With a degree or certificate in welding from State Fair Community College, you will leave ready for a good-paying job or continue training to add stackable certificates and keep moving up the skills ladder. Whatever you choose, we have the training you need.
Is This Program Right for Me?
SFCC’s welding program includes instruction and hands-on experience in welding labs. American Welding Society-certified instructors will train you in oxy/acetylene welding and cutting, shielded metal arc welding (stick), gas metal arc welding (mig), flux cored arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding (tig), and plasma arc cutting.
To be successful in the field of welding, you need good eyesight and hand-eye coordination; manual dexterity and stamina; the ability to concentrate on detailed work, read drawings and prints; and deductive reasoning skills. You also should be able to lift 45 lbs, stoop, kneel, climb ladders, and work in awkward and cramped positions.
Occupational Outlook
The Department of Labor estimates the shortage of welders will exceed 250,000 by 2020. Opportunities abound for certified welders, particularly if you’re willing to relocate to areas where demand is great. Jobs also are available as welding managers, maintenance foremen or supervisors, production supervisors, and structural metal fabricators. Salaries range from $28,700 to $56,700.
Data Sources – The website mynextmove.org, which is developed and maintained by the National Center for O*NET Development, under the sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration, and the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC).