Welding/Robotic Welding

Randy Hammond, Department Chair
256.352.8272
randy.hammond@wallacestate.edu
www.wallacestate.edu/welding

Associate in Applied Science Degree (4 Semesters)

Certificate (4 Semesters)

Short-Term Certificates (1 Semester)

At a Glance

Certified structural welders, fabricators, and weld technicians are in high demand in Alabama and across the nation. Welding, the most common way of permanently joining metal parts, is used to construct and repair parts of ships, automobiles, spacecraft, and thousands of other manufactured products. Heat is applied to the pieces to be joined, melting and fusing them to form a permanent bond. In recent years, welding has evolved into a highly sophisticated field filled with computer programming and robotics, and it is becoming more advanced every year. This evolution is evident in the welding department at Wallace State, which is equipped with state-of-the-art robotic welders. Because the industry is rapidly moving to robotic operations for repetitive welding processes, particularly in the automotive manufacturing industry, students trained on these robots will have a significant advantage in opportunities for high-paying, highly-skilled employment. There is also an increasing demand for qualified and certified welders, which has pushed salaries higher and kept the job market vibrant. Automotive manufacturing, shipbuilding, new construction, defense contractors, manufacturing fabrication, facility, and infrastructure maintenance are the driving forces behind these highly sought-after professionals.

Program Description

Wallace State offers both a General Technology-Welding and a Robotic Welding General Technology pathway. With each pathway, students can choose between an associates in applied science degree, certificate or short certificates. The General Technology in Welding pathway offers a series of courses to teach students the knowledge and practical hands-on skills in the following welding processes and equipment operation: industrial print reading, structural and pipe welding, weld inspection, and testing. Students can learn how to safely set and perform welding and cutting on carbon steel, aluminum, and stainless steel using the following processes: SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, Pulse MIG, Pulse TIG, STT, RMD, AC High-Frequency TIG, Submerge Arc, Oxy-fuel cutting and washing, Plasma Arc Cutting, and Carbon Arc Cutting and Gouging. This program is offered on the Hanceville and the Oneonta Campus.

The Robotic Welding Technician pathway offers a guide to skills and knowledge in the safe operation of the following welding and robotic processes: Manual GMAW and FCAW Welding, Robotic GMAW Welding, Robotic Programming, Industrial Print Reading, Robotic Troubleshooting, Electrical Fundamentals of a Robot, Sensors Training, PLC training and Weld Inspection and testing. The training includes an Introduction to Robotic Welding Course, an Intermediate Robotic Welding Course, and an Advanced Robotic Welding Course.

Program Accreditations/Credentials

• National Coalition of Certifications Training Center - NC3
• Lincoln Electric Educational Partner School
• AWS/American Welding Society
• CWI/Certified Welding Inspectors
• AWS/American Welding Society Welding Educators

WSCC Welding Instructors have over 54 years of combined industry-construction welding and teaching experience.

Program Exit Requirements

In addition to the program requirements, students will be required to obtain two (2) different industry AWS/ASME Welding Certifications in either 3G Structural, 5G or 6G using or a combination of Stick, Mig, Flux-core, STT and Tig Welding processes as part of the graduate program exit industry credentials.

Essential Functions

As a WSCC welding student, you will be expected to fulfill the physical demands described below to successfully perform the essential functions of assigned tasks. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

1. Students must frequently lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. 
2. Specific visual acuity that includes close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 
3. Students are required to walk, sit, balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch while performing welding tasks. 
4. Students are required to use their hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls. 
5. The student is frequently required to reach with hands and arms.
6. The student is required to talk and hear in the lab environments. 
7. While performing duties or assignments, the student occasionally works near moving mechanical parts or in outside weather conditions. 
8. The student is exposed to humid conditions and welding fumes if proper techniques are not used. 
9. The noise level in the work environment is high. 
10. Students are required to be punctual and have predictable attendance. 
11. Students must be willing to follow instructions. 

Career Path

This program is designed to equip students who successfully complete the program with skills to qualify for entry-level or better positions in production welding, robotic welding, lay-out fabrication, new and existing facility construction, pipe and pressure vessel welders, boilermakers, maintenance and repair welders, management, welding education, business owner, certified welding inspector, certified welding educator, sales of welding equipment and consumables, power plant, or automotive manufacturing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for welding professionals in 2023 was as follows:

Welders, cutters, and brazers
$23.53 hourly
$48,940 annually

Boilermakers
$34.20 hourly
$71,140 annually

Materials Engineers
$50.05 hourly
$104,100 annually

Plumbers, pipe, and steamfitters
$29.59 hourly
$61,550 annually

Welding Instructors
$52,791-$67,793 annually

Transferable Program College Credits

ASU Business in Management-Technology B.S. Degree American Welding Society Certified Welding Inspectors*

*(up to one year credit for minimum AWS CWI requirements)