Welding Technology
General Information
É«ÖÐÉ«offers an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Welding Technology (0062) and three stackable certificates:
Certificates
Demand for Welders is high!
Why Welding at SWIC?
One of The Best in the Nation
The Welding Technology program at É«ÖÐÉ« is consistently ranked as one of the best in the nation.
In addition to the A.A.S. that can be earned at Southwestern, the student can earn a Bachelor’s Degree by transferring to Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (courses are offered locally).
The program provides expert training to beginning welders as well as a chance for experienced welders to upgrade their skills.
Students gain extensive hands-on experience and learn about employer relationships in preparation for the job market.
Students learn Shielded Metal Arc Welding; Gas Metal Arc Welding; Flux Cored Arc Welding; Plasma Arc Welding and Cutting; Oxy-fuel Cutting; Gas Tungsten Arc Welding; Print Reading; Layout and Fit Up; and Welding Inspection.
Equipment Offered
State-of-the-art Equipment
The college’s welding shops have state-of-the-art equipment, including arc welding robots, CNC plasma cutting equipment. Instructors offer students years of experience as well as knowledge of the latest trends in welding.
Faculty are active in the American Welding Society and SkillsUSA competitions. Welding alumni have been been SkillsUSA state, national, and international welding competition champions.
Maximizing Hands-on Experience
The laboratory is open 5-6 days a week to maximize hands-on experience. Day students typically attend classes four or five days a week; night students typically attend classes two or three nights a week.
Students use about 30,000 pounds of filler metal and 50 tons of metal each year.
Course Topics
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding
- Gas metal Arc Welding, including short circuit, globular and spray transfers
- Flux Cored Arc Welding
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
- Plasma Arc Cutting
- Oxy-fuel Cutting
- Print reading
- Layout & Fitup
- Welding Inspection
Locations
Campuses
The Welding Technology Program offers day and evening classes at the following campuses:
Belleville Campus, 2500 Carlyle Ave., Belleville, IL 62001
Sam Wolf Granite City Campus, 4950 Maryville Rd., Granite City, IL 62040
Wyvetter H. Younge Higher Education Campus, 601 James R. Thompson Blvd. East St. Louis, IL 62201