WELDING
Register for Welding Classes here!
HACC's Workforce Development Welding classes and programs are designed for students and employers.
Did you know that approximately 50% of the products manufactured in Pennsylvania require welding at some point during the production or fabrication process? That percentage covers a tremendous variety of different goods, from computers and cell phones, to oil rigs and bridges. One could reasonably infer that our success as a nation is driven by an ongoing need for high quality welding as a vital component of the overall manufacturing system.
This creates a demand for skilled welders. But what exactly is a welder and what do they do? At the most basic level, a welder’s job is to fuse or join two pieces of metal together using specialized industrial tools and equipment. The specifics of a welder's may vary, but some of the more common tasks include:
- Calculating welding dimensions
- Ignite torches and other tools
- Monitoring the welding process
Welding is a specialty trade that requires skilled technicians and serves a variety of industries and about 60% of welders work in manufacturing. Welders need to be current with the latest technologies and equipment to provide a reliable and outstanding service.
Promising Job Outlook for Welders
The employment of welders is expected to increase. The BLS projects employment of welders, cutters, solderers and brazers to grow by four percent through 2024. Welders will be vital to manufacturing and the repair and rebuilding of infrastructure throughout Pennsylvania and the rest of the country.
Job prospects for welders seeking work in Pennsylvania are even more promising. According to the Online Information Network (O*NET), employment of welders, cutters, solderers and brazers in Pennsylvania is projected to increase by six percent through 2024.
Welders are employed in many different industries. Some of these include:
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Repair and Maintenance
Quickly Enter the Workforce
HACC's Workforce Development welding classes are designed to provide you with as much practical, hands-on knowledge and skills as possible, so you can gain access to entry-level welding positions quickly. Once established in this growing trade, there are many options for taking additional classes to upgrade your skills, learn more challenging welding techniques, and propel your career to the next level.
Education is your Key to Success
Now that you know a little more about the field of welding and what it can do for your career, your next step is to get started. A quality education, with substantial focus on the practical skills a welder needs to master, can begin right here at HACC. Workforce Development offers classes in the following welding areas, and these topics can be covered one class at a time, or as part of our 4-class, Welding Technician Training Program.
Each class is 45 hours and we have schedules available in both Harrisburg, Midtown and York.
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW or "mig welding")
- Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW)
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW or "stick" welding)
In addition to your classroom and lab education, you will also have access to the following placement resources at HACC:
- Job fairs
- Career counseling
- Job boards
- Interview workshops
- Resume assistance
- And more!
HACC's extensive alumni network and industry outreach initiatives are both excellence resources that can help graduates network and secure employment.
Download the Welding Classes and Programs Guide here! (pdf)
For Employers
WELDING TRAINNG - CUSTOM, WELD CE110
For employers in need of welding skills and competencies, HACC offers welding training and testing options to meet your skill and competency requirements. This open class can be customized to meet your time and budget needs in one or more of the following welding skills areas: welding safety, welding theory and applications, GMAW (mig welding or gas metal arc welding), FCAW (flux core arc welding with both inner-shield and outer-shield options available), SMAW (stick welding or shielded metal arc welding), GTAW (tig welding or gas tungsten arc welding), cutting and brazing techniques, industrial welding print reading, math for welders, basic metallurgy, qualification and certification preparation. Essential safety gear is required for all students: welding hood, safety glasses, gloves and jacket. Safety gear and textbooks can be included.
For more information, please contact Rusty Brink at (717) 221-1338, or at ebrink@hacc.edu.
Financial Aid Options
PA Career Link www.pacareerlink.pa.gov
Veterans
HACC Veterans Affairs
Rotary Veterans Initiative Scholarship for Manufacturing, Logistics and Environmental Technology
Scholarships
HACC Foundation Scholarships for Workforce Development Programs
American Welding Society Scholarship Opportunities
Payment plans or private loans - Please contact us for more information.
Employer Options
PA WedNET Funding may be able to assist with training expenses. Please visit: WedNET PA or contact Holly Simmons at 717-780-2650 or email to kmbeljan@hacc.edu.
For more information, please contact Rusty Brink at (717) 221-1338, or at ebrink@hacc.edu