Basic Welding Certificate of Achievement

The Basic Welding Certificate of Achievement is an important part of all industries that require the fabrication, maintenance, and repair of metal structures. Coursework includes specific welding techniques such as shielded metal arc welding (SMAW),  gas metal arc welding (GMAW), and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). Students will work with different types of ferrous and nonferrous materials such as iron, stainless steel, aluminum sheet stock, and steel pipe. Safety techniques and equipment will be covered. 

This certificate offers hands-on learning in the Cabrillo College state-of-the-art welding lab. This certificate is designed for beginning-level students pursuing entry-level careers in industries that require the fabrication, maintenance, and repair of metal structures.

Upon completion, students are prepared for entry-level jobs in welding and fabrication-related industries, which include agriculture, construction, manufacturing, marine technology, and transportation. Interested students can pursue advanced welding coursework, continued education/retraining, and qualification testing for those currently in welding-related trades.

A total of 60 students are expected to enroll with the potential for annual growth. There are 225 students that enroll in 20 sections per semester, however not all students pursue a certificate as many are skill/wage gainers. Completion rates of the Certificate of Achievement are expected to be five to ten per year with a potential for annual growth.

Cabrillo College is seeking approval from the Chancellor's Office to convert its existing Basic Welding Skills Certificate into a more comprehensive Basic Welding Certificate of Achievement in Career Education. The certificate is designed to equip students with the basic skills needed to obtain an entry-level welder position in a variety of sectors, including agriculture, construction, manufacturing, marine technology, and transportation. The demand for entry-level welders has consistently been a high priority for local employers, a fact supported by recent regional labor market analyses (TOP 0956.50). This program aligns with Cabrillo's mission, strategic plan, and the statewide community college initiative on Guided Pathways. The approval of this program is expected to benefit local employers, address the community's labor needs, boost college enrollment, and support students from non-traditional backgrounds and underserved minority groups in pursuing viable careers and academic paths. This initiative will provide our students with the necessary knowledge and skills to either enter the workforce or pursue further studies in the welding field. The goal is for certificate recipients to secure employment directly after completing the program. Working with employers and the department’s Advisory Committee, the potential earnings are promising with starting salaries ranging from $15,000 to $30,000 per year in roles such as Welder, Ironworker, Metal Fabricator, Solderer, Sign Fabricator, Fitter, Factory Welder, Metal Artist, and Pipefitter. It is crucial to offer community college students the educational and professional experiences they need to gain employment or qualify to further their skills and knowledge to move onward to an earn an Advanced Welding Certificate of Achievement.

There are eight units of required coursework in the welding department. 

The Welding program provides students with a specific skill set and hands-on experience. All 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 progressing onward to advanced certificates and/or degrees.

In the SC-Monterey Sub-Region, Hartnell College has issued awards in the last three years using this TOP code. Both Cabrillo College and Hartnell College 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 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