Welding
What Is the Welding Program?
This program provides instruction in various welding processes and techniques including oxyfuel cutting, carbon arc cutting, shielded metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding (TIG welding), flux-cored arc welding, gas metal arc welding (MIG welding), pipe welding, plasma arc cutting, oil and gas welding, blueprint reading, welding symbols, and joints.
Program Objectives
Upon completing the program, you will be able to demonstrate skills in processes and techniques of welding, including:
- Oxy Fuel cutting
- Carbon arc cutting
- Shielded metal arc welding
- Gas tungsten arc welding
- Flux-cored arc welding
- Gas metal arc welding
- Pipe-welding
- Plasma arc cutting
- Blueprint reading
- Weld symbols and joints
Three Credentials to Build Your Career
What are your career goals? At NLTCC, students earn valuable credentials while working towards their Technical Diploma:
- Welder Helper – Level I, Certificate of Technical Studies
- Welder Helper – Level II, Certificate of Technical Studies
- Welding Technology, Technical Diploma
What to Expect From Our Welding Classes
Welding is an intricate process that takes months of training to master. Our welding classes are designed to take students from minimal experience to professionals. Each course covers a different element of the trade, and highlights include:
- SMAW Pipe 2G, 5G, and 6G
- GMAW Basic Fillet/Groove Welds
- Capstone In Advanced Problem Solving
- Industrial Workplace Safety
- GTAW Aluminum Multi-Joint
How Long Are Welding Classes?
In general, you can expect courses to last at least one eight-week term. Be sure to speak to an admissions representative or check our academic calendar for details about the welder classes you expect to take.
Gear Up for the Entry Level Welder Test
A credential in welding from NLTCC is just one step toward an exciting diploma in welding. Once you’ve completed your last welding class, you’ll be well-positioned to successfully complete the Entry Level Welder test. This exam offered by the American Welding Society gets you off on the right foot as you look for work in the field.
Why Pursue a Career as a Welder?
It takes time and dedication to complete the Welding program at NLTCC. However, your perseverance will be worth it! Everyone has different motives for entering this field, but here are some top reasons to become a welder:
- An In-Demand Career—The demand for skilled welders continues to grow, and some organizations predict a shortage of welders in the coming years. New welders graduating from our programs are likely to find their place within the field.
- Diverse Career Opportunities—Welding offers diverse career paths, allowing you to specialize in areas that align with your interests and strengths. Structural welders work on projects like buildings and bridges, while pipe welders focus on pipelines for oil and gas industries. Other options include underwater welding and aerospace welding.
- Financial Stability—Welders enjoy competitive salaries, with the potential to earn even more as they gain experience and specialized skills. This financial stability is a compelling reason to enter the trade. Coupled with opportunities for overtime and bonuses, welding can provide a very comfortable lifestyle.
- Tangible Results—One of the most satisfying aspects of welding is seeing tangible results from your work. Welders have the unique opportunity to create and build structures that stand the test of time. Many industry professionals love the sense of accomplishment and pride that comes with finishing a big project.
Register for Your First Welding Classes
Your career in welding is only an application away! Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College welcomes new students to our Minden, Mansfield, and Shreveport campuses each year, and our esteemed faculty are excited to help you achieve your career goals. Our admissions team can answer your questions about class schedules, the cost of welding classes, and much more. Get in touch with admissions or apply today.
