WELDING AS A CAREER
Program Instructor/Advisor: Rod McDonald, (360) 538-4125
rod.mcdonald@ghc.edu
For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who
completed the program, and other important information, please view the
Welding Gainful Employment Disclosure
View the shop video now on YouTube (below)
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=C14F04C7E9A246C5
Updated 10/29/15
WELDING AS A CAREER
Welding touches virtually all construction, manufacturing, and repair work. Welding is used to build projects such as aircraft,
tanks, satellites, weapons, machinery, heavy equipment, trucks, helicopters, trains, power generation units, ships, etc. Some
typical projects for construction welders include bridges, power plants, airports, prisons, breweries, refineries, aqueducts, dams,
hi-ways, shopping malls, railroads, and gas, oil, and water piping systems. Welders will also be involved in the maintenance,
repair, and modification of these projects.
Most people think of tradesmen who weld as “Welders”. Care must be used if researching job opportunities and wage rates for
“Welders”. Welding is done by many crafts. Many “Welders” are more narrowly classified as Boilermaker, Fabricator, Fitter,
Ironworker, Pipe Fitter, Sheet Metal Mechanic, Sheet Metal Worker, Steam Fitter, or other specialty job title. Regardless of
title, welding is integral to all of these crafts. Additionally, carpenters, electricians, heavy equipment mechanics, machinists,
maintenance men, millwrights, pile bucks, and other tradesmen commonly weld, occasionally approaching fulltime.
Work conditions vary widely. Welding may be done under extremely comfortable and clean conditions for aerospace work, or
even in a “clean room” environment during manufacture of highly sensitive items. More commonly however, welding is done
outdoors on construction sites, or in indoor heavy industrial settings. Heavy industrial work environments require tradesmen
who aren’t afraid of dirt and sweat. Many jobs require dedicated professionals who can produce code quality welds in all
positions, in uncomfortable and difficult to access locations, sometimes high above the ground, while close to other loud and
distracting work operations.
Welders are employed by small job shops, mobile repair companies, private and corporate manufacturers, construction
contractors, utility districts, and various branches of city, county, state, and federal government. Pay varies widely based on the
skill level and technical knowledge required by the work. The criticality of the welding and the level of inspection and quality
control are also important factors. Geographic location will influence wages as well. Some welders working in small private
shops doing low skill level work may barely make over minimum wage, while highly skilled union journeymen construction
workers in Washington typically earn more than $30 per hour base pay, and over $10 per hour in benefits.
Employers generally look for applicants who have good mechanical aptitude, a clean driving record, are free from substance
use, and who have a strong credible reference to vouch for their work ethic. Of course being polite, clean cut, fit, and alert
helps as well. Employees are frequently required to supply their own hand tools.
Beginners usually start by performing lower skill level tasks, and advance to increasingly difficult jobs, and higher wages, as
they prove their work ethic, skill, and knowledge. A beginner who wants to advance should behave and perform at the level
expected of those working at least one or two positions higher than him.
A well rounded tradesman will have a formal education, meaningful professional credentials such as welding and possibly
inspection certifications, 5 or more years experience, and the capacity to perform high skill level tasks efficiently without
supervision. A welder who desires opportunity will stay on top of his craft by continually upgrading his education and skills
through career long technical training. Leadership training is also valuable for those that want to perform effectively as
supervisors.
In order to maximize their chances for success, tradesmen need to recognize that work ethic is the single most desirable trait
they can offer employers. A good tradesman will not be late and will not miss work. He will keep his personal appearance,
hygiene, language, and bearing in a manner that will favorably represent his employer, and himself, to the public and to the
employer’s clients. He will do the best work he is capable of, at full pace, anytime he has agreed to receive pay for his service,
regardless of the pay rate. He will recognize the trade is extremely physical in nature and therefore requires him to take care of
his health. He will be physically fit at least to the extent necessary to perform journey level tasks at a journey level pace.
Finally, in order to prevent recklessly endangering his coworkers, he will keep his mind sharp when on the job by getting
adequate sleep and keeping his blood stream free of anything that could impair judgment or cause fatigue.
