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Welding

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Text or Call: 541-240-8227
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Take welding classes to launch your path to a hands-on technical career!

No prior experience needed. Start with welding classes toward a one-term certificate or pursue a two-year degree that sets you up for career advancement.

Skip the office! Develop high-demand, transferable skills in fabrication, inspection, estimating and technical sales. Whatever certificate or degree path you take, Southwestern’s training prepares you for a job as a welder, with career opportunities that span the globe. 

A new group of welding students starts each fall term. Join them fall of 2023!

Enroll now! We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to become a student.
Apply Now

Get helpful updates on programs, deadlines, and other tips about enrolling.
Request Info

Come see why Southwestern Oregon Community College is a great place to learn.
Visit

CONTACT
Text or Call: 541-240-8227
Email

Save Money

Tuition & fees at Southwestern are half that of major state universities.

Need help with costs?

Ask about possible support through SNAP Training & Employment Program (STEP)

Degrees & Certificates

Specific overview and descriptions of welding classes you’ll take for each degree/certificate.

SKIP THE OFFICE

Learn fabrication, inspection, estimating, and technical sales

Welding employment opportunities span the globe

21.6% projected increase in welding job openings from 2020-2030

MEET OUR STUDENTS

young man standing in front of a cargo ship wearing welding gear

“The welding program at Southwestern offered me the opportunity to learn in a different way. It was hands-on. I was able to create something real. I’m very grateful and not sure where I’d be if I hadn’t found the trades as my path.”
Daniel Morris, Welding Student

woman working on machining equipment

JOB INFO

22 Annual Job Openings in the Southwest Region; 677 in Oregon

$48,780 is the 2021 Median Annual Wage in the Southwest Region; $39,374 is the Staring Wage; $62,670 for Experienced Welders

$50,382 is the Median Annual Wage in Oregon; $38,272 is the Staring Wage; $65,665 for Experienced Welders

Source: Oregon Employment Department

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

woman and man working on a welding project

Chelsea Clemens was born and raised in Coos Bay, and headed into high school with a mind toward being in the medical field, maybe a doctor. She took anatomy and physiology at Southwestern and soon enrolled at Portland State. It wasn’t long, though, before she came back home. 

“I realized that was not my career choice. I didn’t like the city. I liked the more rural, slower pace. I like working with my hands.” She lined up a summer job at Roseburg Forest Products and was making good money. All the while, the crew she worked with kept teasing her that she’d be a good welder. 

“I saw Southwestern had a welding program. I thought, ‘you know what? I’m going to take a few classes,” she said.

Soon Chelsea had a two-year welding degree and then a new job at the barge-building company Southern Oregon Marine. Still, she had an urge to teach, that started with class assistant experience at Southwestern and even younger, while in 4-H.

In 2015, Chelsea picked up a call from Southwestern’s former welding instructor. He kept in touch with his former teaching assistant, and was retiring. He thought she should apply. You know the story … eight years later, Chelsea is a welding instructor inspiring tomorrow’s boat builders, construction workers and metal fabricators. 

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