Start a Career in Welding
Welding plays a fundamental role in keeping our society running, from the fabrication of planes and ships to pipeline and bridge construction, the impact of welding can be found in numerous fields of industry. Because welding is essential to so many industries, you will have the opportunity to specialize and build a set of skills that will always be in demand. The welding program at Otero College is designed to prepare students to obtain entry-level employment in agriculture, production, and maintenance environments. Our advanced welding training prepares you for more complex types of welding and welding procedures, in manufacturing, structural, and pipe line.
These programs are designed to allow enrollment of both secondary and post-secondary students and will meet the needs of all prospective students including high school students, full-time or part-time college students, and adult learners.
At Otero College, students pursuing an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Pipe Welding start with foundational courses in Oxyfuel Cutting, Plasma Cutting, Air Carbon Arc Gouging, Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). Our advanced welding training prepares you for more complex types of welding and welding procedures, in manufacturing, structural, and pipeline. The program combines practical training with theoretical knowledge, equipping students for careers in industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, and construction.
At Otero College, students can pursue a comprehensive series of welding courses to earn specialized certificates in various disciplines. The certificate programs begin with foundational training in arc welding processes and metal joining techniques. Students start by acquiring fundamental skills through courses in Oxyfuel Cutting, Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). As they advance, they are challenged to master more complex skills in these processes, preparing them for high-demand roles in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and energy. Each course combines hands-on training with theoretical knowledge, equipping students with the skills needed for a successful welding career.
Otero continually evaluates the welding certificate program to meet the training needs of industry partners; in our welding classes, you are always acquiring workplace-ready skills that are in demand.
Skilled Trades
National Officer
Business Manager
Instructor
Journey Person
Apprentice
Construction
Owner
Supervisor
Foreman
Welder
Education
Post-Secondary
Administrator
Professor
Associate Professor
Instructor
Government/Military
Officer
Warrant Officer
Non-Commissioned Officer
Manufacturing/Fabrication/Repair
Owner
Supervisor
Foreman
Welder
Inspection
Owner
Non-Destructive Testing
Certified Welding Inspector
Research
Scientist
Engineer
Technologist
Technician
Welder
Technical Sales
Distributor Owner
Manufacturer Sales Rep
Distributor Outside Sales
Distributor Counter Sales
Visit the Academic Catalog - Welding Certificates
For Course Curriculum & Certificate Information
Visit the Academic Catalog - Welding AAS Degrees
For Course Curriculum & Degree Information
Program Information
Courses Offered:
In Person
Program Length:
Varies
Certificate Credits:
- Advanced Welding Pipe Certificate Courses – 45
- Gas Metal Arc Welding Certificate – 17
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Certificate – 17
- Oxyfuel Cutting Certificate – 9
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding Certificate – 17
- Advanced Welding Production Certificate – 43
Degree Credits:
- Welding Technology AAS – 63
Quick Links
Eric Larrew
Welding Faculty
(719) 384-6893
eric.larrew@otero.edu
McDivitt 114
Brandon Lease
Welding Faculty
(719) 384-6814
brandon.lease@otero.edu
McDivitt 114