While many journeymen welders enjoy the challenging nature and visible end product of their craft, a welding background can
help prepare for other opportunities as well. Some experienced welders may move on to become business owners, welding
engineers, welding inspectors, quality assurance personnel, supervisors, welding procedure writers, testing lab technicians,
equipment salesmen, consultants, or educators. A formal education is an important component to skill building, entry
opportunity, and advancement.
The Grays Harbor College (GHC) welding program provides instruction in the most common manual welding and cutting
processes. Training includes welding with “TIG”, “Stick”, “MIG”, and flux cored wires. Steel, stainless steel, and aluminum
are welded in all positions. Materials include pipe, tubing, sheet, plate, and structural shapes such as I-beam and channel.
Cutting is done both manually and mechanized with plasma and oxy-fuel systems. Training is geared to provide the skill base,
knowledge, and professional attitude required to eventually become a journey-level combination welder.
The GHC welding program offers an associate’s degree in welding (with Structural or Pipe Welding emphasis areas), several
different certificates, and is a Washington Association of Building Officials welder certification test site. The daytime degree
program includes certification testing. Night courses leading to a certificate are also offered. More information on the program
is available from welding instructor Rod McDonald at (360) 538-4125.
Salary Expectations
For job opportunities and salary expectations, please see: http://www.workforceexplorer.com/
Funding Opportunity
Students who are interested in completing the welding program may qualify for an additional funding option. Please see:
http://www.ghc.edu/content/opportunity-grant-program for details.
What Do I Need To Do First?
 Apply for Admission (https://www.public.ctc.edu/ApplicantWebClient/Applicant/ApplWelcome.aspx)
 Request Official Transcripts from high school, previous colleges or GED certificate. Have them sent directly to
GHC.
 Take the College Placement Test (CPT). Make an appointment at GHC Student Support Center (360-538-4099 or
toll-free 1-800-562-4830). The CPT is not required if 100 level English and math were completed at another college.
 Meet with an advisor. You should contact Rod McDonald (360-538-4125) to be put on the Waiting List.
WELDING TECHNOLOGY
Associate in Technology Degree
Prerequisite Requirements
Placement in ENGL 060, READ 080, a grade of “B” or better in MATH 060 or placement in MATH 100 or BMCT
score of 38 or higher and instructor permission. All students must take all the core courses and the general education
courses plus at least one of the program options.
Core Courses (102 credits)
WELD 100
WELD 110
WELD 120
WELD 130
WELD 240
WELD 245
WELD 248
Welding Blueprint Reading
Beginning Welding
Intermediate Welding
Advanced Welding
Pipe Welding I
Fabrication
Code Welding
Credits
6
16
16
16
16
16
16
Option 1: Structural Welding (16 credits)
WELD 250
Structural Certification
16
Option 2: Pipe Welding (48 credits)
WELD 255
WELD 260
WELD 265
Pipe Welding II
Pipe Welding III
Pipe Certification
16
16
16
General Education Courses (16-18 credits)
ENGL& 101 or
ENGL 150
English Composition I
Vocational/Technical/Business Writing
5 or
5
MATH 100
Vocational/Technical Math (or higher)
5
PSYC& 100 or
PSYCH 106 or
SOC& 101
General Psychology
Applied Psychology
Introduction to Sociology
PE
Any activity courses
Option 1 Minimum Credits Required
Option 2 Minimum Credits Required
5 or
3 or
5
3
134
166
NOTE: When students return to the welding degree program after a break in enrollment, they may be required to retake
previously completed courses. The faculty will make this determination and will take the length of absence and related
work experience into consideration when making this decision.
Grays Harbor College complies with all Federal and State rules and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of race,
color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a veteran.
WELDING TECHNOLOGY
Certificate of Completion
Prerequisite Requirements
Placement in ENGL 060, READ 080, a grade of “B” or better in MATH 060 or placement in MATH 100 or BMCT
score of 38 or higher and instructor permission.
