Welding Technology

This program content has been developed to meet the welding standards established by the National Center for Construction Education Research (NCCER), whose goal is to develop a safe and productive workforce by using a standardized training and credentialing program for the industry. This noncredit certificate program provides academic credits that can be used towards specific credit-bearing degree program upon completion and enrollment in the credit degree program. Students are eligible for 20 college credits upon completion of this program and passing the corresponding certification exams. For more details, please view our Prior Learning Assessment.

Students enrolled in the Welding 629-hour program will have a robust understanding of the fundamentals and techniques that are most coveted by employers. Participants will take an extensive deep dive into course materials to prepare for employment as welders and flame cutters, welder assemblers, welder helpers, combination welders, arc cutters, arc welders, combination welders, production line welders, or to provide supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in these occupations. Additional robust topics and techniques in the Welding 629 Hour program include: Plasma Arc Cutting and Flux Cored Arc Welding (included in MIG), Cutting, Gouging and Laser Beam Cutting, communication, team building, employability skills, and winning work habits. 

Students who successfully complete either the Welding 300-hour or 629-hour course will be eligible to take industry certifications to validate their skills as a professional welder. Participants will leave the program with the skills to take the American Welding Society skills competency certification. An AWS inspector will test and certify students at the conclusion of the program. Those who successfully pass the certification will receive the 3G/4G SMAW certification from the American Welding Society. This is the nationally recognized industry certification. (Note: The cost for certification is not included.)
 

Career Opportunities

A career in welding is dynamic and challenging. There are many rewarding opportunities to harness new knowledge, scientific principles and today’s most advanced technologies. From manufacturing to construction, the demand for welders is strong. Examples of entry-level jobs that utilize this training include, but are not limited to:

• Welders
• Cutters

Manufacturing has played a key role in the U.S. economic recovery in recent years. In Pennsylvania, close to 10% of the state’s workers are employed by manufacturers. The state anticipates a 5% growth for welding jobs between the years 2018-2028.

Philadelphia’s manufacturing hub produces items and goods such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, office and computing equipment, cellular and fiber-optic telecommunications, instruments, biomedical products, fabricated metal products, paper products, processed foods, clothing, petrochemicals and machinery.

The region’s Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey indicates that this industry will experience steady and continuous growth over the next few years. Manufacturers have experienced tremendous growth over the past few decades, making them more “lean” and helping them become more competitive globally.

Program Qualifications

Successful applicants will possess knowledge of geometry and have good hand-eye coordination. High school diploma or GED/equivalent.

Location

The new Career and Advanced Technology Center, located in West Philadelphia, includes state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities to bring hands-on learning experiences for fields that are in demand. The course offerings at the Career and Advanced Technology Center will focus on career readiness and creating a thriving workforce in our city’s transportation, manufacturing and health care fields. 

Financial Aid

Can I Receive Financial Aid for this program?
Only the Welding 629 Hour program is eligible for financial aid. Students who wish to apply for financial aid at Community College of Philadelphia need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA form is free, so there's no reason not to apply. 

FAFSA is the required application for state, federal and institutional financial aid. This includes grants, scholarships, and loans. 

When do I need to submit my FAFSA?
If you are interested in the Welding 629 Hour Program, please submit your application. Visit the college’s Financial Aid page for additional steps to apply for financial aid.

Workforce Development Program Scholarships

The Community College of Philadelphia Foundation and its donors are pleased to offer scholarships to students enrolling in select Workforce Development courses. To submit your scholarship application, follow the steps in this Workforce Development Program Scholarship Application Guide.

Payment Plan Available

Only the Welding 300 Hour program is eligible for a payment plan as a 34% Down payment and 2 Monthly installments. Select this option at time of checkout to pay a 34% deposit at time of checkout, and then be billed (invoiced) in two equal installments. Please note the first installment is due on the month the course starts. *Based on prices as of October 2022: $2,040 [down payment] + $1,980 [1^st installment] + $1,980 [2^nd installment] = $6,000 [total cost of the program].

Noncredit Program Refund Policy

Refunds for noncredit programs will be granted if the class is canceled or if you withdraw no later than the day before the first class. Refunds are not available after class begins. 

Information Session

Hear about the advanced manufacturing industry and employment opportunities as you begin your path to a new career.

Watch the recorded Advanced Manufacturing information session here

Questions?

Thinking about enrolling but need additional information or assistance with registering? 
Contact us with your questions here.

Course Dates and Times