What is Welding Technology?
Welding occupations are primarily concerned with joining, surfacing, or repairing structures or parts made of metal or other weldable materials. The skills and knowledge needed to determine the appropriate welding technique required for a specific project and to successfully perform that technique are gained through course work and practical experience. Classes are available online and in person at the Leestown and Danville Campuses and in evening at Madison Area Training Center.
BCTC offers a variety of credentials in Welding Technology to fit your needs.
BCTC's Welding Technology Program prepares students for the workforce by teaching them the various welding techniques focusing on joining weldments, surfacing, and repairing structures while using state-of-the-art equipment.
Welding is a highly skilled trade that offers a wide variety of high demand job opportunities from construction and manufacturing to car racing.
Students in Welding Technology can earn credentials ranging from an Associate in Applied Science degree or Combination Welding Diploma as well as 11 different certificate options in specific aspects of welding.
Students have the opportunity to become members of the American Welding Society. Welding students participate in projects around campus and in the community by building signs, benches, trailers, grills, walking bridges, and sculptures.
Get started with Welding Technology
BCTC's Welding Technology Program offers a combination of lab and lecture classes with real world applications, perfect for students who enjoy hands-on work and a non-traditional classroom environment.
Courses are offered at the Leestown Campus in Lexington and the Danville Campus. The program offers flexible class schedules to accommodate working students. Financial aid is available, as well as scholarships specifically for Welding Technology.
Demand for welders is growing steadily. Average wages start in the range of $17 to $25 hourly with more earning potential for specialized certifications or complex roles. Graduates of the program are hired by local factories, construction companies, and small businesses including Donaldson's, Intelligrated, Link-Belt, RJ Corman, and more.
Work Ready Scholarship
Visit the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship website for more information on applying for Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship program.
Accreditation
The Bluegrass Community and Technical College Welding Technology program is accredited by the American Welding Society (AWS). The professors of these programs are licensed by AWS.
American Welding Society
8669 NW 36 Street, #130
Miami, FL 33166-6672
(800) 443-9353
aws.org (new window)
Additional Information
We offer state welding certification exams.
These exams are offered through our Workforce Solutions department.
For more information, please call (859) 246-6666.
Welding Certifications through BCTC Workforce Solutions
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Division of Materials (new window)
Our Welding Technology curriculum has been designed to provide a balanced learning experience. Lecture and lab courses are used to enhance learning and provide necessary applied experiences.
Each course is structured to prepare students for the next more advanced course as they move through the program.
The use of new technology, as well as computer skills, are a large part of the educational experience. These skills are also needed for future advancement in the Welding field.
- WLD 100 - Oxy-Fuel Systems
- WLD 101 - Oxy-Fuel Systems Lab
- WLD 120 - SMAW
- WLD 121 - SMAW Fillet Lab
- WLD 123 - SMAW with Backing Lab
- MAT 116 - Technical Mathematics
- WLD 140 - GMAW
- WLD 141 - GMAW Fillet Lab
- WLD 143 - GMAW Groove Lab
- WLD 151 - Basic Welding A
- WLD 170 - Blueprint Reading
- WLD 171 - Blueprint Reading Lab
- ENG 101 - Writing
- COM 181 - Communications
- CPU 150 - Computer Fundamentals
- ART 100 - Intro to Art
- WLD 130 - GTAW
- WLD 131 - GTAW Fillet Lab
- WLD 133 - GTAW Groove Lab
- SOC 101 - Sociology (Example)
- WLD 220 - Weld Certification
- WLD 221 - Weld Certification Lab
- WLD 298 - Practicum
- PH 171 - Physics (Example)
| Item | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| American Welding Society Dues | $15.00 |
| Carbon Wire Brush | |
| Chipping Hammer | |
| Combination Square | |
| Cotton Hat | $5.00 |
| Cutting Goggles or Cutting Glasses, #5 | $8.00 |
| Diagonal cutting pliers | $10.00 |
| Flash Light | |
| Flint Striker | |
| Heavy duty grinder/sander 4 | $80.00 |
| Lab: Modern Welding, Althouse, Bowditch | $18.00 |
| Lock | $5.00 |
| Long work pants. (no cuffs or holes) | |
| Oxy-Fuel shade #5 welding goggles | |
| Pants Dark blue in color. No jeans. | $15.00 |
| Paper and Pencil | |
| Safety glasses (Z87) | $7.00 |
| Shirt - Dark Blue with a Six-Inch Sleeve, Collar, and at Least Three Buttons. | $15.00 |
| Stainless Wire Brush | |
| Tape Measure, Twelve ft. min. Standard Measurements | $10.00 |
| Text: Modern Welding, Althouse, Bowditch | $55.00 |
| Tip Cleaner | |
| Tool Box | |
| Vise grips | |
| Welding beanie. (optional) | |
| Welding Gloves (All leather, Long Gauntlet Type) | $8.00 |
| Welding helmet. (Shade #11 lens or higher) | |
| Welding Hood, Safety Lens #10 Min. | $30.00 |
| Welding Jacket or Long Sleeve Shirts | $30.00 |
| Welpers or needle nose pliers | |
| Work Boots (High top, all leather, STEEL TOE) | $100.00 |
What are my career choices?
A majority of welders work in manufacturing industries. Others are employed by construction firms and businesses performing various repair services. A skilled welder may qualify as a technician, supervisor, inspector, or as an owner of a welding business.
- ARC Cutter
- ARC Welder
- Gas Welder
- Pipeline Welder
- Production Line Welder
- Tack Welder
- Welder Helper
What are my degree, diploma, or certificate options?
The catalog describes the course requirements for completing the credential. Students are required to schedule an appointment with their assigned academic advisor to ensure achievement of their academic goals.
- ARC Cutter (new window)
- ARC Welder (new window)
- AWS National Skills Standard Level I (new window)
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (new window)
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (new window)
- Gas Welder (new window)
- Production Line Welder (new window)
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (new window)
- Tack Welder (new window)
- Welder Helper (new window)
Length of Program
You can earn an associate in applied science degree in two years if you maintain full-time status.
This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.
