New technologies are creating more uses for welding in the workplace. JCCC's metal fabrication (welding technology) program prepares students for thos job opportunities.

Employment of welding, soldering, and brazing workers is expected to grow through 2015. Job prospects should be excellent as employers report difficulty finding enough qualified people. In addition, many openings are expected to arise over the next decade as a large number of workers retire. The American Welding Society (AWS) predicts the need for more than 250,000 welders in the next eight to 10 years.

Through JCCC's metal fabrication technology program, you have the opportunity to learn practical knowledge and skills associated with welding, metal fabrication and related processes in the college's well-equipped labs.

The 65-credit-hour metal fabrication (welding) program leads to an associate of arts and sciences degree. A safety-oriented program, the curriculum prepares you for various phases and levels of occupational skills. In JCCC's well-equipped laboratories, you learn in blueprint and symbol reading designed specifically for welders. After you master the course prerequisites, Tools and Equipment and/or the Welding Processes course, other welding processes can be selected to meet your individual needs, including oxyacetylene welding (OAW) and cutting (OFC), plasma arc cutting (PAC), shielded metal arc welding I and II (SMAW), gas metal arc welding I and II (GMAW), flux cored arc welding (FCAW), gas tungsten arc welding I and II (GTAW), metallurgy and allied processes. Basic machine tool processes includes hands-on training with milling machines, turning lathes, surface grinders, band saws and the use of hand tools.

The program also offers currently employed professional welders the opportunity to upgrade their skills by taking advanced welding courses. Two JCCC welding technology professors are American Society Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs). The faculty can customize welding and machine programs using processes, materials or welding positions that can meet a particular company's needs.

A number of certificates are also available. When combined, many of these certificates serve as steps toward earning the AAS degree.

• A 9-credit-hour general basic welding certificate
• An 11-credit-hour combination welder I certificate and a 14-credit-hour combination welder II certificate

• A 13-credit-hour introduction to manufacturing certificate

• A 15-credit-hour combination welder/machinist I certificate
• A 17-credit-hour welder fabricator advanced certificate
• A 25-26-credit-hour welding/metal fabrication technology certificate program

Scholarships that apply toward tuition and fees are available for students enrolled in the metal fabrication (welding) program at JCCC. For an application or for more information about the program, call 913-469-8500, ext. 3719, or email Richard Rowe.