Diploma
Certificates
The Welding Technology program teaches students the science behind welding, the process by which metals are permanently joined together using heat, pressure or a combination of the two.
Welders are the backbone of the industrial world – they make an array of products, as well as equipment and factories that make non-metal products – and they are in short supply. Skilled welders are in high demand, making job opportunities plentiful.
Hands-on course work helps students develop practical welding skills that can be used to pursue employment and career opportunities in the welding industry:
- Mig
- Tig
- Stick
- Pipe
- Orbit welding
- Cutting processes
- Testing and inspection
- Fabrication
- Symbols and specifications
- Welding inspection
- Destructive and non-destructive testing
Course work also may include math, reading blueprints and metallurgy.
Scholarships are available from the American Welding Society and through the Wake Tech Foundation.
Career Outlook
Employment
Graduates may be employed as entry-level technicians in welding and metalworking industries. Career opportunities also exist in construction, manufacturing, fabrication, sales, quality control, supervision and welding-related self-employment.
Many local companies hire Wake Tech graduates, including John Deere Turf Care, Morris and Associates, Apex Steel, Buhler Aeroglide Corporation, Edwards Crane Service, Atlantic Coast Mechanical and more.
Professional licensure
Wake Tech academic programs (credit and non-credit) that are designed to lead to professional licenses are tied to North Carolina or national certifications. If you intend to pursue professional licenses outside North Carolina once you have completed your academic program at Wake Tech, please refer to the Professional Licensure section of the college's distance education authorization page for additional information.
