Build on what you learned in the certificate program, and expand your welding knowledge on flux core welding, machine tooling, and fabrication practices.
Design, cut, shape, and form components and processes
Practice motor skills, demonstrate cutting techniques and processes, track components, and become more efficient. Attention to detail is required for welders – the more you experience the more valuable you are to an employer.
Classes in the associate degree program teach you how to:
- Review blueprints or read work orders
- Align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly, and lift materials or workpieces into place using cranes or other equipment
- Operate welding equipment like SMAW (shield metal arc welding), GMAW (gas metal arc welding), GTAW (gas tungsten arc welding), FCAW (flux-cored arc welding), or SAW (submerged arc welding)
- Use cutting equipment (oxyacetylene, plasma, CAC-A, saws, and metal shears)
- Measure completed products or workpieces to verify specifications
The fastest way to complete the program is to take full-time day classes. You can also take classes part-time in the evenings. Check out the admission requirements for metal fabrication/welding and start today.
Learn from certified welding inspectors and prep for industry tests
JCCC has clean, well-exhausted welding spaces to practice welds and open collaboration spaces where you can learn from other students and instructors. The welding laboratory contains modern equipment for Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), and multiple thermal cutting process applications.
JCCC is an accredited AWS SENSE Level 1 and 2 school. AWS SENSE is a comprehensive set of minimum standards and guidelines for welding education programs. After completing your degree, your record stays on the AWS registry for three years.
Dedicated instructors prepare you for certifications and qualification tests used by employers:
- OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) 30-hour General Industry Safety & Health course completion card
- AWS (American Welding Society) SENSE (Schools Excelling through National Skills Education) Level1
- AWS SENSE Level2
To add to your resume and stand out among other job candidates, transfer to a four-year school to earn your bachelor’s degree. JCCC has transfer agreements with Ottawa University, Pittsburg State University, and Kansas State University.
The more you know, the more you build
Skilled welders, cutters, and steel fitters are professionals. The job market continues to grow. Opportunities for trained dedicated workers are limitless – more than 80% of manufactured goods use welding.
Manufacturing sectors that commonly employ welders include:
- Motor vehicles
- Shipbuilding
- Architectural metal
- Boilers and shipping containers
- Agriculture and construction
Find employment projections and salary information at the Power BI Post Graduate Report. Explore careers options at Career Concourse.
Get assistance with your schoolwork as you complete your welding degree
JCCC offers small class sizes, helpful resources like FREE tutoring, and one-on-one attention and feedback from your professors, all at low tuition rates.
Contact info
Scott Crompton, Chair, Metal Fabrication & Welding
Phone: 913-469-8500, ext. 3931
Location: WCMT 132E
Email: scrompt1@jccc.edu