Core Courses (54 credits)
WELD 100
WELD 110
WELD 120
WELD 130
Welding Blueprint Reading
Beginning Welding
Intermediate Welding
Advanced Welding
Credits
6
16
16
16
General Education Courses (13-15 credits)
ENGL& 101 or
ENGL 150
English Composition I
Vocational/Technical/Business Writing
5 or
5
MATH 100
Vocational/Technical Math (or higher)
5
PSYC& 100 or
PSYCH 106 or
SOC& 101
General Psychology
Applied Psychology
Introduction to Sociology
5 or
3 or
5
Minimum Credits Required
67
Grays Harbor College complies with all Federal and
State rules and regulations and does not discriminate on
the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin,
sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or
status as a veteran.
RELATED WELDING TECHNOLOGY
Certificate of Completion
Core Courses (24 credits)
WELD 100
WELD 101
WELD 102
WELD 103
Credits
Welding Blueprint Reading
Related Welding I
Related Welding II
Related Welding III
6
6
6
6
General Education Courses (13-15 credits)
ENGL& 101 or
ENGL 150
English Composition I
Vocational/Technical/Business Writing
5 or
5
MATH 100
Vocational/Technical Math (or higher)
5
PSYC& 100 or
PSYCH 106 or
SOC& 101
General Psychology
Applied Psychology
Introduction to Sociology
5 or
3 or
5
Minimum Credits Required
37
Grays Harbor College complies with all Federal and State rules and regulations
and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national
origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a
veteran.
WELDING BASICS LEVEL 1
Certificate of Achievement
Core Courses (18 credits)
WELD 101
WELD 102
WELD 103
Credits
Related Welding I
Related Welding II
Related Welding III
6
6
6
WELDING BASICS LEVEL 2
Certificate of Achievement
Prerequisite Requirements
Placement in ENGL 060, READ 080, a grade of “B” or better in MATH 060 or placement in MATH 100 or BMCT
score of 38 or higher and instructor permission.
Core Courses (38 credits)
WELD 100
WELD 110
WELD 120
Credits
Welding Blueprint Reading
Beginning Welding
Intermediate Welding
6
16
16
PIPE WELDING BASICS
Certificate of Achievement
Prerequisite Requirements
Placement in ENGL 060, READ 080, a grade of “B” or better in MATH 060 or placement in MATH 100 or BMCT
score of 38 or higher and instructor permission.
Core Courses (32 credits)
WELD 130
WELD 240
Credits
Advanced Welding
Pipe Welding I
16
16
INDUSTRIAL WELDING
Certificate of Achievement
Prerequisite Requirements
Placement in ENGL 060, READ 080, a grade of “B” or better in MATH 060 or placement in MATH 100 or BMCT
score of 38 or higher and instructor permission.
Core Courses (32 credits)
WELD 245
WELD 250
Fabrication
Structural Certification
Credits
16
16
ALL POSITION PIPE WELDING
Certificate of Achievement
Prerequisite Requirements
Placement in ENGL 060, READ 080, a grade of “B” or better in MATH 060 or placement in MATH 100 or BMCT score of 38 or
higher and instructor permission is required for WELD 248. WELD 255 requires completion of a minimum of 86 welding credits
with 3.5 GPA in all welding course work and instructor permission.
Core Courses (32 credits)
WELD 248
WELD 255
Credits
Code Welding
Pipe Welding II
16
16
OPEN ROOT PIPE WELDING
Certificate of Achievement
Prerequisite Requirements
Completion of WELD 248 and WELD 255 with a 3.0 GPA, and instructor permission is required for WELD 260.
Completion of WELD 260 with a “C” or better, and instructor permission is required for WELD 265.
Core Courses (32 credits)
WELD 260
WELD 265
Pipe Welding III
Pipe Certification
Grays Harbor College complies with all Federal and State rules and regulations and
does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex,
sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a veteran.
Credits
16
16
WELDING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
ENGL& 101
5 Credits
English Composition I
Prerequisite: Appropriate English placement test score or a
grade of “C-” or better in ENGL 095.
ENGL& 101 emphasizes the basic rhetorical principles and
development of expository and argumentative prose. Included is
instruction in the research methods necessary for evidence-backed
writing. Skills gained in this course should help students improve
their performance of such tasks as writing for a variety of purposes
and audiences, as well as writing informative and persuasive essays
and research-backed reports, projects and papers. 5 lecture hours.
