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Honolulu Community College

Construction & Trades

Welding Technology

Welding Technology

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If you enjoy working with your hands and are looking for a rewarding career, welding could be the perfect fit for you!

About the Program

Skilled welders are in high demand, not just in Hawai‘i, but around the world. Our Welding Technology (WELD) program is designed to meet the minimum skill standards established by the American Welding Society (AWS) for entry level welders. This means you’ll gain practical skills in the various phases of welding, cutting and fusing metals, and interpreting blueprints and sketches. Upon completion of our program, you’ll be trained in arc welding, plasma and carbon arc cutting, oxyacetylene welding, TIG welding, MIG welding, gas metal and flux core arc welding, welding inspecting testing principles and fabrication techniques.

Our WELD program is the only one in the state that offers training using both traditional welding equipment and a virtual welding machine.

The class will be held in-person and, depending on lab space, may be split into two groups to meet the six-feet social distancing requirements. You will be responsible to come to campus during your assigned lab time.

Contact your instructor prior to the first day of instruction to find out which digital platform will be used for the class lecture. Your instructor will provide a list of tools, books, etc. during the first week of the semester.

Be sure to attend the first day of instruction for information on attire, tools, and books that will be required. Instructors take attendance at the beginning of class, so please be on time. If you are absent or tardy, please email your instructors to schedule time to make up the work missed.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes are program goals that describe what you will gain from this learning experience. They are located in the program descriptions in the College Catalog.

Technical Standards

Technical Standards describe some of the essential mental, physical, and behavioral skills that are necessary for successful participation in and completion of courses in this curriculum.

Thinking Skills

General

Apply standard welding principles and practices to perform practical work assignments.

Specific
  • Read textbooks, handouts, diagrams, charts and tables.
  • Read welding codes and qualifications.
  • Recognize welding terminology and symbols.
  • Interpret blue prints and sketches.
  • Visualize three-dimensional objects.
  • Distinguish shapes, forms, and patterns.
  • Take accurate measurements and do conversions.
  • Calculate slopes, circumferences, and decimal equivalents.
  • Estimate materials and costs.
  • Identify names and uses of tools and machines.
  • Describe operations of various welding machines.
  • Explain characteristics and uses of different types of metals Describe standard welding methods and practices.
  • Follow safety procedures.
  • Explain the proper care of equipment.
  • Formulate fabrication plans.
  • Perform procedures according to proper specifications.
  • Conduct tests of welding work.
  • Distinguish indicators of poor vs. quality construction.

Sensory/Observation Skills

General

Use sensory cues to maintain standards of quality welding.

Specific
  • Take precise measurements to 1/16 of an inch.
  • Recognize and compare shapes and forms of objects.
  • Detect fabrication problems.
  • Survey and select appropriate materials, tools and equipment for welding work.

Motor Skills

General

Possess sufficient physical strength, flexibility, and dexterity to safely perform welding techniques.

Specific
  • Operate necessary tools, equipment, and machinery.
  • Remove and replace metal pieces.
  • Position and maneuver in confined spaces.
  • Work at varying heights.
  • Lift and transport equipment and materials as necessary.

Communication Skills

General

Communicate effectively to gather and convey information.

Specific
  • Obtain necessary information from oral and written sources.
  • Express information coherently.

Behavioral Skills

General

Behave appropriately and safely in a cooperative learning environment.

Specific
  • Fulfill personal and shared responsibilities.
  • Work cooperatively with partners and groups.
  • Exercise good judgement.
  • Follow safety procedures.

Environmental Tolerance

General

Function safely in a welding shop environment.

Specific

Work for prolonged periods exposed to: Extreme noise, Extreme heat, Sharp tools and materials, Electrical equipment, Chemicals and toxins, Dust and fumes, Machinery with moving parts, Slippery or uneven surfaces, Variations in lighting

In addition to the Tuition, other costs include:

  • Textbooks/Supplies: Approximately $1500 for the program. Additional tools and textbooks may be required each semester.
  1. Apply to Honolulu Community College.
  2. Prerequisite: Placement into ENG 100. MATH 50, or Placement into MATH 150 or higher.
  3. Recommended: IS 20.

Required Tools/Supplies

Degrees & Certificates Offered
  • Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
  • Certificate of Achievement (CA)
Course Information

Careers

Many of our Welding Technology graduates have gone on to careers in the occupations listed below:

Visit the Hawaii Career Explorer website for more information.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

First, complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine if you are eligible for financial assistance which may help to cover your tuition and any additional costs. For more information about Financial Aid and FAFSA, visit Financial Aid Overview.

Next, see if you may qualify for Scholarships, which are awarded on the basis of merit, academic performance, and/or financial need. View the Scholarships page for available scholarships.

Get Started

HonCC offers more than 23 academic programs offering 22 associate degrees and 31 certificates to prepare you for a lifetime of meaningful work.

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