Welding Technologies (AAT)(Plan Code: WETWCAPT)
Associate in Applied Technology
Program Details
Do you enjoy building things with your hands? Are you a creator who cares about technical details of your craft? If so, welding is an excellent career path to consider. Using updated equipment found in real-world shops, students will learn to read blueprints, analyze parts, and carry out proper fitting, welding, and inspection using a variety of materials such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium. We ensure that you are equipped to be competitive in the job market after completing our program. Space in our Welding program is limited, and an application into the program is required, so talk an advisor or the welding department to make sure you can enter the program successfully. Are you still determining if this career path is right for you? Explore all the degree and certificate programs in the Advanced Manufacturing and Mechanical Area of Study online. There are free resources available to you in Career Services which will help you establish a career, financial, and academic path to success. Additionally, you'll have access to free tutoring to make sure you have the support you need to be successful throughout your program.
Welding Technologies (AAT)(Plan Code: WETWCAPT) Pathways
Pathways listed below are for the catalog year 2026-2027. Maps for previous years are available on each pathway page. What is a catalog year?
Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes help you work towards your educational goals.
- Demonstrate proficiency with basic shop drawings through assessments and sketching exercises. Identify and explain multi-view drawings, drawing line conventions, title blocks, bill of materials, dimensions and tolerances. Demonstrate the use and interpretation of welding symbols under AWS A2.4 standards, as they pertain to weld joint geometry.
- Demonstrate the ability to safely use all metal working shop equipment and perform safety inspections of said equipment.
- Demonstrate the ability to successfully weld and understand the processes and equipment used in manual and semi-automatic welding.
- Identify and describe Welding Technology principles of operation, terms and safe practices related to FCAW & GMAW welding and cutting processes. Understand and explain the use of specialty wire feed equipment. Apply FCAW/GMAW in out of position welding. Describe the criteria for visual inspection of FCAW/GMAW weldments. Apply OFC and PAC principles of operation to weld assignments.
- Identify and describe Welding Technology principles of operation, terms and safe practices related to FCAW welding and cutting processes. Understand and explain the use of FCAW electrodes. Describe the functions of FCAW power sources, electrical parameters, output characteristics and auxiliary controls. Describe the criteria for visual inspection of FCAW weldments. Describe OFC, PAC and CAG-A principles of operation.
- Identify and describe Welding Technology principles of operation, terms and safe practices related to GMAW welding and cutting processes. Understand and explain the use of GMAW electrodes. Describe the functions of GMAW power sources, electrical parameters, output characteristics and auxiliary controls. Describe the criteria for visual inspection of GMAW weldments. Describe OFC and PAC principles of operation.
- Identify and describe Welding Technology principles of operation, terms and safe practices related to GMAW welding and cutting processes. Understand and explain the use of common hand tools. Apply GMAW in the assembly of layout projects. Describe the criteria for visual inspection of GMAW weldments. Apply OFC and PAC principles of operation to layout projects.
- Identify and describe Welding Technology principles of operation, terms and safe practices related to GTAW welding and cutting processes. Understand and explain the use of GTAW electrodes. Describe the functions of GTAW power sources, electrical parameters, output characteristics and auxiliary controls. Describe the criteria for visual inspection of GTAW weldments. Describe PAW and PAC principles of operation.
- Identify and describe Welding Technology principles of operation, terms and safe practices related to OFC, CAC-A and SMAW welding and cutting processes. Understand and explain the use of SMAW electrodes. Describe the functions of SMAW power sources, electrical parameters, output characteristics and auxiliary controls. Describe the criteria for visual inspection of SMAW weldments. Describe OFC and CAC-A principles of operation.
- Identify and use Welding Technology principles of operation, terms and safe practices related to GMAW, FCAW, SAW welding, and OFC & PAC cutting processes. Understand and explain the use of wire electrodes in fabrication. Describe the functions of wire feed power sources, electrical parameters, output characteristics and auxiliary controls. Describe the criteria for visual inspection of wire feed weldments. Identify, select and proper use of layout tools.
- Identify and use Welding Technology principles of operation, terms and safe practices related to OFC, PAW and GTAW welding and cutting processes. Understand and explain the use of GTAW electrodes. Describe the functions of GTAW power sources, electrical parameters, output characteristics and auxiliary controls. Describe the criteria for visual inspection of GTAW weldments. Identify, select and proper use of layout tools.
- Obtain or work towards AWS certifications in multiple process. Enhance skills in FCAW, SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, SAW, PAC and Oxy/fuel cutting processes.
- Recognize and respond to emergencies effectively. Assess a victim(s) condition and determine proper care. Administer rescue breathing and CPR to adults. Identify injury prevention strategies. Assess a victim(s) condition and preform appropriate first aid. Determine the appropriate and proper response to situational questions and select the best answer.
- Recognize the many types of metals and their use. Write and speak clearly about the characteristics of metals. Define and use metallurgical terminology on tests, for written and/or oral reports and during individual and group presentations. Analyze lab results and understand their close relationship to everyday living. Apply metallurgical knowledge to welding and machining metals as-well-as other trade uses. Assess the value of metals in everyday use.