Create a spark for a bright future in welding
Are you looking for a rewarding career in a skilled trade? The Welding Technology Associate Degree at Clackamas Community College can help you achieve your goals. Our welding degree provides you with the knowledge and hands-on experience you need to succeed in welding, fabrication, construction and other related fields.
Our instructors are certified by the American Welding Society (AWS), ensuring you receive top-notch training that meets industry standards. The curriculum follows the AWS national guidelines for entry-level welders.
Choose classes that fit your schedule
Clackamas Community College offers flexible learning options to fit your schedule. Dive in with our daytime track if you are able to make earlier class hours work. Or take advantage of our evening track that allows you to gain new welding skills without sacrificing your day job.
For a part-time option, contact Jodi Stapleton at jodis@clackamas.edu or 503-594-3857.
Short-term welding training options
If you are looking to enter the workforce quickly, we can create a personalized education and employment plan for you. This plan will focus on the specific knowledge and skills you need to jumpstart your career or switch paths. To learn more, contact Dustin Bates at 503-594-3973 or dustinb@clackamas.edu.
For detailed description and outcomes for this program, view the course catalog.Required classes for Welding Technology Associate Degree
Get ahead with a career in welding
The welding industry is growing, and there is a demand for qualified welders. With a Welding Technology Associate Degree from Clackamas Community College, you will be prepared to enter the workforce with the skills and knowledge employers are looking for.
Search related careers and regional data on wages and job outlook on WorkSource.
For more information on career opportunities for this program, view the course catalog.Learn the art of welding
- Welding processes: Shielded metal arc (SMAW), gas metal arc (GMAW), flux-core arc (FCAW) and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW).
- Materials: Steel, stainless steel and aluminum.
- Electrodes: We will cover a variety of electrodes to suit different applications.
- Cutting techniques: Plasma arc (PAC), air carbon arc (CAC-A) cutting and gouging, as well as manual and automatic oxy-fuel cutting (OFC and OFC-Track Burner).
Beyond the basics
- Materials science and welding theory: Understand the science behind creating strong and lasting welds.
- Blueprint reading: Learn to interpret technical drawings used in fabrication.
- Inspection, quality and safety: Ensure your welds meet industry standards and prioritize safety practices in the workshop.
- Shop practices: Develop essential skills for working effectively in a fabrication environment.
- Fabrication techniques: Learn cost calculations, layout, sketching, creating bills of materials, fitting and cutting techniques applied to real-world projects designed in collaboration with industry partners.
Investing in your future
Clackamas Community College offers some of the lowest tuition rates in the Portland metro area. To begin building the cost for your program, you can start with the base estimate below.
This estimate includes the cost of tuition and the general fees applied per class and per academic term. This estimate does not include additional fees required for many courses or the cost of course materials. Contact the program to learn more about additional costs that may apply.
You can also find more information about the costs of attending CCC on the Tuition and Fees page.
Get help paying for college
Scholarships and grants (free money!) are available for students in this program. For help with financial aid and scholarships, contact the Financial Aid Resource Lab.
Transfer seamlessly to a four-year degree at the Oregon Institute of Technology
Planning to shift to a four-year college? The Automotive and Welding Department works with the Oregon Institute of Technology to offer classes that seamlessly transfer into their Bachelor of Applied Technology and Management program.
Learn more about transfer options
Talk to an advisor to ensure you have the most up-to-date transfer information. For information, contact Dustin Bates at 503-594-3973 or dustinb@clackamas.edu. You can also contact the Automotive and Welding Department at 503-594-3047.