WELDING AND FABRICATION

A PROFESSION POISED TO MEET THE CHALLENGE OF A NEW CENTURY

Many careers that were once prosperous are today obsolete. Not a worry with welding. This time-honored profession has a track record of meeting new technologies and the challenges they bring. Over the last century, the welding trade has proven itself able to adapt and expand.

From the blacksmith's forge and anvil to the newest in plasma and laser technology, the welding profession has answered the call of industrial science. In fact, the methods used to adhere and bond the newest plastics are being developed by researchers and engineers who have their own roots in the welding trades.

Who knows what materials industrial research will develop in the coming years, but one thing is certain – welders will be there. Just as they have in the past, welders will give us tomorrow’s answers today and they will make those new materials usable in ways we can only imagine. 

WELDING DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES ARE OFFERED VIA FLEX (FLEXIBLE LEARNING EXPERIENCE)

The Welding program is delivered via FLEX.

Open-entry/open-exit, or FLEX, is an open learning environment where students work at their own pace in close collaboration with instructors. This flexible, learner-centered system of education delivery allows students who want to complete course work more rapidly to do so, while allowing others to proceed at a slower pace. Open entry means that when Kirtland is open students can register for courses at any time, start at any time ,and end at any time. They proceed with as much or as little instructor contact as they wish.

This flexibility is convenient for students. Students learn when they want, how they want and at the pace with which they are most comfortable.

WELDING AND FABRICATION DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES

• Welding and Fabrication, AAS
• Welding and Fabrication, CC

SPECIFIC COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND CATALOG INFORMATION

Specific information about our Welding and Fabrication Programs can be found in our College Catalog.  Get information about our partnership programs with four-year colleges and universities.

GET YOUR MYBROCHURE

Looking for Kirtland academic program information or just more general information about Kirtland?  Select academic program and other information based on YOUR interests and create a personalized brochure online.  Request a myBrochure.

SOME OF THE JOBS PURSUED BY STUDENTS FOLLOWING OUR CONSTRUCTION AND INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY CAREER PROGRAMS:

(click on the links below to view detailed information about each specific job/career and for job outlook information)

• Carpenters
• Construction Laborers
• Construction and Building Inspectors
• Construction Managers
• Electricians
• Fabricators
• HVAC Mechanics and Installers
• Industrial Maintenance
• Small Engine Mechanics
• Welders

Get general and transfer information on specific colleges and universities.

ARE THE WELDING TRADES FOR YOU?

The Welding Program at Kirtland Community College is for you if:

• You enjoy working with your hands performing skilled operations and take pride in accuracy and quality.
• You can practice safe work habits and can maintain a safe working environment.
• You have good hand/eye coordination and good or correctable eyesight.
• You enjoy physical, hands-on labor as opposed to working at a desk or in an office.
• You don’t mind working in a busy or noisy environment.
• You enjoy seeing the practical application of your skills and training.  

Jobs in the welding industry are expected to experience a 10-20 percent growth rate as skilled workers retire or advance within the industry. And the welding profession is a wide open, non-traditional vocation for women; one that is employer recognized for being manageable by women and one in which they can excel. 

Why choose Welding and Fabrication as a career, and is it for you?

Click here to find out more.