Welding Technology

Offered through Eaton RESA in partnership with Lansing Community College.

Students who complete the 61 credit hour requirements through year 13 will receive an Associate Degree in Welding Technology.

Program Location

LCC West Campus

Program Description

First year students are instructed in the basics of gas welding and arc welding processes. Students are prepared to set up and pass a qualification test according to the American Welding Society. Students in the first year will also receive a basic introduction to machining. Second year students will learn advanced arc welding, which prepares them for welding pipe and passing a qualification test using shielded metal arc welding. Students will also learn gas tungsten arc welding as well as an introduction to blueprint reading for welders and metallurgy. Welding is taught through lectures and hands-on
experiences. Common sense and safety are important qualities for students interested in welding.

Student learning outcomes include but are not limited to:

  • Oxygen and acetylene use and safety factors
  • Evaluating the likenesses and differences between oxidizing, neutral, can carburizing flames
  • Troubleshooting welding equipment malfunctions
  • Understanding and using various welding terms and descriptions
  • Understanding the steel designation system
  • Fundamentals of alternating current and direct current as well as the application and principles of polarity
  • Determine the correct amperage and voltage used and the variables of amperage for different material thickness
  • Basic knowledge in gas metal arc welding and flux cored arc welding
  • Understanding the major transfers of wire, including short circuit, spray, globular and pulsed
  • Discussing position groove welds, both open root and closed root (with backer plates)

Careers

Welders, Cutters, Solders, Brazers
Structural Fabricators
Layout Workers
Materials Engineer

Median Wage

Welders, Cutters, Solders, Brazers: $19.35 hourly
Layout Workers: $22.26 hourly
Structural Fabricators: $18.49 hourly
Materials Engineer: $45.48 hourly

Employment Outlook

Welders, Cutters, Solders, Brazers: 5-9%
Structural Fabricators: -2% or lower
Layout Workers: -2% or lower
Materials Engineer: 2-4%

Certifications 

Certified Welder (American Welding Society)
Structural Welding Inspector (Amer. Welding Society)
Certified Associate Welding Inspector
OSHA 10 Certification

Success Indicators

Focused, have excellent attendance, able to stand for 2 hours, able to do heavy lifting, have good eye/hand coordination, detail oriented, hardworking, respectful, quiet, willing to learn, trainable and understand measurements.