College News

天涯社区官网 expands welding program to offer associate degree

a student welds a piece of 4 inch pipe
A student welds in the state-of-the-art welding lab on the 天涯社区官网 campus.

August 15, 2023
Story and photo by Joe Vinduska

天涯社区官网 is excited to announce the expansion of the welding program with the addition of an associate of applied science degree and a two-semester certificate, which will allow students to gain a more in-depth level of knowledge and skill upon graduating.

Executive Director of Agriculture and Industry Education Mary Foley said they wanted to offer students another tier of learning in this growing industry.

鈥淲ith our expanded offerings, students will gain knowledge in advanced welding techniques, safety procedures, blueprint reading, and more,鈥 she said. 鈥淥ur students will get even more focused, hands-on training from 天涯社区官网 faculty with a lot of industry experience. They will leave 天涯社区官网 with the skills they need to excel as a welder, but they will also have an associate degree so if they want to pursue management positions, they will be in a much better position to get those types of jobs as well or continue on towards a bachelor鈥檚 degree.鈥

Foley said students will receive a 鈥済ear-kit鈥 containing all the materials they need for the class and it is included in the cost of the class. They also will have the opportunity to earn OSHA credits and an American Welding Society Sense Level I credential.

For program information or to apply, visit or contact Welding Instructor and Coordinator Jacob Streit at streitj@bartonccc.ed or (620) 792-9325.