Training Construction and Fabrication Specialists
Welding Tecnology at CBC
Do you enjoy working with your hands or using high-tech industrial equipment? Our two-year program covers both theoretical and practical training in basic and advanced welding techniques, giving you all the skills you need to put your passion to work in an in-demand career in today’s construction trades and fabrication shops.
Build a Solid Career
Welding is a very sophisticated and technical science. Our program will teach you the required mental application as well as hands-on manipulative abilities to succeed. The majority of class time is spent in the shop practicing shield metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, pipe welding and fabrication.
Students have the ability to take at least six welder qualification tests after demonstrated ability of consistent weld quality in the given process practiced. The structural welding pathway requires one certification to graduate while the piping pathway requires both the structural welder certification and a piping certification. These certifications demonstrate to employers that students graduate with the skills required to meet industry standards will be able to pass certification tests in the field.
“CBC has prepared me for my career goals in an amazing way. My welding skills improved a great amount over the past 2 years and it has given me confidence to go apply for jobs.”
Depending on your personal goals, you can earn short term or one-year certificates or continue your studies to earn an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree.
Welding Technology AAS (min. 6 quarters)
Student will gain knowledge in the following areas:
- Shielded metal arc (SMAW)
- Gas metal arc (GMAW)
- Flux cored arc (FCAW)
- Gas tungsten arc (GTAW)
- Oxy Acetylene
- Blueprint reading
While classes typically follow a schedule to help you complete the program in two years, you can choose to learn more about specific processes by registering for additional lab time.
Welding Technology One-Year Certificate (3-4 quarters)
Welding Technology Short-Term Certificate (2 quarters)
All AAS degrees require four general education classes—Math, English, Human Relations, Communication—and that students achieve a minimum grade of 2.0 in major course to continue enrollment. One-year certificates require a Math and an English course.
Our program prepares you for many jobs in construction trades and fabrication shops, including:
- Boilermaker Welding
- Carpenter Welding
- Construction Welding
- Ironworker Welding
- Maintenance Welding
- Millwright Welding
- Sheet Metal Welding
- Structural Steel Welding
- Pipe Welding
- Fabrication
- Welding Inspection
In WA state
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Wages
- $29/hour average wage
- $60,400/year average salary
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Job Market
- 6664 welders currently
- 1,000 openings per year
The Welding Technology program is a full-time, in-person, commitment as a student. The program includes both lecture and lab classes, with 50-75% of class time spent in the lab depending on the quarter, learning the hands-on skills required for this industry.
To allow for this intensive lab time, this program runs on a cohort model—a group of students all begin at the same time and follow the course progression together. The average classes size is 32. Welding has a Fall start and a Winter start cohort. Please see the links below for a full academic map of the program.
Fall Quarter Cohort
Winter Quarter Cohort
If you wish to enroll in the program, you must be able to attend all classes in the schedule as a full-time student.
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Typical Schedule
Fall start morning cohort: Monday – Friday 6:30 am to 2 pm
Winter start afternoon cohort: Monday – Friday 11 am to 4 pm. Students switch to the morning schedule in the second year.
In addition to regular CBC tuition and fees, the Welding Technology Program has a $37.50/credit course fee and a $12.50/credit equipment fee for all lab courses.
Please note that tuition estimates are based on average program enrollment and that individual costs can vary.
Our programs are eligible for both federal and state financial aid, including grants, loans, and work study options. You may also be eligible for scholarships and Workforce Education Center grants—don’t miss the chance to apply.
Visit the Pay for College page for more information on tuition, financial aid, and scholarships.
Washington State Opportunity Scholarship Career & Technical Scholarship (CTS)
- Students are eligible to receive up to $1,500 per quarter during the duration of their associate degree or certificate program.
- The scholarship is available to students of any age who are out of work, looking to reskill, begin or continue their education and training for a STEM or high-demand trade.
- Residency requirements may apply
The award funding is flexible and may be used for costs beyond tuition, including transportation, food and housing. - Applications are accepted quarterly
Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs (NBT) Scholarship
- Scholarships are open to all students pursuing degrees that will lead to a career in a manufacturing related industry.
- Awards range from $1,500 to $2,500 per students.
- Sponsored by the Nuts and Bolts Foundation.
- Scholarship funds are applied directly to tuition and fees.
Safety for you, other students and faculty is the first priority in the welding lab.
You will complete safety training prior to working in the shop. In addition, you must
have the proper attire or personal protective equipment. Clothing should be made of
natural fibers, eye and ear protection, leather sleeves, chaps, etc. for skin protection,
and a welding helmet are all required.
This information and more will be reviewed in detail with you during your program
orientation. Tools for the program will cost approximately $450 for the first year
and an additional $300 for the second year.
Program Admission is done on a first come, first served basis for those who have attended an information session and are ready to register for classes.
Please visit our CTE events page for all upcoming information sessions and details on the admissions process.
Information sessions are held in March, April, and May for the Fall cohort and in October and November for the Winter cohort.
For more about student and program expectations, please see our student policies.
Get Started |
| Apply to CBC |
| Talk to a CTE Completion Coach about our programs |
| Review CBC Tuitions and Fees |
| Find ways to Pay for College |
| Understand the CTE admissions process |
