Welding

Course Sequence

Welding I

Dual Enrollment: TCAT Welding 1/2 (120 hrs)

Dual Enrollment: TCAT Welding 3/4 (120 hrs)

Dual Enrollment: TCAT Pipefitting 1/2 (120 hrs)

Program Summary

Welding is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge to effectively perform cutting and welding applications used in the advanced manufacturing industry. Students will develop proficiency in fundamental safety practices in welding, drawing interpretation, computer-aided drawings, joint design identification and use, ability to lay out parts for fabrication, basic shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), mechanical and thermal properties of metals, and quality control.

Local Employers

  • Sturdy-Lite-Aluminum Fabricator/Welder

  • Pierce Metals, Inc.-Metal Fabricator/Welder

  • Interstate Awning and Sign-Metal Fabricator/Welder

  • Strongwell-Welder/Fabricator

  • Goessling USA-Field Service Technician

  • Eastman-Hires Northeast State students for their welding co-op program

  • Local 538 of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters

Career Opportunities

The median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is $47,010. Wages for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers vary with the worker’s experience and skill level, the industry, and the size of the company. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Many manufacturing firms have two or three 8- to 12-hour shifts each day, allowing the firm to continue production around the clock if needed. As a result, welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers may work evenings and weekends.

Dual Enrollment

TCAT Elizabethton

Students can earn 120 hours per semester towards their TCAT Diploma in Welding Technology (Total clock hours required for TCAT diploma: 1296). Students who excel in the program will be able to skip the waiting list for this program at TCAT after graduation from THS.

Northeast State

Associate of Applied Science degree program in Industrial Technology—Concentration: Welding/Metal Fabrication. Individuals who complete the associate degree program are eligible to apply for the Eastman Co-op program. Students who pass the Dual Credit test at Northeast State will earn 3 credit hours towards this program.

Industry Certification

Northeast State

  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA10) Manufacturing

Dual Credit

With a passing test score, students earn college credit at Northeast State (WELD 1060)