Build a Strong Future in High-Demand Welding Field

Choose a hands-on career in Welding for a solid pathway to strong job opportunities. At Bellingham Technical College, widely recognized as a leader in providing quality technical education, you’ll develop valuable skills to work in the metal and construction trades as a welder, cutter, welding machine operator, foreman, or leadman.

At BTC, students choose to specialize in one of three tracks:

• Structural steel welding and fabrication
• Aluminum/steel welding and fabricating
• Pipe welding and fabricating

You’ll first complete pre-program general education courses, followed by six quarters of specialized study in your chosen track to earn one of these BTC degrees:

• Associate of Applied Science—Transfer Degree (131 credits)
• Associate of Applied Science Degree (126 credits)

Or choose to complete a certificate program:

• Basic Welding Skills - 2 quarters
• Industrial Welding - 3 quarters

In our state-of-the-art welding and fabrication facility, you’ll learn preferred skills that high-wage employers are looking for: safety practices, blueprint reading, and technical skills like metallurgy, MIG, and TIG welding. Expand your knowledge and skills, and networking by joining BTC’s student chapter of the American Welding Society (AWS).

Welders are employed in business and industry that require working with different types of metal for manufacturing, repair, or cutting. Nationally, nine out of 10 welders and cutters are employed in manufacturing, services, construction, or wholesale trade.

Typical places of employment include sheet metal fabrication companies, energy service companies, steel manufacturing companies, refineries, fence and iron companies, transportation, heating and plumbing companies, various unions, federal, state and municipal government, and self-employment.

• The average annual wage in this field is $44,517, with an earning potential of about $54,725 per year.

Why wait any longer? We're ready to help you to get started, get prepared, and get into a successful career in Welding. Complete the form today to learn more!