Welders build and repair the ships, bridges, pipelines and equipment that keep the economy moving. This three-semester diploma takes you from your first bead to certification-level welds on plate and pipe.
What you’ll learn
- Shielded metal arc (stick) welding
- Gas metal arc (MIG) and flux-cored welding
- Gas tungsten arc (TIG) welding on steel, stainless and aluminum
- Blueprint reading and welding symbols
- Cutting, fabrication and shop safety
Why Palmetto Ridge
Our welding shop in the Trades & Innovation Center has 24 individual booths, virtual-reality welding trainers and a fabrication bay with plasma and CNC cutting tables. You’ll have the chance to test for American Welding Society (AWS) certifications right on campus. Lead instructor Earl, a 30-year shipyard welder, keeps close ties with regional shipbuilders and fabricators who hire our graduates. Evening sections are available for students who work during the day. Welding students also team up with the Boatbuilding & Marine Systems program on aluminum boat projects that launch from the Cypress Landing Marina.
Careers & next steps
- Structural Welder
- Pipe Welder
- Shipyard Welder
- Fabricator
- Welding Inspector (with experience)
Ready to start?
Applying is free. An advisor will help you map every class from day one to graduation.