industry.
Employment opportunities: Construction companies | Machine shops | Manufacturing firms | Marine welding companies | Metal art sculpturing | Metal products firms | Railroads | Repair shops | Schools | Self-employment | Shipyards | Steel companies | Trucking companies | Welding firms | Transportation equipment companies | Apprentice welder | Arc welder | Assembler welder | Combination welder | Experimental welder | Gas welder | Gas welder | Inspector | Instructor Ironworker | Pipe fitter | Repair welder | Ship repairer | Welder | Welder fitter