Welding 1 yr.                                                           WCTC

The Welding program teaches students manual and electrical arc welding, cutting, and fabrication processes to join metal parts according to blueprints and specifications, with a focus on safety and earning the OSHA 10 certification. Students gain hands-on skills in various techniques, including shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), and oxy-fuel cutting, preparing them for high-demand jobs and industry-recognized credentials in manufacturing and repair.  

Courses to complete the program: 

• 1862 Welding I 

• 1863 Welding II 

• 1864 Welding III 

• 1865 Welding IV

Certifications: 

• OSHA 10

• All position for plate and pipe in shielded metal arc welding and all position for plate and pipe for gas metal arc welding

 Leads to careers such as: 

Welding is used in many fields, including fabrication, manufacturing and industry, automotive, aerospace and transportation, and construction and infrastructure.  Advanced leadership roles are also a possibility, such as welding inspector, welding engineer, welding instructor or quality assurance/control technician.  Related trades or pathways include robotic welding technician and metal artist/sculptor.  

National Average Salary:

Entry-level: $38,000-$45,000

Mid-level: $48,000-$58,000

Experienced/Specialized: $60,000-$90,000

 High-paying specialties include:

Pipe welding
Underwater welding
Rig welding (oil & gas)
Aerospace and nuclear welding
Certified welding inspection

WV Average Salary

Entry-level: $37,000-$43,000

Mid-level: $45,000-$54,000

Experienced/Specialized: $58,000-$73,000

Top-paying industries in WV:

     Energy and pipeline construction
      Power plant maintenance
      Manufacturing and heavy equipment repair
      Bridge and structural steel fabrication