Welding
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Text or Call: 541-240-8227
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Take welding classes to launch your path to a hands-on technical career!
No prior experience needed. Start with welding classes toward a one-term certificate or pursue a two-year degree that sets you up for career advancement.
Skip the office! Develop high-demand, transferable skills in fabrication, inspection, estimating and technical sales. Whatever certificate or degree path you take, Southwestern’s training prepares you for a job as a welder, with career opportunities that span the globe.
A new group of welding students starts each fall term. Join them fall of 2024!
Enroll now! We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to become a student.
Apply Now
Get helpful updates on programs, deadlines, and other tips about enrolling.
Request Info
Come see why Southwestern Oregon Community College is a great place to learn.
Visit
CONTACT
Text or Call: 541-240-8227
Email
Save Money
Tuition & fees at Southwestern are half that of major state universities.
Need help with costs?
Ask about possible support through SNAP Training & Employment Program (STEP)
Degrees & Certificates
Specific overview and descriptions of welding classes you’ll take for each degree/certificate.
Welding Equipment
Plan ahead! Students must have equipment and tools by the second week of the term.
Welding
Train for a welding career; develop skills in fabrication, inspection, estimating, and technical sales.
Required Equipment
Purchase items individually, as needed, or purchase a “welding kit” through our industry partner, Airgas. The welding kit option may be purchased in-person at Airgas, or via the Campus Store–this is a good option for students wanting to charge the equipment to their financial aid. We recommend using a bucket with an organizer to store your tools in (not included in the kit but can be purchased at a local retailer).
PPE
- Welding Hood shades 9-13
- Leather sleeves or jacket (no cotton jackets)
- Gauntlet welding gloves:
- Stick
- MiG
- Tig
- All leather Boots (recommend steel toe)
- Clear Safety glasses
- Heat shield for gloves
- Cotton welder cap
- Ear plugs
- Clear face shield
- Shade 5 face shield (no glasses)
- Knee pads
Tools (Remember: plastic tools melt!)
- 4 1/2” grinder (8 amp or higher)
- Combination square
- Tape measure
- Chipping hammer
- Wire Brush
- Tip cleaners
- Paint pen
- Soap stone
- Pliers or quick release clamps
- Sliding T bevel
- Center punch
- 2’ framing square
- Torpedo level
- Drafting kit
- Compass
- Protractor
- Flat ruler
- Calculator
-
-
Welding
Train for a welding career; develop skills in fabrication, inspection, estimating, and technical sales.
-
Required Equipment
Purchase items individually, as needed, or purchase a “welding kit” through our industry partner, Airgas. The welding kit option may be purchased in-person at Airgas, or via the Campus Store–this is a good option for students wanting to charge the equipment to their financial aid. We recommend using a bucket with an organizer to store your tools in (not included in the kit but can be purchased at a local retailer).
PPE
- Welding Hood shades 9-13
- Leather sleeves or jacket (no cotton jackets)
- Gauntlet welding gloves:
- Stick
- MiG
- Tig
- All leather Boots (recommend steel toe)
- Clear Safety glasses
- Heat shield for gloves
- Cotton welder cap
- Ear plugs
- Clear face shield
- Shade 5 face shield (no glasses)
- Knee pads
Tools (Remember: plastic tools melt!)
- 4 1/2” grinder (8 amp or higher)
- Combination square
- Tape measure
- Chipping hammer
- Wire Brush
- Tip cleaners
- Paint pen
- Soap stone
- Pliers or quick release clamps
- Sliding T bevel
- Center punch
- 2’ framing square
- Torpedo level
- Drafting kit
- Compass
- Protractor
- Flat ruler
- Calculator
SKIP THE OFFICE
Learn fabrication, inspection, estimating, and technical sales
Welding employment opportunities span the globe
21.6% projected increase in welding job openings from 2020-2030
MEET OUR STUDENTS
“The welding program at Southwestern offered me the opportunity to learn in a different way. It was hands-on. I was able to create something real. I’m very grateful and not sure where I’d be if I hadn’t found the trades as my path.”
–Daniel Morris, Welding Student
JOB INFO
22 Annual Job Openings in the Southwest Region; 677 in Oregon
$48,780 is the 2021 Median Annual Wage in the Southwest Region; $39,374 is the Staring Wage; $62,670 for Experienced Welders
$50,382 is the Median Annual Wage in Oregon; $38,272 is the Staring Wage; $65,665 for Experienced Welders
Source: Oregon Employment Department
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Chelsea Clemens was born and raised in Coos Bay, and headed into high school with a mind toward being in the medical field, maybe a doctor. She took anatomy and physiology at Southwestern and soon enrolled at Portland State. It wasn’t long, though, before she came back home.
“I realized that was not my career choice. I didn’t like the city. I liked the more rural, slower pace. I like working with my hands.” She lined up a summer job at Roseburg Forest Products and was making good money. All the while, the crew she worked with kept teasing her that she’d be a good welder.
“I saw Southwestern had a welding program. I thought, ‘you know what? I’m going to take a few classes,” she said.
Soon Chelsea had a two-year welding degree and then a new job at the barge-building company Southern Oregon Marine. Still, she had an urge to teach, that started with class assistant experience at Southwestern and even younger, while in 4-H.
In 2015, Chelsea picked up a call from Southwestern’s former welding instructor. He kept in touch with his former teaching assistant, and was retiring. He thought she should apply. You know the story … eight years later, Chelsea is a welding instructor inspiring tomorrow’s boat builders, construction workers and metal fabricators.
