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Welding Technology (WATC)

Welding is essential to the United States economy, but as the current workforce ages, we find ourselves facing a welding shortage. You can help fill this gap, start a great career, and keep our economy moving by gaining the skills necessary to become a welder.

In this program you will learn basic and advanced welding in three areas (arc, tungsten inert gas, metal inert gas) along with basic welding layout and fabrication. Students must reach the American Welding Society (AWS) certification test standards for both structural and high-pressure vessel welding. Upon successful completion of both years of the program, you can earn certificates of proficiency in ARC, TIG, and MIG.

  • Program Location: UAFS Campus
  • Options: Morning and afternoon
  • Career Titles: Welder, Cutter, Solderer, Brazer
  • Industry: Construction, Manufacturing, Aerospace, Oil & Gas

Credentials students can potentially earn while in WATC:

  • Certificate of Proficiency in ARC Welding
  • Certificate of Proficiency in MIG Welding
  • Certificate of Proficiency in TIG Welding
  • Technical Certificate in Welding
  • Degree options to complete at UAFS:
  • Associate of Science in General Technology - Welding
  • Outlook: 3 percent growth
  • Arkansas Median Wage: $40,000 – $89,000 (varies by specialty)

NOTE: Classes are on an 8-week rotation. Students will take two eight-week classes each semester. Grading scale is different, and students need a 77% or above to complete course with a ‘C’ or better and move on to the next course in sequence.

Get Started

Fall Semester
First Year		 Spring Semester
First Year		 Fall Semester
Second Year		 Spring Semester
Second Year

Layout and Fabrication

ARC Welding – Basic

MIG Welding – Basic

TIG Welding – Basic

Intro to Welding & Blueprint Reading

ARC Welding – Advanced

MIG Welding – Advanced

TIG Welding – Advanced

Sample schedule only. Actual schedules may vary.

Credentials students can potentially earn while in WATC:

  • Certificate of Proficiency in ARC Welding
  • Certificate of Proficiency in MIG Welding
  • Certificate of Proficiency in TIG Welding
  • Technical Certificate in Welding

Degree options to complete at UAFS:

  • Associate of Science in General Technology - Welding