Welding
Program Summary
Welding is the most common way of permanently joining metal parts. In this process, heat is applied to metal pieces, melting and fusing them to form a permanent bond. Because of its strength, welding is used in shipbuilding, automobile manufacturing and repair, aerospace applications, and thousands of other manufacturing activities. Welding also is used to join beams when constructing buildings, bridges, and other structures, and to join pipes in pipelines, power plants, and refineries.
Welders use many types of welding equipment set up in a variety of positions, such as flat, vertical, horizontal, and overhead. They may perform manual welding, in which the work is entirely controlled by the welder, or semiautomatic welding, in which the welder uses machinery, such as a wire feeder, to perform welding tasks.
Employment Trends
- Job prospects should be excellent.
- Training ranges from a few weeks of school or on-the-job training for low-skilled positions to several years of combined school and on-the-job training for highly skilled jobs.
Program Objectives
- Successful completion of each course earns a Certificate of Completion
- Skills development and preparation potentially leading to professional credentialing through the American Welding Society (AWS)
PGCC offers courses to train new and experienced welders in welding techniques required to become certified at the American Welding Society (AWS) D1.1 Structural Steel Welding Code. The courses with orientation include three sessions where new students are familiarized with the welding lab and instruction techniques. These classes are taught at Crossland High School in Temple Hills, MD.
Program Requirements
|
Crs #
|
Course Name
|
Hrs
|
|
CST332
|
Welding Introduction with Orientation for New Students
|
45
|
|
CST333
|
Welding: Experienced with Orientation for New Students
|
45
|
|
OR
|
Program Total
|
90
|
|
CST338
|
Welding Introduction (returning students only)
|
36
|
|
CST339
|
Welding: Experienced (returning students only)
|
36
|
|
CST316
|
Welding: Pipe
|
36
|
|
|
Program total
|
126
|
Frequently Asked Questions
- I’ve taken the experienced course once, can I take it again?
Absolutely. Many students enroll in the introductory and experienced courses multiple times before they take the certification exam. The course is taught to meet the needs of each student. If your trouble area is welding overhead with 7018 1/8” low hydrogen electrodes, our instructors will work with you until you get it right.
- I think I’m interested in welding, but I don’t know much about it. What are the typical responsibilities of a welder?
Welding is the most common way of permanently joining metal parts. Welding is used in shipbuilding, automobile manufacturing and repair, aerospace applications, and thousands of other manufacturing activities. Welding also is used to join beams when constructing buildings, bridges, and other structures. Welders use many types of welding equipment set up in a variety of positions, such as flat, vertical, horizontal and overhead. Electric arc welding is the most common type of welding.