Skagit Valley College

Welding Technology, AAS

The Welding Technology (WT) program prepares students to work as entry-level welders, fitters, or metal fabricators in a variety of industries including boat-building, construction, industrial maintenance, and manufacturing. Students study a variety of layout, fabrication, and metal joining techniques using steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Processes include oxyfuel cutting, shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, flux cored arc welding, and gas tungsten arc welding. Instructional facilities include individual welding practice booths and a large metal fabrication area.

The Welding Program stays current with industry needs through an active Advisory Committee made up of representatives from local businesses that regularly seek our graduates for employment. SVC is accredited through the American Welding Society's entry-level welder training program. SVC is also a certified Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO) testing site. Students will move from theory to application to certification in all common manual and semi-automatic welding processes.

Students are required to supply various tools, protective clothing, and welding consumables.

Degree Intent and Transfer Options

Upon completion, Workforce degrees and/or certificates are intended to give students the skills needed to move directly into employment. While these degrees are not intended to transfer to a university, students will be eligible to apply for admission to Skagit Valley College’s Bachelor of Applied Science - Management (BASM) degree or SVC’s Environmental Conservation, BAS (BAS-EC) and, in some cases, could transfer to other schools. If you are interested in continuing your education by entering a bachelor’s degree program, please work closely with your Academic Advisor and Department Chair.

Associate of Applied Science Degrees (AAS)

Associate of Applied Science degrees are designed to provide professional and technical training to prepare students for specific jobs or to improve existing skills. All career programs have advisory committees of professionals in related fields to ensure that the curriculum evolves with changes in business and industry. Advisory committee members and faculty members work together to link education and employment to help students succeed.