Satisfies writing skills requirement for the AA degree.
ENGL 150
5 Credits
Vocational/Technical and Business Writing
Recommended Preparation: Competency in basic computer
operation or concurrent enrollment in CIS 100.
Prerequisite: Appropriate English placement score or a
grade of “C-” or better in ENGL 095.
This course is designed for both vocational/technical and business
students. It emphasizes written and oral communication required in
the world of work. Major topics include business letters and
memorandums, formal and informal reports, computer graphics,
basic principles of technical writing, and oral presentations. 5
lecture hours. Vocational program course. May be used as a general
elective in the AA degree.
MATH 100
5 Credits
Vocational Technical Mathematics
Prerequisites: A grade of “C-” or better in MATH 060 or
appropriate placement score.
This course is designed to meet the needs of the vocationaltechnical student. Topics will include powers and roots, signed
numbers, formulae manipulation, plane and solid geometry,
trigonometry and specialized formulae. 5 lecture hours. Vocational
program course. May be used as a general elective in the AA
degree.
PSYC& 100
5 Credits
General Psychology
Recommended Preparation: Placement in ENGL& 101.
An introduction to psychology utilizing lectures and group
exercises. Deals with the psychology of behavior, development,
learning, cognition, motivation and emotion, perception, memory,
and both normal and abnormal personalities. Provides an overview
of modern psychology in terms of biological, social and
intrapsychic factors. 5 lecture hours. Satisfies social science
distribution area D requirement or specified elective for the AA
degree.
PSYCH 106
Applied Psychology
3 Credits
Applications of theory and current research in psychology with
major topics of personality, decision making, communications,
motivation, learning and the workplace. Focuses on individual and
group thought and behavior in the world of work. Emphasis is
placed on change, personal and professional growth. 3 lecture
hours. May be used as a general elective in the AA degree.
SOC& 101
5 Credits
Introduction to Sociology
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 095 or placement in
ENGL& 101.
An introduction to the principles, concepts, theories and methods of
the sociological perspective. Emphasis is placed upon relating
sociological ideas to national, community, and individual levels. 5
lecture hours. Satisfies social science distribution area C
requirement or specified elective for the AA degree.
WELD 100
6 Credits
Welding Blueprint Reading
Prerequisites: A grade of “B” or better in MATH 060 or a
BMCT score of 38 or higher; and placement in ENGL 060;
placement in READ 080; and instructor permission.
Introduction to shop drawings, welding symbols, and basic
blueprints. Emphasis is on interpretation of drawing information in
order to determine individual part, joint, and weld dimensions. 3
lecture hours; 6 lab hours. Vocational program course. May be used
as a general elective in the AA degree.
WELD 101
Related Welding I
6 Credits
Students are given an overview of welding employment
opportunities, the most common welding processes (SMAW,
GMAW, FCAW and GTAW), and oxyacetylene cutting and
heating. 3 lecture hours; 6 lab hours. Vocational program course.
May be used as a general elective in the AA degree.
WELD 102
Related Welding II
6 Credits
A lecture-lab course to build upon skills learned in WELD 101.
The course promotes proper work habits and safe work practices.
Training increases skills with oxy-fuel cutting and common manual
and semi-automatic welding processes. 3 lecture hours; 6 lab hours.
Vocational program course. May be used as general elective in the
AA degree.
WELD 103
Related Welding III
6 Credits
A lecture-lab course to build upon skills learned in WELD 101 and
WELD 102. The course promotes proper work habits and safe work
practices. Advanced joint configurations are cut, fit, and welded
with common manual and semi-automatic cutting and welding
processes. Students will be provided the opportunity to practice for
certification testing. 3 lecture hours; 6 lab hours. Vocational
program course. May be used as a general elective in the AA
degree.
WELD 110
16 Credits
Beginning Welding
Prerequisites: A grade of “B” or better in MATH 060 or a
BMCT score of 38 or higher; and placement in ENGL 060;
placement in READ 080; and instructor permission.
