Welding

One-Year Certificate

The manufacturing and service industries commonly use welding as a means to build and repair products. The UCC Welding program focuses on the skills needed to meet, and in most cases exceed, industry standards for entry-level technicians in the field of welding. 

UCC's Welding program covers training in the following areas: SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, OFW, PAC, OFC, and ACAC. You will learn to weld in all positions (flat, vertical, horizontal, and overhead) using the latest technology and equipment.

Upon successful completion of the basic certificate, you will have the skills necessary for entry-level jobs.  Advanced second-year courses are available to extend the skills learned in manufacturing and repair of products made from materials requiring special fabrication procedures. All courses align with the American Welding Society SENSE program curriculum. Acquiring these skills will enable you to pursue welding jobs that require advanced knowledge and skills, and offer higher pay.

Did you know?

• The U.S. will need over 450,000 welding professionals by 2022.
• Welding is used to build ships, automobiles, planes and space vehicles.
• A welding career can lead to financial security, career advancement and important work in areas around the world.
• Scholarships and grants are available from the American Welding Society.

Ready to get started?

It's easy and only requires TWO steps.

Step 1

Fill out our response form. This will alert us that you are interested in the Welding program.

Step 2

If you are new to UCC (you've never taken a class), apply to UCC. Otherwise, you are done for now. You will be contacted about the next steps.

Careers

Employment opportunities include: mining, logging, oil and gas extraction, bridge work, construction, automobile production and transportation, millwork and millwrights (not just timber mills, there are all sorts of mills that require millwrights), waste treatment, wastewater treatment, fisheries, forestry, agriculture, etc. (Bureau Of Labor Statistics).

Welding graduates have many employment opportunities, both within Douglas County and nationwide. Nevertheless, wages for welders in Douglas County vary from $10 to $25 an hour (Oregon Employment Department).

The average annual salary for welders within the state of Oregon is: (Oregon Employment Department)

• $42,380 – Douglas County
• $41,365 – Lane County
• $41,344 – Rogue Valley
• $52,962 – Portland Tri-County
• $48,900 – Statewide Average (Oregon Employment Department)

Welders, cutters, solders, and braziers are at the very top of the 10-year projected percent growth jobs (Oregon Employment Department).  Second on this same list (fastest growth over 20 percent) are assemblers and fabricators, and fourth within this same search are structural metal fabricators and fitters. The Oregon Labor Market Information System currently lists eight welding-related positions in Douglas County, 24 positions in Lane County, and seven positions in Coos County.

For more information about this field, you may want to explore the Oregon Labor Market Information System website.

Occupational Skills Training

This program is available in an Occupational Skills Training format that is designed to mix school classes and on-the-job training with a potential employer. It’s great for hands-on learners! Individualized training plans are developed in consultation with the student, UCC faculty, UCC advisor, and the work site trainer.
Find out more.

Catalog Info

View / Download catalog information for Welding: One-Year Certificate

Advising Guide

View / Download advising information for Welding: One-Year Certificate

High School Students

Get a head start by becoming a dual credit student. Dual credit students attend UCC and high school at the same time! You can complete high school requirements, work on college prerequisites and earn credits towards a degree or certificate all at the same time.

Residents of WA, ID, NV, and CA

If you are from Washington, Idaho, Nevada, or California, you pay Oregon resident tuition rates. That's a big discount! You might also be interested in what life is like around UCC. Find out.

Why UCC?

At UCC, you can earn a variety of certificates and degrees that can enhance your current career or place you in the workforce sooner. Plus, UCC offers:

• Expert faculty dedicated to teaching
• Personal attention and small class sizes
• Online classes

Contact

Prospective students should contact an Enrollment Advisor to get started and then see a program advisor (below) to develop a more focused educational plan.

Ian Fisher - Contact
Associate Professor, Coordinator, Welding
Phone: 541-440-7819