Welding

GHC’s welding technology degree provides foundational skills in welding, cutting, gouging, blueprint reading, layout, measuring, fabrication, and math. Appropriate work habits and work ethic are highly emphasized.

We offer three associate degree options: Structural Welding, Construction Welding, and Pipe Welding. Structural is our basic 7-quarter multi-process program. It contains a mix of the most common welding, cutting, and gouging processes on a mixture of sheet, plate, tube, and pipe. Materials are steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. The last quarter includes certification testing.

The 8-quarter Construction option is identical to the Structural curriculum but adds an additional quarter dedicated exclusively to the self-shield (gasless) Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW-S) process. It also adds working with beam. This welding process is used extensively in the construction of buildings and bridges. This process is very demanding skill wise, and the acceptance criteria for field welds with it are stringent. While some FCAW-S is included in the Structural curriculum, an average person who hopes to make a living using this process doing evaluated code work will want to opt for the extra training that is in the Construction option.

The 9-quarter Pipe option is identical to the Structural curriculum but adds two additional quarters dedicated exclusively to pipe welding, and the certification testing in the last quarter is conducted on pipe rather than plate. Like code welding with FCAW-S, pipe welding demands a very high skill level. The acceptance criteria for it too is quite demanding. While some pipe welding is included in the Structural curriculum, an average person hoping to make a living welding pipe, doing evaluated code work will want the extra training that is in the Pipe option.

With 118 welding course credits in the Structural option, 134 in the Construction option, and 150 in the Pipe option, GHC offers one of the most thorough associate degree programs in welding available. Training is geared to provide the skill base, knowledge, and professional attitude required to eventually become a journey-level combination welder.

The GHC welding program offers several different certificates as well, and is a Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO) welder certification test site. The degree and most certificate programs are offered during daytime hours.

Beginning level night courses are also offered. Each includes multiple welding processes. They are intended primarily as support courses for our Auto, Carpentry, and Diesel program students, although enrollment is open to the general public as well. They can be a great choice for those that may be on the Waiting List to begin the daytime program, and that want to get a head start on their skill building. However, being only 6 credits each rather than 16 credits like the daytime welding courses, a night course will not substitute for a day course in the degree program. The night courses also do not include or lead to certification testing.

Additional Funding Available

GHC Welding Shop Walkthrough

Employment Resources

WorkSource Washington

Career Examples

Journeyman Welder
Pipefitter
Boilermaker
Ironworker
Sheet Metal Worker
Fabricator

Andrew Benson - GHC Class of 2024

"If you're on the fence about going to college, GHC is a great local resource that helped make great changes in my life. The faculty and staff were all awesome. There was a ton of support navigating programs that helped with a lot of the cost. I attended the welding program from 2020-23. Graduated in December and had a job in April applying the trade and on my way."

Harley Figueroa - GHC Class of 2023

"I attended Grays Harbor College in 2021-2023. I studied Welding Tech and during my tenure I learned many skills and earned various certifications which have greatly helped me post-graduation in the workforce. I am pursuing a career with the Local 26 Plumbers and Pipefitters as a pipe welder/pipefitter. I would highly recommend this program as it emulates a real work environment and challenges you every day. If you can endure these challenges, you will graduate with all the skills you need to be successful in your chosen career."

Cristal Venegas, GHC Class of 2023

Cristal reaches up to weld a pipe above their head.

Enrolling at GHC and completing my associates degree in Welding Technology was more than worth it. Thanks to my education I was meaningfully prepared to step into the field as a welder with multiple certifications, and now an apprentice of the UA plumbers and pipefitters. The mentorship and technical training I received from my instructor has drastically impacted my life and ability to start a very rewarding and fulfilling career. Every step on the way towards graduation the college and staff are driven to help you be successful. I will always recommend GHC as an excellent place to receive the skills and education required for your career field of choice.

Jessie Olson - GHC Class of 2023

Jessie welding a fixture above their head. The picture is saturated in teal light.

"I achieved my associates in Welding Tech during 2021-2023 and in that time I learned more than what I thought I was going to. I am thankful everyday when I am in the field that I went through the program that Rod McDonald has intricately constructed over the last 25 years to prepare students for the industry. I graduated with multiple certifications and have gone on to achieve more in the field. I am currently pursuing a career with the Local 26 Plumbers and Pipe fitters as a Pipe Welder/Pipe Fitter. Going through the program was the hardest, most rewarding and beneficial thing to I did for my career choice and I wouldn’t change the knowledge I have for anything."

This program is designed for licensure/certification in the State of Washington. Grays Harbor College cannot guarantee the transferability of licensure, certificate, or credential to another state.