Welding Technology

Associate of Applied Science Degree. Certificate.

About the program:

Welding is the most common way of permanently joining metal parts. Heat is applied to the pieces to be joined, melting and fusing them to form a permanent bond. Because of its strength, welding is used to construct and repair ships, automobiles, spacecraft, and thousands of other manufactured products, and to join beams when constructing bridges, buildings and other structures. Starting pay for graduates is up to $24 per hour in the East Texas area.

Unfortunately, this this year's KCWC Welding Contest for high school students set for April 24 has been canceled due to precautionary reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Course information:

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Five high school students earn KC scholarships, prizes at welding contest

Jose Landin from Longview High School earned the top prize April 12 at the fourth annual High School Welding Contest at Kilgore College. The contest, sponsored by the KC Welding Technology... Read Article

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Frequently Asked Questions

What do graduates of the program do?

Most welders work in manufacturing plants, on construction projects, with service companies or wholesalers, or in repair shops. Some do manual welding and use a great deal of creativity to fabricate unusual or unique pieces. Welding machine operators commonly work in factories and perform the same task every day. Some operate their own repair shops.

What is the job outlook for graduates?

The national rate of hire is expected to increase over the next several years due to projected retirements. Certified welders will have much better employment opportunities than non-certified welders. Manual welders will increasingly be needed for sophisticated fabrication tasks and repair work that do not lend themselves to automation. Welders can expect to find more jobs in the business services industry as companies increasingly contract out repair and maintenance functions.

What kind of salary can graduates expect?

Welders are in high demand in our area and jobs are plentiful. Starting salaries in East Texas range from about $12 to $15 per hour.  Experienced welders are making $20 locally.  Many employers also pay health, medical and other benefits.  Independent welders who are willing to travel to national jobsites can earn significantly more.

How long does it take to complete the program?

The traditional welding certificate offers a basic and advanced certificate. The basic consists of four courses and 16 hours of course work while the advanced is nine courses and 34 hours. An associate’s degree can be obtained in 64 semester hours.

For information about Welding:

Cody Edwards, CWI/CWE
Program Director
Instructor, Welding
Phone:
(903) 983-8162
Office:
Whitten Applied Tech. Center (WHITN), 115
cedwards@kilgore.edu
Evan Radulescu
Instructor, Welding
Phone:
(903) 988-7459
Office:
Whitten Applied Tech. Center (WHITN), 115
eradulescu@kilgore.edu
Mary Martin
Professional Support Assistant
Public Services & Industrial Technologies
Phone:
(903) 983-8131
Office:
Whitten Applied Tech. Center (WHITN), 114
mmartin@kilgore.edu
D'Wayne Shaw
Dean
Public Services and Industrial Technologies
Phone:
(903) 983-8130
Office:
Whitten Applied Tech. Center (WHITN), 114
dshaw@kilgore.edu
Karla Mojica
Academic Advisor
Public Services and Industrial Technologies
Phone:
(903) 983-8284
Office:
Whitten Applied Tech. Center (WHITN), 104-A
kmojica@kilgore.edu

Public Services & Industrial Technologies