Welding Technology

WELDING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

The Welding Technology Program accepts 46 students beginning each Fall and 23 students each Spring Semester and runs continuously (except for school holidays and certain breaks) through the first two weeks of summer/winter session. Interested students must complete a Welding Technology application to be placed on the program list. Click here for information on applying. Students are encouraged to complete the application as soon as they start the pre-requisite courses. The optional PG&E PowerPathway Gas Pipeline Program runs an additional eight weeks in the summer session.

THE PROGRAM:

The Welding Technology Program is a vocational core of courses designed to produce qualified personnel for certified welding jobs.  Program performance standards for certification will be in accordance to those established by the American Welding Society and/or American Society of Mechanical Engineers.  Courses are held in a completely modern and well-equipped welding lab.

For certified welders, employment opportunities are virtually unlimited.  High-paying jobs are open in both heavy and light industry throughout California as well as the nation and the world.  As far as can be seen in the future, the job market for certified welders will continue to grow.

THE CURRICULUM:

The curriculum includes the following major areas of instruction:

- Oxyacetylene Welding and Flame Cutting
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (stick)
- Symbol Reading, Blue Print Interpretation and Computations
- Flux Core Welding
- Heavy Plate Welding
- Pipe and Tube Welding
- Integrated Welding Applications
- Welding Equipment Maintenance and Service
- Welding Inspection
- Welder Qualification
- Mig /Tig Welding
- Pipe Fitting and Cutting
- Welding Industry Employment Preparation

EDUCATIONAL OUTCOME:

Certificates/Degrees/Licenses capable of being earned:

• Certificate of Achievement (one-year track)
• Associate of Science Degree in Welding Technology leading to a four-year Bachelor's Degree in Welding Manufacturing and/or Welding Engineering and/or Industrial Arts.
• Qualifications: This program qualifies the student to take the welder certification tests in all Processes.

Desired Outcomes For Individuals Who Complete The Program:

• This program is designed to produce an entry-level technician in the 6-G pipe position (qualifies for all positions in plate and pipe).  The student will be able to weld with SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, GTAW, OAW, OFC, PAC and AAC in all positions with a variety of metals and alloys.  The student will be able to certify to at least one of the following codes: API, AWS, and ASME, according to individual skills.
• This program is designed to give the student the necessary skills to be successful in the modern welding industry, the student will develop job-oriented work habits, job seeking skills, resume skills and a knowledge of what the employer is expecting.

PRE-PROGRAM PREPARATION NEEDED:

Orientation:

• Orientation must be cleared with the Butte College Orientation Office. Student Orientation will consist of a campus tour, meeting with a counselor, and setting up your MyBC account. Not all students new to Butte College need to participate in the Orientation/START program. Details and Exemptions are available at the Orientation web link.

Course prerequisites must be completed in order to be accepted into the program. Course prerequisites are WLD 20 (Beginning Welding), WLD 21 (Intermediate Welding) with completion of all NCCER level 1 projects, WLD 150 and WLD 152 (half unit in both or one full unit in either). Prerequisites may be met in the following ways:

• High School 2+2 Articulated Classes and NCCER Level 1 Welding project completion. High school must have an approved 2+2 Articulation agreement with Butte College. Some approved high schools offer only WLD 20; some are approved for both WLD 20 and WLD 21. Not all high school welding classes are 2+2 articulated with Butte College. Student must send transcript to welding department for verification. 
• Butte College WLD 20 (Offered Fall, Spring and Summer Semesters)
• Butte College WLD 21 and NCCER Level 1 Welding project completion. (WLD 20 is a prerequisite to WLD 21. WLD 21 is offered Fall, Spring and Summer Session)
• Please contact Welding department if you wish to challenge the prerequisite courses. 
• *Equivalent welding courses taken at another college (transcripts and course descriptions must be provided for verification). *YOU MUST HAVE THIS OPTION CLEARED WITH RUSSELL PITTER, WELDING DEPARTMENT CHAIR, IN ORDER TO FULFILL COURSE PREREQUISITES.
• *Welding certifications (copies must be provided showing certification and expiration dates) or work experience. *YOU MUST HAVE THIS OPTION CLEARED WITH RUSSELL PITTER, WELDING DEPARTMENT CHAIR, IN ORDER TO FULFILL COURSE PREREQUISITES.

Also Recommended:

• Students who are still enrolled in high school and who are considering a career in the welding industry are encouraged to take courses in English, Mathematics, Reading and related fields to welding (any agriculture or industrial arts classes).

Other Types of Preparation:

• Formal or informal employment experience having to do with hand-eye coordination will greatly enhance the student’s educational experience.

Contact Information

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Welding Department

Dean:

Don Robinson- Dean of Instruction, Industrial Technology Programs, (530)879-7509 robinsondo@volamdolong.com

Faculty:

Chris Armitage- Welding Instructor, (530)895-2911 armitagech@volamdolong.com

Joseph Gebbia- Welding Instructor, (530)895-2837 gebbiajo@volamdolong.com

Dakoda McFall- Welding Instructor, (530)895-2837 mcfallda@volamdolong.com

Miles Peacock- Welding Instructor, (530)879-6162 peacockmi@volamdolong.com

Russell Pitter- Welding Instructor, (530)895-2586 pitterru@volamdolong.com

Russell Thomas- Welding Instructor, (530)879-6140 thomasru@volamdolong.com

Seth Vader- Welding Instructor, (530)879-6138 vaderse@volamdolong.com

Department Secretary:

Melanie Flaherty- Secretary to the Dean, (530)895-2501 flahertyme@volamdolong.com

Mailing Address:

Butte College

Welding Technology Program

3536 Butte Campus Dr.

Oroville, CA 95965

ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION

1. The prerequisite courses are a total minimum of 340 hours (34 hours lecture and 208 hours laboratory, not including homework or assigned reading).
2. The program is a minimum of 1,590 hours (289 hours lecture and 1,301 hours laboratory, not including homework or assigned reading) for a one-year Certificate of Achievement.
3. PG&E PowerPathway Gas Pipeline Welding Program (offered during summer session) - The program is a minimum of 323 hours (17 hours lecture and 306 hours laboratory, not including homework or assigned reading).
4. The Welding program may be completed in one year. An Associate in Sciences Degree may be completed in two years.
5. The average cost per student is $5,200 to $6,200. If student qualifies for Board of Governors Fee Waiver, cost is reduced by approximately $1,978.(Subject to change)
6. Each classroom and shop facilities will handle up to 46 students.
7. The program is fully accredited for loans and grants.
8. The program certifies 96% of its finishing students.
9. The program is second to none in the quality of instruction.
10. The shop facility is equipped with the highest quality and variety of equipment.
11. Employers are constantly seeking our graduates with us as references.
12. Excessive absences will lead to failure.  More than 24 hours of absences per semester and you will be dropped from the program.  NO certification tests will be taken at Butte College.