A lecture-lab course to provide an introduction to safe industrial
work practices, work ethics, oxy-fuel cutting and common manual
and semi-automatic welding processes. 8 lecture hours; 16 lab
hours. Vocational program course. May be used as a general
elective in the AA degree.
WELDING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
WELD 120
16 Credits
Intermediate Welding
Prerequisites: Placement in ENGL 060, READ 080. MATH
060 with “B” or better or placement in MATH 100 or BMCT
score of 38 or higher. Instructor permission required.
WELD 250
16 Credits
Structural Certification
Prerequisites: Placement in ENGL 060, READ 080. MATH
060 with “B” or better or placement in MATH 100 or BMCT
score of 38 or higher. Instructor permission required.
A lecture-lab course to build upon skills in WELD 110. This course
promotes work habits and safe work practices. Training increases
skills with oxy-fuel cutting and common manual and semiautomatic welding processes. 8 lecture hours; 16 lab hours.
Vocational program course. May be used as a general elective in
the AA degree.
A lecture-lab course to build upon skills learned in WELD 110
through WELD 245. Course covers selected industry certification
test requirements, procedures, and acceptance standards. Successful
students will practice and pass selected certification tests. Testing
fees apply for each certification test. Course includes a capstone
exam to ensure retention of competency in previous Welding
Technology program course topics. 8 lecture hours; 16 lab hours.
Vocational program course. May be used as a general elective in
the AA degree.
WELD 130
16 Credits
Advanced Welding
Prerequisites: Placement in ENGL 060, READ 080. MATH
060 with “B” or better or placement in MATH 100 or BMCT
score of 38 or higher. Instructor permission required.
A lecture-lab course to build upon skills learned in WELD 120.
Work habits and safety are emphasized. Advanced joint
configurations are cut, fit, and welded in all positions with common
manual and semi-automatic cutting and welding processes. 8
lecture hours; 16 lab hours. Vocational program course. May be
used as a general elective in the AA degree.
WELD 240
16 Credits
Pipe Welding I
Prerequisites: Placement in ENGL 060, READ 080. MATH
060 with “B” or better or placement in MATH 100 or BMCT
score of 38 or higher. Instructor permission required.
A lecture-lab course to build upon skills learned in WELD 110
through WELD 130. Pipe is stick and TIG welded in all positions.
8 lecture hours; 16 lab hours. Vocational program course. May be
used as a general elective in the AA degree.
WELD 245
16 Credits
Fabrication
Prerequisites: Placement in ENGL 060, READ 080. MATH
060 with “B” or better or placement in MATH 100 or BMCT
score of 38 or higher. Instructor permission required.
A lecture-lab course to build upon skills learned in WELD 100
through WELD 130. Course covers basic layout and fitting. Student
will be assigned projects to design, draw, and build. 8 lecture
hours; 16 lab hours. Vocational program course. May be used as a
general elective in the AA degree.
WELD 248
16 Credits
Code Welding
Prerequisites: Placement in ENGL 060, READ 080. MATH
060 with “B” or better or placement in MATH 100 or BMCT
score of 38 or higher. Instructor permission required.
A lecture-lab course to build upon skills learned in WELD 110
through WELD 245. Course emphasizes code quality fillet
welding in all positions with restricted access, and practice for
certification testing. 8 lecture hours; 16 lab hours. Vocational
program course. May be used as a general elective in the AA
degree.
WELD 255
16
Pipe Welding II
Prerequisites: Eighty-six welding credits minimum with 3.5
GPA in all welding course work and instructor permission.
A lecture-lab course to build upon skills learned in WELD 110
through WELD 248. Course emphasizes code quality carbon steel
pipe welding in all positions. Course includes practice with
restricted access work. 8 lecture hours, 16 lab hours. Vocational
program course. May be used as a general elective in the AA
degree.
WELD 260
16
Pipe Welding III
Prerequisites: Completion of WELD 248 and WELD 255
with a 3.0 GPA, and instructor permission.
A lecture-lab course to build upon skills learned in WELD 110
through WELD 248 and WELD 255. Course emphasizes code
quality carbon steel and stainless steel pipe welding in all positions
with and without restricted access. 8 lecture hours, 16 lab hours.
Vocational program course. May be used as a general elective in
the AA degree.
