Welding
Program Information
Welding is the technology of using various methods to join, cut, scrape, or finish metal by applying intense heat and/or pressure to melt the edges of metal so they fuse permanently. The Welding program at Trenholm State Community College is designed to give technical knowledge and experience in six different welding and cutting processes. The student will attain hands-on experience in pipe welding, brazing, manual and machine cutting, blueprint reading, and welding processes used by industry in the fabrication of steel components. Through practical application, a student is taken through a series of welds and processes, using different joints and weld structures duplicated as closely as possible to an actual on-the-job situation.
Occupational Choices
Employment of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is projected to show little to no change from 2022 to 2032. The basic skills of welding are similar across industries, so welders can easily shift from one industry to another, depending on where they are needed most. For example, welders who are laid off in the automotive manufacturing industry may be able to find work in the oil and gas industry. The nation’s aging infrastructure will require the expertise of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers to help rebuild bridges, highways, and buildings. Also, the construction of new power generation facilities and, specifically, pipelines transporting natural gas and oil may result in new jobs.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm (visited January 30, 2024).
Average Full-Time Wage
The median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers was $47,540 in 2022. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $35,380, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $68,750.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm (visited January 30, 2024).
Awards Available
Associate of Applied Science
Automotive/Advanced Manufacturing
Welding
Certificate
Automotive/Advanced Manufacturing
Welding
Short Term Certificate
Automotive/Advanced Manufacturing
Welding
Construction SMAW Plate Welding
Manufacturing Welding
Pipe Welding
Program Contact
Chris Burdick
Program Coordinator/Instructor
334-420-4379
Location: Patterson Site - Bldg. H
The College regularly evaluates student learning outcomes for each program as part of ongoing planning and evaluation.
Estimated Program Length & Cost *
| Award | Award | Credit Hours | Tuition/Fees | Books | Tools | Supplies |
| Associate Degree | 6 Terms | 65 | $11,220 | $400 | $250 | $0 |
| Certificate | 4 Terms | 47 | $8,124 | $400 | $250 | $0 |
| Short Term Certificate | 1 Term | 15 | $2,595 | $150 | $230 | $0 |
| Short Term Certificate | 1 Term | 12 | $2,076 | $150 | $230 | $0 |
* Tax not included. Prices are subject to change without prior notice; the cost of books may vary considerably among suppliers. The cost of general education books is in addition to the total listed above. The length of the program is based on full-time status of 12-15 credit hours per term. Enrollment in transitional-level general education courses will alter the length of the program.