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Welding

& Fabrication

Take welding classes to launch your path to a hands-on technical career!

No prior experience needed. Pursue a two-year Assocociate's degree or start with a one-year certificate in Welding & Fabrication.

Skip the office! Master processes like oxy-fuel cutting, plasma, MIG, TIG, stick and flux core. 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!

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

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

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CONTACT
Text or Call: 541-240-8227
Email

Need help with costs?

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

SNAP Training and Employment Program

Scholarships Available!

Apply annually Jan. 1 - March 1 through the SWOCC Foundation

Scholarships

Degrees & Certificates

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

Welding & Fabrication

A new cohort of students starts each Fall! Pursue a two-year degree or start with a one-year certificate.

  • Welding, Associate of Applied Science (AAS) - Two-year degree that provides training for entry-level employment and offers the technical knowledge necessary for career advancement. Prepare for manufacturing employment opportunities and develop basic pipe welding and fitting skills.

 

 

Additional Certificates Offered: 

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

SKIP THE OFFICE

Master processes like oxy-fuel cutting, plasma, MIG, TIG, stick and flux core

Welding employment opportunities span the globe

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

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Profile photo of welding instructor, Casey Garaventa, standing in the welding shop

Welding Instructor

Casey Garaventa

Casey Garaventa knows firsthand where Southwestern’s Welding program can take you. A Southwestern graduate himself, Casey went from learning in the College's welding shop to spending nearly a decade working as a welder and fabricator right here on the South Coast.
His interest in welding started much earlier. Casey grew up in Nevada, where his father first taught him to weld. “He inspired me to learn the craft to the very best of my ability and not give up when the metal gets too hot,” Casey said.
After graduating from Southwestern, Casey put his skills to work with several local employers. His experience ranged from fabrication at Industrial Steel & Supply to maintaining barges and tugboats at Sause Bros. and welding and repairing fishing vessels at Giddings Boat Works. Along the way, he returned to Southwestern as a part-time welding and machining instructor before becoming the College’s full-time Welding instructor.
Casey takes pride in bringing that real-world experience back to the same welding program where he got his start. Now, he gets to help the next generation of welders take their first steps into the trade.
“I hope to bring my experience from working in the industry into the classroom and help students develop not only the technical skills they need, but also the confidence and work ethic to succeed in the trades,” Casey said.

WELDING EQUIPMENT

Plan ahead! Students must have equipment and tools by the second week of the term.

NOTE: Instructors will help you confirm the correct items during the first week of class, and there may be options for you to use financial aid to purchase your items!

Required Equipment

Purchase items individually, as needed, or purchase a "welding kit" through our industry partner, Industrial Source. The welding kit option may be purchased in-person at Industrial Source, or via the Campus Store--this is a good option for students wanting to charge the equipment to their financial aid.

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

WHAT OUR GRADUATES SAY

Image is a woman wearing a welding helmet opened so you can see her smiling, she's holding a flaming torch on a pipe

“The welding program at SWOCC changed how I see life. The instructors genuinely cared about my success and taught me the value of slowing down and honing my skills. What I learned continues to shape my daily life and has helped me grow beyond the classroom.”
–Samantha Fry, Welding Graduate