WELDING TECHNOLOGY (WDT)
(Wallace and Sparks Campuses)

Program Description:
The Welding Technology program prepares students with the principles of welding, as well as the nature of metals and types of gases used in welding. The welding curriculum also includes skills in welding and fusing of various metal types using an array of techniques and methods.

Career Opportunities:
Graduates of the Welding Technology program may become employed as a welder, cutter or welding machine operator. Welders with additional training and experience may become employed as a welding technician, welding supervisor/inspector or a welding instructor. According to the U.S. Department of Labor 2010-2011 Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2 out of 3 Welders are employed in manufacturing industries.

Skills Needed:
Successful Welders possess good manual dexterity, eyesight and hand-eye coordination. Welding often requires working in awkward positions and the ability to concentrate on detailed work for extended periods of time.

Expected Earnings/Salary:
Earnings for welders as reported by the U.S. Department of Labor 2010-2011 Occupational Outlook Handbook are as follows:

• Median hourly earnings of welders, cutters, solderers and brazers are $15.20.
  
• The middle 50 percent earn between $12.62 and $18.63 hourly.
• The highest 10 percent earn more than $23.92 an hour.
• The mean hourly wage for welders in Alabama is $19.96 due to the large number of advanced manufacturing of automobiles and aerospace products.
  

CATALOG INFORMATION (Course Requirements)(pdf)

GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT DISCLOSURES