Pathways: VESL Welding Technology

Welding is a method to permanently join or fuse metal parts with heat. Welding is used to construct and repair cars, bridges, buildings, aircraft, ships, piping, appliances, and other products. This six-month training is designed for non-native English speakers who want to get entry-level work in welding technology. The entry-level wage for this occupation in the Portland Metropolitan area is approximately $10-12/hour (Source: Oregon Labor Market Information System, www.olmis.org).

Conveniently located:
MHCC Gresham Campus
Classes start:
November 27, 2006
Learn more:
Download a printable flyer.

Features

  • Students learn valuable job skills in an employable technical field.
  • Students earn 25 college credits that are applicable to the MHCC welding certificate program.
  • Students are work-ready upon completion of the training.
  • Students take American Welding Society Certification Tests at completion of training.
  • Students are prepared for a variety of entry-level occupations in welding: ship repair, metal fabrication, construction, and maintenance.
  • Students participate in an Employment Preparation and Job Search Skills class.
  • A learning community is developed and an Employment Specialist supports students as they look for employment in the welding field.
  • This training is offered in partnership with the MHCC Welding Department and the MHCC Economic and Workforce Development Division.
  • Training is on the State of Oregon Eligible Training Provider list.

Cost of Training

Total Costs:
Tuition and Fees $1,920.00
Supplies and Books $858.00
AWS Testing Fees $225.00

Total Estimated Cost: $3,003.00

Note: The figures above are based on the 2006/07 MHCC fee structure. They are approximations and subject to change without notice.

Prerequisites

  • Be a non-native speaker of English with at least intermediate English skills in reading and speaking
  • Enjoy hands-on work putting things together
  • Have good coordination, eyesight, and strength
  • Be able to work in hot and cold temperatures
  • Can work cooperatively with other people
  • Be able to attend classes from noon to 7:00 PM
  • Willing to come to class promptly and consistently

Students will be selected for the training through an interview and assessment process to determine English proficiency and employability.

Course of Study

Course Number Course Name Credits
DE3ESL Pre-Vocational English as a Second Language non-credit
Pre-Term Introductory Class (Nov. 27-Dec. 15)
WLD110 Shielded Metal Arc Welding 2
WLD111A Shielded Metal Arc Welding Lab 2
WLD130 GMAW & Flux Core Arc Weld Theory 2
WLD131 GMAW & Flux Core Arc Welding Lab 4
MTH10 Conceptual Arithmetic 3
DE4ESL Vocational English as a Second Language non-credit
Total Credits for Term 1 (Winter Term) 13
WLD114 Blueprint Reading 3
WLD118 GTAW Theory 2
WLD119 GTAW Lab 2
WLD153A Cert Prep Lab 2
MTH20 Applied Arithmetic & Pre-algebra 3
DE4ESL Vocational English as a Second Language non-credit
  Employment Preparation and Job Search Skills non-credit
Total Credits for Term 2 (Spring Term) 12

What should I do next to get into the training?

  1. Contact Steven Storla at 503-491-7251.


Employment Prospects

Employment is estimated to be larger than the statewide average.

Total job openings are projected to be much higher than the statewide average. Reasonable employment opportunities exist largely due to the significant number of job openings projected for this occupation.

(Source: Oregon Labor Market Information System, www.olmis.org)