Advanced Welding Certificate of Achievement

The Advanced Welding Certificate of Achievement is for students pursuing careers in industries that require the fabrication, maintenance, and repair of metal structures. This advanced certificate builds upon the Basic Welding Certificate of Achievement. Students will be prepared for the American Welding Society (AWS) certification testing. 

Coursework focuses on specific welding techniques such as shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). Students continue to explore materials covered in the Basic Welding Certificate of Achievement and move into the advanced welding of ferrous and non-

ferrous materials. All welding positions are covered including more complex positions and techniques such as overhead and pipe welding.

Students learn blueprint reading and the welding of complex angles and shapes through the process of developing and completing their own personalized projects. Safety techniques and equipment will be covered. 

This certificate offers hands-on learning in the Cabrillo College state-of-the-art welding lab. 

Upon completion, students are prepared for entry-level jobs in welding and fabrication-related industries such as agriculture, construction, manufacturing, marine technology, and transportation. Interested students can pursue continued education/re-training and qualification testing for those currently in welding-related trades.

A total of 150 students are expected to enroll with the potential for annual growth. Completion rates of the Certificate of Achievement are expected to be 30 to 40 per year with a potential for annual growth.

Cabrillo College is seeking approval from the Chancellor's Office to convert the college's existing Advanced Welding Skills Certificate into an Advanced Welding Certificate of Achievement in Career Education. This program aligns with Cabrillo's mission, master plan, and statewide community college work in Guided Pathways. The Advanced Welding Training Program is meticulously crafted to equip students with the necessary skills to excel as professional welders across a diverse array of sectors, including agriculture, construction, manufacturing, marine technology, and transportation. The demand for skilled welders has persistently been a sought-after attribute by local employers, a demand substantiated by current regional labor market analyses (TOP 0956.50). This program’s approval will support students from non-traditional backgrounds and minoritized groups in pursuing viable careers and academic paths. This initiative will furnish our students with the requisite knowledge and skills to enter the workforce or further their studies in the welding field. The program is also expected to benefit local employers and increase college enrollment.

The objective is for certificate recipients to secure employment within a year of program completion. This collaboration with employers to ascertain potential earnings is promising, with prospects for starting salaries ranging from $43,680 to $52,000 per year in roles such as Welder, Cutter, Fitter, Solderer, Brazing Machine Setter, Operator, Tender, Brazer, Ironworker, Metal Fabricator, Sign Fabricator, Metal Artist, Laser Welder, and Pipefitter. It is imperative to provide community college students with the educational and professional experiences essential for their success as they advance to higher degrees or certificates.

There are 15 units of required coursework in the welding department and 3-4 units of elective units.

The Welding program focuses on providing students with a specific skill set and hands-on experience. Most of the courses are offered within the Welding department. Depending on their career goals, students may also take courses in other departments to improve their computer skills, including computer-aided drafting, 3D modeling, computer proficiency, and business skills.

There are similar programs in the service area, including Hartnell College. Both programs work collaboratively and both programs have been offered for several decades. Due to the high demand for building trades personnel and jobs in welding, it is seen as mutually beneficial to offer programs at both colleges. Monterey Peninsula and Hartnell College were surveyed and both reported no negative impact on their college or program.

Cabrillo College’s Career Education Dean, Annabelle Rodriguez consulted with Guy Hanna, Dean of Agriculture, Business and Industry at Hartnell College, 1752 East Alisal Street, Salinas Ca 93905, (831) 755-6965, shanna@hartnell.edu and John Skellinger, Dean of Career Education & Workforce Development at Monterey Peninsula College, 980 Fremont St, Monterey CA 93940, (831) 646-4081, jskellenger@mpc.edu