WVC is an approved Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO) testing site. Call 509-682-6900 for more information.
Welding is considered a high demand occupation that provides a living wage, with projected short- and long-term growth in Chelan and Douglas counties, according to the Washington State Employment Security Department.
WVC’s Industrial Technology program offers a welding and fabrication 65-credit certificate. This training provides students with the skills to perform welding duties in construction, repair, maintenance and fabrication fields. Hands-on instruction is included in core welding techniques—including MIG and TIG and pipe welding— and in metal fabrication with a variety of materials. Safe working habits are emphasized in lecture format and in demonstrations. An industrial safety course includes training and certification in first aid/CPR, flagging, forklift/ industrial truck operation, OSHA 10 and hazardous materials awareness. Students also receive practice in preparation for the Washington Association of BuildingOfficials (WABO) welding certification exam.
Placement score may be required for some levels of MATH, ENGL or OCED.
Program outcomes
Upon completion of this program, successful students should be able to:
- Demonstrate standard shop safety procedures.
- Apply welding theory and knowledge of common terms used in the industry to oxy/fuel gas and electric arc welding processes.
- Apply a variety of standard and exotic welding techniques.
- Operate various shop fabrication equipment.
- Use torches and fuel gases to produce durable parts.
- Read, interpret and use shop drawings and specifications in the fabrication and making of durable goods.
- Use effective reading, thinking, mathematical and written communication skills in workplace environments.
- Employ problem solving skills.
- Be prepared to take welder qualification test in accordance with Washington Association of Building Organization (WABO) utilizing the SMAW process.