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student welding in protective gear

Many trades employ welding skills. Employment prospects in the Portland area are strong. The Oregon Employment Department forecasts over 250 welding job openings per year through 2027.

Why choose Welding Technology at PCC?

Salary

The Oregon Employment Department reports that Portland area welders earn between $19.44 to $32.57 per hour. The average annual salary is $54,067.

Our welding faculty are dedicated teachers with real-world experience. You will learn in facilities developed to teach you the hands-on skills employers seek.

The PCC Welding program offers flexible scheduling with an open-entry/open-exit, self-paced format. This allows you to register for full or part-time instruction by using our weld shop waitlist.

Degrees and certificates

Degrees and certificates by number of terms to complete
Award Length Financial aid eligible Currently accepting students?
Associate Degree: Welding Technology2 years
Career Pathway Certificate: Flux Core Arc Welding Certification PreparationLess than 1 yearLimited entry, see how
to get into this program
Career Pathway Certificate: Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Certification PreparationLess than 1 year
Career Pathway Certificate: Gas Tungsten Arc Welding CustomizedLess than 1 year
Career Pathway Certificate: General Fabrication PreparationLess than 1 year
Career Pathway Certificate: Maritime Shipfitter and WelderLess than 1 yearLimited entry, see how
to get into this program
Career Pathway Certificate: Maritime WeldingLess than 1 year
Career Pathway Certificate: Metal Fabrication CustomizedLess than 1 year
Career Pathway Certificate: Pipe Welding Certification PreparationLess than 1 yearLimited entry, see how
to get into this program
Career Pathway Certificate: Pipe Welding CustomizedLess than 1 year
Career Pathway Certificate: Shielded Metal Arc Welding Certification PreparationLess than 1 year
Career Pathway Certificate: Shielded Metal Arc Welding CustomizedLess than 1 year
Career Pathway Certificate: Welding Certification Preparation CustomizedLess than 1 year
Career Pathway Certificate: Welding TechnologyLess than 1 year
Career Pathway Certificate: Wire Welding Certification PreparationLess than 1 year
Career Pathway Certificate: Wire Welding CustomizedLess than 1 year
Career Pathway Certificate: Wire and TIG WeldingLess than 1 year

What will you learn?

  • GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding)
  • GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding)
  • FCAW (Flux-Cored Arc Welding)
  • Maritime welding
  • Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
  • OAC (Oxy-Acetylene Cutting)
  • OAW (Oxy-Acetylene Welding)
  • PAC (Plasma-Arc Cutting)
  • Stick welding
  • SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding)
  • TIG welding
  • Structural steel codes
  • Wire welding

What will you do?

Student welding with protective gearTwo students in masks holding their finished welding workStudent welding in protective gearStudent standing in front of his finished welding projectClassroom of students welding togetherTwo students welding side by side

Here are some trades that use welding:

  • Diesel mechanics
  • Fabrication
  • Glazing
  • Manufacturing
  • Marine construction
  • Millwright
  • Pile buck
  • Pipe fitting
  • Sculpture
  • Sheet metal
  • Steam fitting
  • Welding inspection

Where PCC grads are employed

You may work for shipyards, manufacturers, contractors, government firms requiring maintenance mechanics, and repair shops. Graduates of PCC’s program have found positions with such firms as:

  • Cascade General
  • Coastal Trailer
  • Columbia Corp.
  • Davis Tool
  • Freightliner
  • Gunderson Inc.
  • H&W Metals
  • Harris Thermal Transfer
  • Madden Industrial Craftsman
  • Oregon Iron Works
  • Vigor Marine
  • Sheet Metal Local #16

Are you an employer? Post a job.

Next steps

Applying to PCC is free and only takes a few minutes.Apply now
Limited entry awards have an additional application process. Learn about the prerequisite requirements for the Welding program.

Not quite ready to apply?

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