WELD 265
16
Pipe Certification
Prerequisites: Completion of WELD 260 with a “C” or
better, and instructor permission.
A lecture-lab course to build upon skills learned in WELD 260.
Course covers selected industry qualification test requirements,
procedures, and acceptance standards. Successful welders will
practice and pass selected pipe qualification tests. Testing fees
apply for each test. Course includes a capstone exam to ensure
retention of competency in previous Welding Technology program
course topics. 8 lecture hours, 16 lab hours. Vocational program
course. May be used as a general elective in the AA degree.
GRAYS HARBOR COLLEGE - Typical Student Schedule
WELDING TECHNOLOGY - ASSOCIATE IN TECHNOLOGY DEGREE
Option 1: Structural Welding
Option 2: Pipe Welding
1st Quarter
Course #
Course Title
Credits
ENGL 150
Vocational/Technical/Business Writing
5
WELD 110
Beginning Welding
16
TOTAL QUARTER CREDITS
21
2nd Quarter
Course #
Course Title
Credits
WELD 100
Welding Blueprint Reading
6
WELD 120
Intermediate Welding
16
TOTAL QUARTER CREDITS
22
rd
3 Quarter
Course #
Course Title
Credits
MATH 100
Vocational/Technical Math (or higher)
5
WELD 130
Advanced Welding
16
TOTAL QUARTER CREDITS
21
4th Quarter
Course #
PSYC& 100
WELD 240
Course Title
General Psychology
Pipe Welding I
TOTAL QUARTER CREDITS
Credits
5
16
21
TOTAL QUARTER CREDITS
Credits
16
3
19
TOTAL QUARTER CREDITS
Credits
16
16
Course Title
Structural Certification (Option 1) or
Pipe Welding II (Option 2)
TOTAL QUARTER CREDITS
Credits
16 or
16
16
Course Title
Pipe Welding III (Option 2 only)
TOTAL QUARTER CREDITS
Credits
16
16
th
5 Quarter
Course #
WELD 245
PE
Course Title
Fabrication
Any activity courses
th
6 Quarter
Course #
WELD 248
7th Quarter
Course #
WELD 250
WELD 255
8th Quarter
Course #
WELD 260
9th Quarter
Course #
WELD 265
Course Title
Code Welding
Course Title
Credits
Pipe Certification (Option 2 only)
16
TOTAL QUARTER CREDITS
16
PLEASE NOTE: Students may substitute ENGL& 101 for ENGL 150; PSYC 106 or SOC& 101 for PSYC& 100.
GRAYS HARBOR COLLEGE - Typical Student Schedule
WELDING TECHNOLOGY - CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
1st Quarter
Course #
ENGL 150
PSYC& 100
WELD 110
2nd Quarter
Course #
WELD 100
WELD 120
3rd Quarter
Course #
MATH 100
WELD 130
Course Title
Vocational/Technical/Business Writing
General Psychology
Beginning Welding
TOTAL QUARTER CREDITS
Credits
5
5
16
26
Course Title
Welding Blueprint Reading
Intermediate Welding
TOTAL QUARTER CREDITS
Credits
6
16
22
Course Title
Vocational/Technical Math (or higher)
Advanced Welding
TOTAL QUARTER CREDITS
Credits
5
16
21
GRAYS HARBOR COLLEGE - Typical Student Schedule
RELATED WELDING TECHNOLOGY - CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
1st Quarter
Course #
ENGL 150
PSYCH 106
WELD 101
2nd Quarter
Course #
WELD 100
WELD 102
Course Title
Vocational/Technical/Business Writing
Applied Psychology
Related Welding I
TOTAL QUARTER CREDITS
Credits
5
3
6
14
Course Title
Welding Blueprint Reading
Related Welding II
Credits
6
6
12
TOTAL QUARTER CREDITS
3rd Quarter
Course #
MATH 100
WELD 103
Course Title
Vocational/Technical Math (or higher)
Related Welding III
TOTAL QUARTER CREDITS
Credits
5
6
11
PLEASE NOTE: Students may substitute ENGL& 101 for ENGL 150; PSYC& 100 or SOC& 101 for PSYCH
106..
