Welding
Welding at SFCC
If you enjoy working with your hands, building things that last, and learning a skilled trade, SFCC’s Welding program can help you turn those interests into a career. You’ll gain extensive hands-on experience with welding and cutting processes while learning the technical knowledge, safety practices, and problem-solving skills used in manufacturing, construction, fabrication, and other industries.
With multiple certificate and degree options, you can choose the welding pathway that matches your career goals and continue building your skills as you advance.
Degree & Certificate Options
Associate of Applied Science in Manufacturing Technology with Emphasis in Welding Technology
Professional Certificate in Welding Technology
Build Your Future in Welding Technology
Welders are essential to industries that build, manufacture, repair, and maintain the products and infrastructure we use every day. At SFCC, you’ll spend significant time developing practical skills while learning the science and technology behind modern welding processes.
Training includes oxy/acetylene cutting, shielded metal arc welding (SMAW or stick), gas metal arc welding (GMAW or MIG), flux cored arc welding (FCAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW or TIG), and plasma arc cutting. Welding procedures follow American Welding Society (AWS) guidelines, helping students develop skills that meet industry expectations.
Whether you’re new to welding or want to expand your existing skills, SFCC provides a hands-on environment where you can learn, practice, and prepare for the workplace.
Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard welding and cutting equipment.
- Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard welding and cutting equipment.
- Learn oxy/acetylene cutting, shielded metal arc welding (stick), gas metal arc welding (MIG), flux core arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding (TIG), and plasma arc cutting.
- Develop welding skills using procedures that follow American Welding Society (AWS) guidelines.
- Learn the technical knowledge behind welding processes and how to apply it in real-world work environments.
- Build the skills needed for careers in welding, fabrication, manufacturing, construction, and industrial maintenance.
- Prepare for welder qualification opportunities in AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code and ASME Section IX pipe welding standards.
- Develop precision, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills that are valued by employers.
- Learn safe welding practices and industry standards used throughout the skilled trades.
- Benefit from a combination of classroom instruction and extensive hands-on laboratory training.
- Train in a program designed to meet the needs of both beginning welders and experienced professionals seeking certification.
- Prepare for employment in a high-demand field that offers opportunities across a variety of industries.
Choose the Welding Path That Fits Your Goals
SFCC offers multiple welding credentials so you can select the level and type of training that best fits your career plans.
Structural Welding
The Skills Certificate in Structural Welding provides focused training for students who want to develop fundamental welding skills and prepare for entry-level opportunities. Students build practical experience with welding and cutting processes used in structural fabrication, construction, manufacturing, and repair.
This short-term credential can be a great starting point for students who want to develop marketable welding skills and begin building experience in the trade.
Pipe Welding
The Professional Certificate in Pipe Welding provides specialized training for students interested in developing the skills needed to weld pipe in industrial and manufacturing environments. Students expand their welding abilities while developing the accuracy, technique, and understanding required for pipe applications.
Students may have opportunities to pursue welder qualifications aligned with ASME Section IX, an important industry standard for welding pipe and pressure-related applications.
Welding Technology
The Professional Certificate in Welding Technology provides comprehensive training across multiple welding and cutting processes. Students study the technical principles behind welding while spending significant time applying those concepts through hands-on practice.
The program is designed for both beginning welders and those with previous experience who want to strengthen their skills and pursue industry qualifications.
Manufacturing Technology with Emphasis in Welding Technology
Students who want broader preparation can continue into the Associate of Applied Science in Manufacturing Technology with an emphasis in Welding Technology. The degree builds upon technical welding skills while providing additional education designed to support long-term employment and advancement in manufacturing and related industries.
All students should be aware welding fumes produce a chemical known to the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects (or other reproductive harm). Students should review the Material Data Safety Sheets (MSDS) available in the welding department located in the OHWIC Welding Lab, to be aware of the hazards of welding fumes.