Welding

Fuse Art and Science in a Career as a Welder

Welding is an essential manufacturing skill that involves the usage of heat, pressure, or both to fuse two parts. The program and courses at CWD use state-of-the-art equipment to teach students the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career in the field.

Welding Certificate Program

Train and earn an industry-recognized credential while you work. This part-time, evening program prepares you for a career as a welder in 20 weeks. Gain a global understanding of welding, the art and science of joining metal together. Common industry standard processes of Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW-Stick), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW-TIG), and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW-MIG), as well as plasma arc and oxy-acetylene cutting are covered. Designed for anyone interested in learning more about welding, for those considering a career change, or those currently working in an entry-level position and ready to expand their skills in the manufacturing industry.

Employment Outlook: Welders, Cutters, Solderers and Brazers
  • Welders: 2.7% projected growth in jobs from 2018-2028 in the Finger Lakes region
  • Median Finger Lakes region salary: $45,110 per year (in 2021)
  • Source: NYS Department of Labor
Program Requirements:
  • 18 years of age or older
  • Successful completion of TABE entrance assessment
  • HS diploma recommended, not required (note: employers may require a high school diploma)
Tuition: $2,276
Dates: 
  • Fall: 9/13/22 – 02/09/23
    • Orientation: September 8th, 5:30 p.m. @ WEMOCO (3589 Big Ridge Rd, Spencerport NY 14559)
  • Spring: 2/14/23 – 07/27/23 
    • Orientation: February 9th, 5:30 p.m. @ WEMOCO (3589 Big Ridge Rd, Spencerport NY 14559)
Class Schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:30 - 8:30 pm
Program length: 120 hours (20 weeks)
Location: BOCES 2 Career & Technical Education Center (WEMOCO) 3589 Big Ridge Road, Spencerport, NY 14559
Required Student-Purchase Materials (purchased by student to be ready for class): steel toe work boots, welding helmet, gloves ranging from heavy-duty welding to light-gauge welding, wire cutters and chipping hammer.

What will I learn?

Introduction to Welding
Learn welding processes such as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW-MIG), Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW-Stick), Flux-core Arc Welding (FCAW), High Frequency Pulsed Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW-P), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW-TIG), Oxyacetylene Cutting (OFC), Plasma Arc Cutting (PAC). You will learn about shop safety, what Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required in a shop, weld symbols, different kinds of weld joints and grooves, and different gasses used in each process. You will also learn how to read a basic blueprint, what weld discontinuities are and the difference between constant current and constant voltage. You will also learn how to properly remove and transport gas bottles. 

Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) MIG
Students will use GMAW (short arc) GMAW-P (pulse). You will learn how to apply each process and learn what application it can be used for. You will also learn puddle control, angles and possible discontinuities that are associated with these processes and cures. You will also learn how to properly adjust settings to dial the machine in for work that you are doing. You will also learn how to weld butt, lap, and t-joints in 1f and 2f positions. You will also learn about types of grooves and their positions. At the course’s end we will also learn about the fillet weld break test and the macro etch.

Shielded Metal Arc and Flux Shielded Arc Welding (SMAW/FSAW) Stick
Review welder safety, learn shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) and flux shielded arc welding (informally known as stick welding -- a manual arc welding process that uses a consumable electrode covered with a flux to lay the weld). Students will expand on techniques such as vertical up and down using rods 6013.6010.7014, 7018 and 7024. We will also incorporate FCAW-S – Flux Core arc welding. FCAW is a semiautomatic process that uses a tubular electrode containing a flux that protects the weld puddle as well as gas shielding. You will learn to apply it in flat, vertical and overhead positions. We will use lap joints, t-joints and groove plate in either 1g or 3g positions, with bend test at the end. We will also discuss discontinuities associated with these processes, cures and wire designation. You will also learn to properly adjust your machine settings and how to properly grind your test samples to get them ready for bends.

Tungsten Inert Gas Welding (GTAW) TIG
Learn to weld carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminum in flat, vertical and horizontal positions using gas tungsten arc welding process. You will learn about alternating current and direct current. Students will learn the proper operation and set-up of machines and differences between water-cooled torch and air-cooled torch. You will learn about different tungsten electrodes that can be used and what applications they’re good for.  You will also learn the proper way to sharpen your tungsten and different end preparations, and what gas will be used during the process. You will also learn what filler rods are associated with parent metals you are welding and how to properly clean your material. We will discuss discontinuities and cures. You will learn how to weld butt, lap, tee and corner joints.

OSHA 10 Certification
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration )10-hour training will help educate workers to predict, prevent, identify and stop possible common worksite hazards, and is required for many industry careers.

Student Support and Academic Services
  • Access to student support advisors, who can provide career advisement and referral services.  
  • Access to academic, employability and interviewing support
  • Access to employer networks

How do I enroll?

Admission Procedures
When you are ready to apply, registration for Career Training Programs requires successful completion of the entrance assessment, and satisfactory arrangement of payment of tuition. An automated email confirming registration will be sent to your email. The entire admission process must be completed before enrollment is confirmed.

  1. Complete a contact card and register for an Entrance Assessment: Once you submit the contact card, you'll receive an email (check your spam!). Use the link in the email to register for an Entrance Assessment.
  2. Complete an entrance assessment to determine your program eligibility. Your score on the assessment helps determine the level of support you may need to be successful in the program.
  3. Secure funding. You may choose to meet with an advisor to discuss funding options.

Tuition Assistance options for this program include:
* Funding grants available through RochesterWorks! for eligible applicants Click here for RochesterWorks Services for Adults
*Other local tuition assistance

Get Started Today!

Complete a contact card to connect with an advisor, learn more about the program, and complete an application

Student Success

Vincent, Welding Certificate Graduate
Vincent, Welding Certificate Program Graduate

Vincent finished his welding certificate program with CWD and was looking forward to the opportunities the training provides. After working at a ski resort in Colorado for six years, Vincent was ready for a career that offered more opportunities for advancement and continuous learning. He had been thinking about welding as a career and began looking into training programs both in Colorado and around Spencerport, where he was originally from.

“The training program at CWD is so affordable compared to the other options I found, and it offers flexibility with my schedule,” Vincent said. “I am very happy with my choice to attend training here.”

Vincent credits the instructors at CWD with fueling his love of the program and helping him to figure out where he wants to take his skills. “I have a bachelor’s degree and good work experience. Now with this training, I have lots of options to explore for my career path. I am excited for the opportunities.”