Welding

This program prepares welders for most phases of the industry. It combines classroom time with practical experience in the most common manual and semi-automatic welding processes: OFW (gas), SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, SAW (arc), MIG, and TIG. Graduates can earn certifications from the state and from the Washington Association of Building Officials.

Enrollment Point: Fall, Winter, Spring

Certificate of Completion

1-7 Quarters

22-105 Credits

Associate of Applied Science

8 Quarters

125 Credits

AAS - Transfer

N/A

Bachelor of Applied Science

N/A

All program lengths are estimates and are not guarantees. For the most current program information, check with an adviser by calling (425) 235-5840.

Median Salary

$37,400

Projected Growth

Annual Job Openings

10,850

Career One Stop

These amounts are based on median entry level wages, they are estimates and are not guarantees. For more information, visit careerinfo.net

Tuition

At Renton Technical College, tuition is affordable and competitive.

Financial Aid

Federal aid is available for most students to help pay for school. Fill out your FAFSA now to get started.

Scholarships

The RTC Foundation offers scholarships to help pay the costs of attending school.

All costs are estimates and are not guarantees. For the most current program information, check with an adviser by calling (425) 235-5840.

Please see the online class schedule for day & time information.

Rick Geist, Elisa Stuart

Entry Requirements

Admission Recommendations

High school diploma or GED.
Good eyesight. Glasses are permitted.
Counselor and instructor interview.

Need to schedule a WABO test?

Please note: tests must be paid for at the time of testing.

Failure to do so will result in delay of certification paperwork.

Register Here

Want to talk to an instructor about the program to get more information?

Please note: information sessions can be conducted over Zoom or in-person. If you wish to meet in-person, please specify that in the notes section of the form.

Register Here

Course Information

Requirements for Welder Helper Certificate:

Course #	Course Title	Credits
COL 101	College Success	2
WELD 101	Thermal Cutting	3
WELD 102	Oxyacetylene Welding and Brazing	7
WTD 109	Safety, Tool and Equipment Certification	3
WTD 168	Trades Math I	4
WTD 175	Communication for Trades	1
WTD 180	Human Relations for Trades	2
	Total	22

Requirements for Entry Welder Certificate:

Course #	Course Title	Credits
	Welder Helper Certificate	22
WELD 104	Introduction to Arc Welding	3
WELD 105	Shielded Metal Arc Welding I	7
WELD 106	Shielded Metal Arc Welding II	7
WELD 130	Blueprint Reading	3
WELD 138	Certification SMAW	7
	Total	49

Requirements for Certified Welder Certificate:

Course #	Course Title	Credits
	Entry Welder Certificate	49
WELD 110	Flux Cored Arc Welding	7
WELD 111	Gas Metal Arc Welding	7
WELD 120	MIG Aluminum	5
WELD 135	Welding Processes and Application	3
WELD 136	Welding Metallurgy	3
WELD 140	Certification GMAW/FCAW	6
	Total	80

Requirements for Certificate of Completion:

Course #	Course Title	Credits
	Certified Welder Certificate	80
WELD 114	Gas Tungsten Arc Welding I	7
WELD 115	Gas Tungsten Arc Welding II	6
	Pipe Welding I/Welding Fabrication I/Robotics Welding I*	6
	Pipe Welding II/Welding Fabrication II/Robotics Welding II*	6
	Total	105

*Students choose Pipe Welding, Welding Fabrication, or Robotics Welding sequence to complete Certificate of Completion. Students must complete the same type of welding for both parts of the sequence.

Pipe Welding Sequence:

Course #	Course Title	Credits
WELD 142	Pipe Welding I	6
WELD 143	Pipe Welding II (with certification)	6

Welding Fabrication Sequence:

Course #	Course Title	Credits
WELD 144	Welding Fabrication I	6
WELD 145	Welding Fabrication II	6

Robotics Welding Sequence:

Course #	Course Title	Credits
WELD 146	Robotics Welding I	6
WELD 147	Robotics Welding II	6

Requirements for AAS Degree:

Course #	Course Title	Credits
	Certificate of Completion	105
AMATH 175	Financial Math	5
CMST 280	Intercultural Communication or
CMST& 101	Introduction to Communication	5
COMP 100	Applied Composition or
ENGL& 101	English Composition	5
PSYC& 100	General Psychology	5
	Total	125

Optional Courses:

Course #	Course Title	Credits
WHFRS 101	Forklift Training (optional)	(1)
WHFRS 201	Forklift Recertification (optional)	(0)

Program Outcomes

Learning Outcomes for Welding Program:

Practice professional and safe work habits expected in the welding industry
Operate common welding and fabrication equipment safely and with proficiency
Communicate effectively in writing and verbally with co-workers and supervisors
Evaluate and solve problems as a welder
Use mathematical concepts to accurately complete welding projects
Pursue employment in the welding industry with appropriate job search, interview and resume development skills