Welding
Get helpful updates on programs, deadlines, and other tips about enrolling.
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CONTACT
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 every Fall Term. Join us Fall 2025!
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.
Welding Equipment
Plan ahead! Students must have equipment and tools by the second week of the term.
Welding
Train for a welding career; develop skills in fabrication, inspection, estimating, and technical sales.
Required Equipment
Purchase items individually, as needed, or purchase a “welding kit” through our industry partner, Airgas. The welding kit option may be purchased in-person at Airgas, or via the Campus Store–this is a good option for students wanting to charge the equipment to their financial aid. We recommend using a bucket with an organizer to store your tools in (not included in the kit but can be purchased at a local retailer).
PPE
- Welding Hood shades 9-13
- Extra cover lens
- Leather sleeves or jacket (no cotton jackets)
- Gauntlet welding gloves:
- Stick
- MiG
- Tig
- All leather boots – NO SYNTHETIC PARTS (recommend safety toe)
- Clear safety glasses
- Heat shield for back of gloves
- Cotton welder cap
- Ear plugs
- Clear face shield
- Shade 5 face shield (no glasses)
- Knee pads
- Respirator (rated for welding and grinding)
Tools (Reminder: plastic tools melt!)
- 4 1/2” grinder (8 amp or higher)
- Combination square
- Tape measure
- Chipping hammer
- Wire Brush
- File
- Striker
- Tip cleaners
- Paint pen
- Soap stone
- Pliers or quick release clamps
- Sliding T bevel
- Bevel protractor
- Center punch
- 2’ framing square
- Torpedo level
- Calculator
- Drafting kit
- Compass
- Protractor
- Flat ruler
- Pencil
- Drafting triangle or 30-60-90 triangle
- Graph paper 1/4″ squares
Welding
Train for a welding career; develop skills in fabrication, inspection, estimating, and technical sales.
Required Equipment
Purchase items individually, as needed, or purchase a “welding kit” through our industry partner, Airgas. The welding kit option may be purchased in-person at Airgas, or via the Campus Store–this is a good option for students wanting to charge the equipment to their financial aid. We recommend using a bucket with an organizer to store your tools in (not included in the kit but can be purchased at a local retailer).
PPE
- Welding Hood shades 9-13
- Extra cover lens
- Leather sleeves or jacket (no cotton jackets)
- Gauntlet welding gloves:
- Stick
- MiG
- Tig
- All leather boots – NO SYNTHETIC PARTS (recommend safety toe)
- Clear safety glasses
- Heat shield for back of gloves
- Cotton welder cap
- Ear plugs
- Clear face shield
- Shade 5 face shield (no glasses)
- Knee pads
- Respirator (rated for welding and grinding)
Tools (Reminder: plastic tools melt!)
- 4 1/2” grinder (8 amp or higher)
- Combination square
- Tape measure
- Chipping hammer
- Wire Brush
- File
- Striker
- Tip cleaners
- Paint pen
- Soap stone
- Pliers or quick release clamps
- Sliding T bevel
- Bevel protractor
- Center punch
- 2’ framing square
- Torpedo level
- Calculator
- Drafting kit
- Compass
- Protractor
- Flat ruler
- Pencil
- Drafting triangle or 30-60-90 triangle
- Graph paper 1/4″ squares
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
“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
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
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.