GRAYS HARBOR COLLEGE - Typical Student Schedule
WELDING BASICS LEVEL 1- CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT
1st Quarter
Course #
WELD 101
Course Title
Related Welding I
TOTAL QUARTER CREDITS
Credits
6
6
TOTAL QUARTER CREDITS
Credits
6
6
TOTAL QUARTER CREDITS
Credits
6
6
nd
2 Quarter
Course #
WELD 102
Course Title
Related Welding II
rd
3 Quarter
Course #
WELD 103
Course Title
Related Welding III
GRAYS HARBOR COLLEGE - Typical Student Schedule
WELDING BASICS LEVEL 2- CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT
1st Quarter
Course #
WELD 100
Course Title
Welding Blueprint Reading
TOTAL QUARTER CREDITS
Credits
6
6
TOTAL QUARTER CREDITS
Credits
16
16
TOTAL QUARTER CREDITS
Credits
16
16
nd
2 Quarter
Course #
WELD 110
Course Title
Beginning Welding
rd
3 Quarter
Course #
WELD 120
Course Title
Intermediate Welding
GRAYS HARBOR COLLEGE - Typical Student Schedule
PIPE WELDING BASICS- CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT
1st Quarter
Course #
WELD 130
Course Title
Advanced Welding
TOTAL QUARTER CREDITS
Credits
16
16
TOTAL QUARTER CREDITS
Credits
16
16
nd
2 Quarter
Course #
WELD 240
Course Title
Pipe Welding I
GRAYS HARBOR COLLEGE - Typical Student Schedule
INDUSTRIAL WELDING - CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT
1st Quarter
Course #
WELD 245
Course Title
Fabrication
TOTAL QUARTER CREDITS
Credits
16
16
TOTAL QUARTER CREDITS
Credits
16
16
nd
2 Quarter
Course #
WELD 250
Course Title
Structural Certification
GRAYS HARBOR COLLEGE - Typical Student Schedule
ALL POSITION PIPE WELDING - CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT
1st Quarter
Course #
Course Title
Credits
WELD 248
Code Welding
16
TOTAL QUARTER CREDITS
16
nd
2 Quarter
Course #
Course Title
Credits
WELD 255
Pipe Welding II
16
TOTAL QUARTER CREDITS
16
GRAYS HARBOR COLLEGE - Typical Student Schedule
OPEN ROOT PIPE WELDING - CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT
1st Quarter
Course #
Course Title
Credits
WELD 260
Pipe Welding III
16
TOTAL QUARTER CREDITS
16
nd
2 Quarter
Course #
Course Title
Credits
WELD 265
Pipe Certification
16
TOTAL QUARTER CREDITS
16
TOOL LIST FOR WELDING TECHNOLOGY
Weld 110 and Above (Effective Fall 2015) R4
You must have the listed personal protective gear to begin welding training. You will need each
tool at the quarter specified in parenthesis.
Personal Protective Gear
Required: Hard hat with hard hat compatible non-electronic welding hood with shade 10 lens
(electronic hoods are an option for 2nd year welders), ear plugs, welding jacket, welding gloves,
safety glasses with side protection, cutting glasses or hard hat mounted face shield (shade 3, 4, or
5), lock for locker, and leather boots with 6” minimum height (steel toe, wedge sole, lace-up
style recommended). Recommended: Welder’s cap and a hard hat mounted clear face shield
(clear face shield required for Weld 255 and above).
