Welding is a great-paying career with lots of opportunities to explore - it can even be done underwater. If you're ready to commit to a long-term career in welding, Chemeketa is the place to start.
You can complete Chemeketa's welding fabrication degree in just 21 months, or pursue a 10-month certificate with advanced techniques and instruction.
Some program options have enrollment limits and early application deadlines. Class cohorts begin each fall.
What will you learn?
In addition to the fundamentals leading to a career, you will learn advanced arc, MIG, and TIG welding; precision measurement; blueprint reading and sketching; fabrication processes; and metallurgy. Chemeketa's program includes class and lab work as well as cooperative work experiences that will earn you college credits and money.
What will you do?
As a student in the Welding program, you will learn to –
Set up and operate manual and semi-automatic welding and cutting equipment used in the metal fabrication industry
Perform basic layout and fabrication skills to produce welded metal parts and products
Read and interpret engineering drawings to American Welding Society standards
Use welding process and procedure applications
Apply basic metallurgy knowledge to fabrication processes
Perform basic set-up and operations for manual machining equipment
Carry out planning procedures for manual mill and lathe operations
Select tools and equipment to measure, fabricate, and inspect weldments
Select tools and equipment to manufacture, measure, and inspect parts for the manual mill and lathe processes
Perform as a team member and practice skills that reflect professional and ethical behavior in the workplace
Graduates with a welding degree or certificate can end up working in robotics, motor sports, military support, ship building and repair, project management, inspections, engineering, education, and sales.
Although Chemeketa's program does not require background checks or drug testing, you may want to familiarize yourself with how future employers might use these procedures. Whether you are hired or promoted for a job may depend on the information revealed in a background check. Job applicants and existing employees as well as volunteers may be asked to submit to background checks. For some jobs, screening is required by federal or state law. The current emphasis on security and safety has dramatically increased the number of employment background checks conducted. For more information visit privacyrights.org.
This degree is for those who want to acquire the technical knowledge and skills required to work in welding, fabrication, and related occupations. The program offers a background in manufacturing materials, processes, and systems, including shear and press brake operation, blueprint reading, and shop drawing and layout.
See the Course Descriptions and Course Sequences sections above for information about the courses in this program.
Estimated costs to complete this program are: tuition and fees, $16,574; books, $860; tools, $1,900; and AWS certification tests, $600 (optional). Contact the Financial Aid Office to find out if you qualify for help with these costs.
Enrollment in this program is limited and there is an early deadline for applications.
This certificate prepares you for a variety of positions in job specialty production and maintenance shops. Graduates may find work as MIG welders, arc welders, oxyacetylene welders, semiautomatic welding equipment operators, or TIG welders.
See the Course Descriptions and Course Sequences sections above for information about the courses in this program.
Estimated costs to complete this program are: tuition and fees, $9,483; books, $656; tools, $1,140; and AWS certification tests, $600 (optional). Contact the Financial Aid Office to find out if you qualify for help with these costs.
Enrollment in this program is limited and there is an early deadline for applications.
The Arc Welding certificate combines hands-on training in the use of SMAW welding equipment with the coursework needed for success in the field.
This program option is wholly contained within the Welding Fabrication AAS degree program and may serve as the first step in a career pathway toward the degree.
See the Course Descriptions and Course Sequences sections above for information about the courses in this program.
Estimated costs to complete this program are: tuition and fees, $4,035; books, $445; tools, $500; and AWS certification test, $300 (optional). Contact the Financial Aid Office to find out if you qualify for help with these costs.
The MIG Welding certificate combines hands-on training in the use of GMAW welding equipment with the coursework needed for success in the field.
This program option is wholly contained within the Welding Fabrication AAS degree program and may serve as the first step in a career pathway toward the degree.
See the Course Descriptions and Course Sequences sections above for information about the courses in this program.
Estimated costs to complete this program are: tuition and fees, $2,580; books, $445; tools, $550; and AWS certification test, $300 (optional). Contact the Financial Aid Office to find out if you qualify for help with these costs.
Open Enrollment Welding Classes: For Credit
Open enrollment classes do not require application and acceptance into the Welding program.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 6:00-9:50pm Salem Campus
WLD156 Blueprint Reading and Sketching
CRN: 45791/ 45792 (Lecture/Lab)
Tuesday, Thursday 5:30-9:20pm Salem Campus
WLD159 Ornamental Iron
CRN: 44722/ 44723 (Lecture/Lab)
Monday, 6:00-9:50pm Salem Campus
Open Enrollment Welding Classes: Non-credit
Whether you are new to welding or need continuing education credits, we have a welding class for you! (All levels of students welcome. Age 16 years and older.)
Classes are offered every term (subject to enrollment). All classes meet concurrently.
Please refer to the Tool & Gear Listbelow for required tools for each class.
*Non-credit welding classes do not provide an opportunity for welder certification testing. Any AWS welder certification testing needs to be done at a private testing facility.
Registration allowed for only one non-credit welding class per term
Basic ARC Welding Study the basic principles involved in making fillet welds on mild steel using standard industrial procedures, equipment and electrodes with the shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) process.
Advanced ARC Welding Continuation of welding out of position on T-joints using E7018 and E6010 stick welding electrodes with a brief overview of welding procedures as they apply to stick welding on heavy guage mild steel material.
Basic Oxyacetylene Welding Fundamentals of oxyacetylene welding including brazing and cutting.
Basic Metal Arc Welding (MIG) Introduces basic skills in semiautomatic metal inert gas (MIG) welding processes. Covers principles involved in equipment, material and procedures. Uses solid and flux-core wire in typical industrial applications.
Basic Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG) Fundamentals of tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding processes, machine setting and application, and development of inert gas welding skills. Includes stainless and aluminum welding.
