Accelerated Welding - AWS Certification Track

Looking for a high paying, high demand profession in today's competitive workforce? Welders work in a wide variety of industries, from manufacturing and aerospace, to car racing. Welding is one of the fastest-growing occupations in today's workforce and has adapted to meet the needs of new manufacturing process. Cerro Coso's Welding Technology programs prepare students with the knowledge and skills needed to gain job entry into a wide variety of welding occupations.

Program Description

The accelerated Welding program will provide students with a fast-track career pathway to a job. Students will be finished within two semesters and will have the opportunity to be assessed in WorkKeys, become certified in the MSSC, OSHA 10 and take the American Welding Society Level I welding certification.

All pictures are of Cerro Coso students

Accelerated Pathway Sequence

Course Sequence

SEMESTER 1
1st 8 Weeks2nd 8 Weeks
WELD C101
Oxyacetylene Welding
(3 units)
MSSC (CPT Cert)
WELD C200
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
(2 units)
SEMESTER 2
1st 8 Weeks2nd 8 Weeks
WELD C102
Shielded Metal Arc Welding
(2 units)
WELD C201
Welding Fabrication
(3 units)

Cost of Program

Tuition$552
$46 x 12 units
Welding Fees$160
Consumables, Rods, Gas, Steel, etc.
Books$200
Supplies$300
Heavy Cotton Jacket or Long-Sleeved Shirt, Welding Gloves, Boots
TOTAL COST$1212

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of welders is expected to grow 15% from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Properly skilled welders with up-to-date training should have the best prospects.

Certification

  • WorkKeys
    • Applied Mathematics
    • Location Information
    • Reading For Information
  • Manufacturing Skill Standards Council Certification in
    • Safety
    • Quality Practices & Measurement
    • Manufacturing Processes & Production
  • American Welding Society Certification
    • Level I – Entry Welder
  • OSHA 10
    • First level OSHA certification
  • 12 Unit College Certificate
    • 12 unit college certificate that can lead students onto an AS degree

Important Information

This new program is partially funded through a Department of Labor grant called the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training Programs (TAACCCT programs).

Mandatory requirements for this program include:

  • Program application
  • Program specific orientation
  • Completion of program specific assessments
  • Supplemental instruction and/or success lab attendance

Steps to enroll for this program?

  1. Call and make an appointment at the Counseling Department (760) 384-6219
  2. Complete application paperwork
  3. Attend an Orientation
  4. WorkKeys Assessment
  5. College Assessments

Cerro Coso Community College also offers traditional welding programs:


This pathway of study is in response to community needs in Ridgecrest, Kern River Valley, South Kern, Bishop and Mammoth areas and is being funded through the TAACCCT Grant.