Welding

Program Description

Welders join metal parts together using a tool that generates intense heat. They also study blueprints or project specifications, calculate the dimensions of the parts to be welded, inspect materials or structures that need welding, monitor the process of welding as a caution for overheating, and maintain welding machinery and equipment they work with. Welders work in a wide range of industries including aerospace, automobile, manufacturing, construction, maritime and more.

CCBC, in partnership with Earlbeck Gases and Technologies, offers a series of welding courses that covers the fundamentals of welding including basic metallurgy, welding codes, nondestructive examination, and welding symbols, through intermediate level welding in Gas Metal Arc (MIG), Shielded Metal Arc (Stick), or Gas Tungsten Arc (TIG) processes. Students perform various weld positions with different metals depending on the welding process.  Classes are held at Earlbeck, which is fully equipped to offer hands-on training and instruction. 

Students should be detailed-oriented, dependable, self-controlled, follow safety rules, follow directions, have manual dexterity, have mechanical aptitude and have mathematical aptitude.  Students will also need to be able to stand for long periods of time, and be able to lift 35 pounds. Students will be working around flames, high temperatures, and fumes.  ​

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, overall employment of welders is projected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030 in Maryland.  Projected annual job openings in Maryland are 400.  Additional career information may be found in Career Coach: https://ccbcmd.lightcastcc.com.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, students will be able to:

​1. prepare to pass American Welding Society (AWS) certifications;

2. prepare material and safely perform fillet and groove welds on various types of metals; and  

3. prepare for a career in welding in a variety of industries.

CCBC Pathway

Technology and Engineering Pathway - Pathways are designed to help you meet your academic and career goals by aligning related courses and programs.  Pathway students participate in a variety of activities that help explore career opportunities in their field of study.  You can meet with a CCBC advisor who help align — or realign — your educational plan with the Pathway that best supports you and your goals.

Program Credential

CCBC Credential:

Program Options: Students will be awarded a Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, and will have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript).

Individual Courses: Students will receive a Continuing Education course completion certificate for each class, and will have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript).

External Credential:

Earlbeck Gases and Technologies completion certificates are given for each class, as well as an AWS qualification certificate upon successful completion of all intermediate level classes. An American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) qualification certificate is awarded upon successful completion of Advanced Welding.

Certifying Organization:

American Welding Society (AWS)

www.aws.org

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

www.asme.org

Financial Aid and Payment Options

We offer financial aid by packaging public and private funding options to those who qualify, in select Continuing Education courses and programs. Additional opportunities for financial support include partial payment options through Nelnet Business Solutions and tuition waivers for those who qualify. Resources outside of CCBC may also be available through employer/sponsor paid tuition, the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), and your local office of workforce development.

Some CE Workforce Development Certificate Programs are eligible for early high school funding through Maryland Blueprint for qualifying BCPS high school students.  Please check with your School Counseling Office to determine your eligibility for the BCPS Tuition Benefit Program. 

Program Length

Courses are offered at Earlbeck Gases and Technologies. Earlbeck training is provided in both daytime and evening formats throughout the year.

5 weeks (days), 13 - 15 weeks (evenings)

Program Requirements

Minimum age of 18

Possess good reading and writing skills​

Application Process

To apply, go to www.ccbcmd.edu/apply and complete the CCBC Continuing Education Workforce Certificate program application.  An email will then be sent with program information and any additional requirements necessary to apply for the program.

Open Entry – No screening or documentation required.

Prior Learning Assessment

This program has no options for obtaining course waiver(s) for prior learning.

Program Course Sequence

Program consists of Fundamentals of Welding and Intermediate Welding (MIG, Shielded Metal Arc/Stick, or TIG).​ These classes can be taken separately or combined in a Career Welding course. Total hours and prices vary dependent on the selected sequence.

MIG Welding - Option A - Two-course registration pricing (not financial aid eligible)

Additional Information

​Additional Offerings (not financial aid eligible):
APP285 - Welding Basics
VOA772 - Intermediate GMAW - Aluminum
VOA774 - Intermediate GMAW - Self Shield FCAW
VOA775 - Intermediate GMAW - Stainless
VOA581 - Advanced Welding

Career Coach

Research your career interests, explore live job postings, take a career assessment, discover which companies in the Baltimore region are hiring, and more.  View a brief tutorial video on how to use Career Coach at https://youtu.be/C7KpznbPYfA.  Explore career and training opportunities at https://ccbcmd.emsicc.com/.

Program Contact Information

Coordinator: Steve Ricketts | sricketts@ccbcmd.edu | 443-840-4442 | Catonsville | BESS 100L

Administrative Assistant: TBA