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The full-time welding program at CEI will provide you with training in SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding), GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding), and FCAW (Flux Cored Arc Welding). You will also learn various cutting processes such as OFC (Oxy-fuel Cutting), PAC (Plasma Arc Cutting), and CAC-A (Air Carbon Arc Cutting). Welding is taught in 4 AWS Plate Welding Positions and 4 AWS Pipe Welding Positions. As a student, you will spend approximately two hours per day in the classroom and four and a half hours per day with hands-on training. Related courses include Blueprint Reading, Welding Mathematics, Layout and Fabrication projects, Metal Identification, Welding Safety, and Welding Theory.
This program may be right for you if you have
- Mathematical Skills. You need relatively good math skills to be a great welder.
- Attention to Detail
- Steady Hands and Good Hand-Eye Coordination
- Physical Strength and Endurance
- The Ability to Always Learn New Things
- Good Communication and Teamwork Abilities
Program Options/Length
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
69 Credits | 4 Semester Program | Includes general education courses
The WLD program recommends students take their general education courses before they start, after they complete the program, or during the summer - Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC)
54 Credits | 4 Semester Program | Does not include general education courses - Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC)
30 Credits | 2 Semester Program | Does not include general education courses
Why CEI's Welding program?
- Affordable
- 9:1 Student-to-Teacher Ratio
- Learn in a Live Shop
- ASME Certified Instructor
- AWS CWI Instructor
- 1700 Hours of Experience
Please review the CEI Catalog for a specific course map and requirements.
Where are our Graduates Working?
The hands-on experience the students receive in this program will prepare them for work in a large variety of facilities, including:
- Manufacturing Companies
- Metal & Steel Fabrication Companies
- Agriculture & Dairy Farms
Placement
82.34% (Average positive placement for graduates over the past five years)
Student Health Insurance
College of Eastern Idaho does not require students to carry health insurance. A few CTE and Healthcare majors require proof of a health insurance plan. Contact your program administrators for questions regarding a health insurance requirement. Insurance is available on the Idaho Exchange to students who do not already have individual, employer, or parental health insurance plans.
Application
Students wanting to apply for a degree seeking program at the College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) must submit all of the following application materials for review:
- Application for admission
- Official High School/GED transcript
- Official transcripts from ALL colleges attended
Competitive Program
The Welding Technology program is competitive. A limited number of seats are available each fall or spring semester. Students MUST complete and submit ALL required and requested application materials to be considered for a spot in the program. Students are placed in the program based on a points system determined by the welding faculty.
Students not accepted into the program in the semester in which they apply will have an opportunity to re-apply in the following semester provided there are spaces available. Once a student is accepted into the WLD program, they are placed into a cohort (group of students) and will continue taking courses with the same cohort until they complete the program.
Program Requirements
Complete Classes in Sequence: Classes in the DT program are progressive and designed to be completed in a specific sequence and order. Students must complete all semester 1 classes before taking semester 2 classes, etc.
Pass Classes: Once accepted into a program, students must pass their program-specific courses with a minimum grade of C (75%) or higher AND in the sequence outlined before continuing to the next. If a student fails in any semester they will be required to wait 2 years before applying again.
Proficiency Exam: Expectant graduates may be required to sit for proficiency exams at the conclusion of their program. IF required, information regarding costs and dates for the exams will be posted in the online catalog and will be available from the program instructor(s).
Welding Technology (AAS)
69 Credits | Financial Aid Eligible | Includes General Education Courses
Semester 1
| Course Prefix | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| WLD 131 | Safety and Leadership | 2 |
| WLD 132 | Blueprint Reading for Welders | 2 |
| WLD 133 | Welding Theory | 2 |
| WLD 134 | SMAW Practical | 4 |
| WLD 135 | Cutting Operations Lab I | 2 |
| OCR 105 | Occupational Relations | 3 |
Semester 2
| Course Prefix | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 104 | Welding Mathematics | 3 |
| WLD 141 | Blueprint Reading II | 2 |
| WLD 142 | Welding Lab I | 10 |
Semester 3
| Course Prefix | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ASE 203 | Automotive Theory II | 6 |
| ASE 203L | Automotive Lab II | 6 |
Semester 4
| Course Prefix | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ASE 204 | Automotive Theory III | 6 |
| ASE 204L | Automotive Lab III | 6 |
Required General Edu Courses For AAS
It is recommended to take these courses before or after the
the program, not during.