Protective Gear Approximate Total $250 - $400
Tools Required for Training
(1st) Tape measure, 25 or 30 foot, 1” wide blade
(1st) Lineman’s pliers (9” minimum)
(1st) Tip cleaner, foldout style
(1st) File, 6” mill bastard
(1st) Cold chisel – medium size (Long handled recommended)
(1st) Center punch
(1st) Scribe
(1st) Pipe wrap (Contour Mfg. for 3”-10” pipe recommended)
(1st) Grinder, 4 ½” or 5”, 5/8-11 spindle, with 5 each knotted wire wheels, ¼” fast cut hard
wheels, and 40g flap discs (2 grinders recommended. Any new grinder selling for less
than about $60 is discouraged)
(1st) TI 30X II S calculator (Available in book store or downtown)
(1st) Fillet weld gauge (Fiber Metal brand recommended)
(1st) Flash light with batteries (Surefire LED type recommended)
(1st) Compressed air blowgun attachment
(1st) ¼” Tru-flate / “T-type” male thread/male plug air fittings (2 each, Milton are good)
(1st) Portable toolbox with lock
Approximate Total for Good Quality Required1st Quarter Tools
$750
nd
(2 ) Combination square with 12, 16, or 18 inch blade, 4R graduation, (Hardened blade and
heads, contrasting colored numbers and lines, and additional protractor head recommended)
(2nd) Torpedo level, magnetic (Stabila type 81 SM recommended)
(2nd) Die grinder, ¼”, 90 degree head, pad mandrel with at least five 3” coarse “Scotch-Brite”
pads, and at least five flap wheels (1” x 1” x ¼” 40 grit recommended)
nd
(2 ) ¼” Tru-flate / “T-type” male thread/male plug air fittings (2 each, Milton are good)
(2nd) Screw driver, Standard & Phillips (4 in 1 or 10 in 1 style)
(2nd) Allen wrench set (standard)
(2nd) Adjustable wrenches (8” and 12”)
(2nd) Weld gage, cam type (G.A.L. recommended)
Approximate Total for Good Quality Required 2nd Quarter Tools
$500
Additional Tools – Recommended But Not Required
Radius Marker, Flange Wizard #72800
Compass that will hold a standard pencil
Deburring tool, triangular scraper (General #478 recommended)
Automatic prick punch (Starrett or General recommended)
Water pump pliers – “Channel Locks” (Extra large)
Carpenter’s squares, 16” x 24” and 8” x 12”, graduated in 8ths
Pipe wedges (Mathey Dearman or homemade)
15 inch adjustable wrench with spud
Adjustable wrench (15”)
Utility knife
Rubber, dead blow hammer, 3 lb
Ball peen hammer, 12 or 16 oz
Locking C clamp, 3 ¾ opening, 11’ long (Vice Grip recommended)
C clamp, heavy duty, 4” or 6” (Bessey or Wilton recommended)
Crow/Wrecking bar, 24 inch and 12 inch or similar size pry bars
Combination wrench set, standard (1/4” to 1 ¼”) and metric (8mm to 17mm minimum)
Allen wrench set, metric
Files, 6” 3 square (triangular), 10” round bastard, 14” or 16” half round double cut bastard, with
handles (Be sure to get the half round bastard if doing the pipe program)
Squaring magnets
Sledge, short handled, 3 lb. or larger (Nupla/Strike Force HD-4, 4 lb. or Wilton unbreakable
recommended)
Socket set, standard, ¼” drive (down to at least ¼” socket size)
Chipping hammer (Atlas recommended)
Wire brushes, large (V type bristle arrangement recommended) and small stainless
Striker with extra flints
Air slag scaler (Top Cat TC1L or Texas Pneumatic, chisel type recommended)
Die grinder, ¼”, straight, with large diameter parallel sided and “tree” shaped steel burrs / rotary
files
Aluminum burr for die grinder
Recommended Tool Approximate Total
$1,050
.
WELDING TECHNOLOGY CAREER PATHWAY
Education
Job Titles and Hourly Median Wages
Entry
Point
Adult Education
ESL – GED
Developmental Education
Entry
Point
Certificate(s) of
Achievement
I-BEST
Welding Helper
Median Wage: $13.45
Sheet Metal Fabricator
Median Wage: $14.30
Entry
Point
Entry
Point
Certificate(s) of
Achievement
Welding Maintenance
and Repair
Median Wage: $15.72
Certificate(s) of
Completion
Associate in Technology
Degree
Small Business/
Entrepreneurship Certificate of
Completion
DTA Business
Degree
Welders, Cutters,
Solderers, and Brazers
Median Wage: $19.32
Structural Iron and
Steel Worker
Median Wage: $27.17
AAS Business
Management
BA
Business Degree
Median Wage Source: Workforce Explorer
10/29/15