About the Welding Technology Program:

The American Welding Society recognizes the Welding program at Southwestern Illinois College as one of the best in the nation. The program provides expert training to beginning welders as well as a chance for experienced welders to upgrade their skills. Students gain extensive hands-on experience and learn about employer relationships in preparation for the job market.

The college's welding shop has state-of-the-art equipment, and instructors offer students years of experience as well as knowledge of the latest trends in welding. Members of the staff are also active in the American Welding Society St. Louis Section, and National AWS Committee.

Southwestern's Welding program frequently serves as a model for other schools, and its students do well in state and national competitions. The college is a member of Vocational Industrial Clubs of America.

Students can earn welding certificates in one or two semesters or stay in the two-year associate degree program, which combines welding and academic courses. Part-time, evening students can complete certificates in two to four semesters.

Students learn Shielded Metal Arc Welding; Gas metal Arc Welding, including short circuits, globular and spray transfers; Flux Cored Arc Welding and Plasma Arc Welding and Cutting; Acetylene Welding and Cutting; Gas Tungsten Arc Welding; blueprint reading; layout fitup; and how to inspect welds.

The laboratory is open six days a week, 70 hours a week to maximize hands-on experience. Day students attend classes four or five days a week; night students attend classes two or three nights a week. Students use about 30,000 pounds of filler metal and 50 tons of metal each year.

Career Opportunities

The market for skilled welders is expanding as the industry's use of technology advances. Welding is essential to manufacturing, construction, computers, electronics, and automobile and aircraft production. Welders also are needed for X-ray repair on pressure vessels and to repair or rebuild farm and manufacturing equipment. Southwestern works with several corporations and trade unions to train welders.

Welders can earn between $14 and $30 per hour with average pay between $14 and $18 per hour.

Program Available

Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS) (0062)

The welding technology program prepares welders, burners and related personnel to meet the needs of area and national industry. Emphasis is on practice and principles necessary for industry. We follow American Welding Society Level I and II National Standards. In addition to the AAS that can be earned at Southwestern, the student can earn a Bachelor's Degree by transferring to Ferris State University View Curriculum >>

Welding Technology Certificate (062A)

Welding Technology Advanced Certificate (062B)

Welding Technology Specialized Certificate (062C)

The Welding Technology certificate program is designed to train the beginner for entry-level positions in the welding industries and to also offer more advanced technical information and skill for the employed welder. High school articulation is available. View Curriculum >>