| Course Prefix | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GEM | Any GEM Elective Course* | 3 |
| COMM 101 | Fundamentals of Oral Communication* | 3 |
| ENGL 101 | Writing and Rhetoric I* | 3 |
| MATH 123 | Mathematics in Modern Society* | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | ||
| PHYC 101 | Introduction to Psychology* | 3 |
| SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology* | 3 |
Welding Technology (ATC)
54 Credits | Financial Aid Eligible | Does NOT Include General Education Courses
Semester 1
| Course Prefix | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| WLD 131 | Safety and Leadership | 2 |
| WLD 132 | Blueprint Reading for Welders | 2 |
| WLD 133 | Welding Theory | 2 |
| WLD 134 | SMAW Practical | 4 |
| WLD 135 | Cutting Operations Lab I | 2 |
| OCR 105 | Occupational Relations | 3 |
Semester 2
| Course Prefix | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 104 | Welding Mathematics | 3 |
| WLD 141 | Blueprint Reading II | 2 |
| WLD 142 | Welding Lab I | 10 |
Semester 3
| Course Prefix | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| WLD 231 | Welding Theory II | 2 |
| WLD 232 | Welding Lab II | 10 |
Semester 4
| Course Prefix | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| WLD 233 | Welding Lab III | 10 |
| WLD 234 | Welding Fabrication Lab | 2 |
Welding Technology (ITC)
30 Credits | Financial Aid Eligible | Does NOT Include General Education Courses
Semester 1
| Course Prefix | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| WLD 131 | Safety and Leadership | 2 |
| WLD 132 | Blueprint Reading for Welders | 2 |
| WLD 133 | Welding Theory | 2 |
| WLD 134 | SMAW Practical | 4 |
| WLD 135 | Cutting Operations Lab I | 2 |
| OCR 105 | Occupational Relations | 3 |
Semester 2
| Course Prefix | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 104 | Welding Mathematics | 3 |
| WLD 141 | Blueprint Reading II | 2 |
| WLD 142 | Welding Lab I | 10 |
Tool & Safety Requirements
Safety glasses are to be worn by everyone in the shop, at all times. Hearing protection is provided to you in the shop, by means of ear plugs. If you feel you need ear muffs or another style of ear plugs please provide them. Clothing in a welding shop should not be loose fitting or frayed. This is for your own safety as frayed clothing is a fire hazard and loose fitting clothes can be caught in machinery in the shop and cause serious injury.
Do not buy welding hoods, gloves, or tools from discount tool stores. Airgas, Norco, Linde or Industrial Company Store will give a student discount and quality equipment.
Required Safety Clothing
- Leathers – Full Jacket or Cape Sleeves
- Apron or Chaps
- Welding Gloves (6-Pair minimum for full time students)
- All Leather Work Gloves (4-Pair minimum for full time students)
- Safety Glasses
- Welding Hood w / #10 lens (Must supply own cover lenses)
- Clear Face Shield
- Cutting Goggles or Dark Face Shield w/# 4 lens
- Welding Cap
- Leather Boots
- Coveralls (Optional)
Required Tools
Bolded items required by 4th semester, but the sooner the better.
- Metal rod/tool bucket
- Chipping Hammer
- Wire Brush
- 10” Pliers or Vise Grips
- 12’ Tape Measure with ½” wide blade
- 25’ Tape Measure (Mandatory for full time students)
- 12” Combination Square
- Side Cutters
- Combination Lock – Prefer no key
- 4 ½” Grinder
- 32 oz. Ball Peen Hammer
- 1” Cold Chisel
- Center Punch
- Model 11R vise grip clamps (2 pair min.)
- Model 10 R straight jaw vice grip clamps (2 pair min.)
- Model 20R Vice grip Chain Clamp
- Torpedo Level
- Dead Blow Hammer
- Half round File (12” min.)
- Mill Bastard File (12” min.)
- Protractor
- Magnetic Angle Finder
- Screwdriver Set (9 piece)
- 15” Crescent Wrench or Spud Wrench
- SAE End Wrenches through 1 1/8”
- ½” Drive Socket Set (through 1” min.)
- Speed Square
- Wrap Around
Second year students will be required to supply
the following items:
- 10 pack Tungsten each size 3/32" and 1/8"(suggested: EWCe-2 or EWLa-2)
- 2 Stainless steel wire wood handle “toothbrushes”