Welding is the process of joining together two pieces of metal so that bonding takes place at their original boundary surfaces. Welding is used in the construction and repair of many thousands of manufactured products. The Welding Technology (WDT) Program at Wallace Community College Selma provides students with the technical skills necessary to enter the construction, manufacturing, and repair industries. WDT students attain hands-on experience in a variety of welding processes used by various industries in the fabrication and repair of steel components. Through practical exercises which are designed to be as realistic as possible and representative of actual world-of-work experiences, WDT students learn to use many different cutting and joining processes. The program offers both the basic Standard Certificate in Structural Welding as well as a more specialized Standard Certificate in Pipe Welding which permits a student to apply for more competitive pipe welding positions found in heavy industries such as refineries and off-shore drilling rigs.
Awards Offered: Structural Welding Certificate, Pipe Welding Standard Certificate
Career Outlook: Employment of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2014 to 2024, slower than the average for all occupations.
Employment growth reflects the need for welders in manufacturing because of the importance and versatility of welding as a manufacturing process. The basic skills of welding are similar across industries, so welders can easily shift from one industry to another, depending on where they are needed most. For example, welders who are laid off in the automotive manufacturing industry may be able to find work in the oil and gas industry.
The nation’s aging infrastructure will require the expertise of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers to help rebuild bridges, highways, and buildings. The construction of new power generation facilities and, specifically, pipelines transporting natural gas and oil will also result in new jobs. $37,420 per year $17.99 per hour
SEMESTER HOUR (SH) DISTRIBUTION REQUIREMENTS BY ACADEMIC AREA*:
Area I: Written Composition: 3 SH
Area II: Humanities and Fine Arts: 6 SH
Area III: Natural Sciences & Math: 3 SH
Area IV: History, Social, and Behavioral Sciences: 0 SH
Area V: Additional General Education Courses, Major Courses and Electives: 48 SH
SAMPLE PLAN*:
Fall Semester
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| WDT 108 | 3 |
| WDT 109 | 3 |
| WDT 122 | 3 |
| WDT 123 | 3 |
| MAH 101 | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 15 |
Spring Semester 2
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| WDT 119 | 3 |
| WDT 120 | 3 |
| WDT 124 | 3 |
| WDT 125 | 3 |
| ENG 100 | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 15 |
Fall Semester
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| WDT 115 | 3 |
| WDT 116 | 3 |
| WDT 155 | 3 |
| WDT 156 | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 12 |
Spring Semester
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| WDT 110 | 3 |
| WDT 217 | 3 |
| WDT 257 | 3 |
| WDT 258 | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 12 |
For Additional Information Contact: Matilda Williams, Lead Welding Instructor @ 334-876-9375 or email at: matilda.williams@wccs.edu