Welding

At Otero College, students pursuing an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Production Welding engage in a comprehensive and dynamic program designed to develop both fundamental and advanced welding skills. The program includes essential courses on safety in welding and construction, as well as practical training 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). These courses lay a strong foundation in key welding techniques used across various industries.

In addition to core welding training, students in the AAS degree path will take general education electives and courses in business and communication. They will also study specialized areas such as Applied Metal Properties and complete a Capstone project focusing on advanced, high-volume manufacturing and fabrication techniques. This progression emphasizes efficiency, precision, and quality control, preparing students for diverse roles in sectors like construction, automotive, and manufacturing.

By combining hands-on practice with theoretical instruction, the Associate of Applied Science degree in Production Welding equips graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in today’s competitive job market.

At Otero College, the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Pipe Welding offers an in-depth curriculum designed to develop advanced skills in welding techniques specific to pipework. The program starts with foundational courses in Oxyfuel Cutting, Plasma Cutting, Air Carbon Arc Gouging, Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). These courses provide students with a solid base in various welding processes and the technical knowledge needed for joining different types of metals. Additionally, courses in blueprint reading and welding inspection introduce students to the technical specifications and quality control standards required in the industry, while safety training emphasizes the importance of safe practices in high-risk welding environments.

As the program progresses, students advance to specialized courses in pipe welding, including Pipe Welding I and II. In these courses, students learn to weld pipes in various positions using open root methods, essential for achieving high-quality welds in critical applications such as pipelines and refineries. Further courses in layout and fabrication refine their skills in cutting, fitting, and aligning pipes for different projects. Students gain hands-on experience with various metals, including carbon steel and stainless steel, and learn welding techniques used in industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, and construction.

The program combines rigorous practical training with theoretical instruction, preparing graduates to meet the challenges of pipe welding in diverse industrial settings and excel in their welding careers.

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, Plasma Cutting, Air Carbon Arc Gouging, 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.