Welding | Northampton Community College

The demand for well-trained welding technicians who can fabricate and read blueprints is growing rapidly in the Lehigh Valley.

If you are interested in a career in welding, you should have good troubleshooting skills, an interest in how things are made, a logical mind and the ability to go the distance both physically and mentally. As a student studying welding, you'll get hands-on experience in NCC's state-of-the-art Hartzell Advanced Technology Hall, using cutting -edge industry tools in the college's metallurgy labs.

NCC's Welding Fundamentals Specialized Diploma program will help you acquire industry-recognized skills and the basic theoretical knowledge to be able to weld safely and effectively. All welding credits provide a pathway to employment or entry to the two-year AAS degree. A welding certificate may be completed in as few as three semesters.

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Careers in Welding

Welders operate and maintain the machines that fabricate and repair metal structures, equipment and machinery. Welders are qualified for positions in a variety of fields based on their skill level and experience, including shipbuilding, automotive, construction and manufacturing industries. Many welders complete a postsecondary training program; they may also participate in on-the-job training. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who hold voluntary professional Certified Welder or Certified Welding Fabricator credentials.

Welders read and interpret diagrams, sketches and blueprints to determine operations, required materials and timeframes for projects. They understand and implement personal and company safety measures. Communication skills are essential to work with team members and converse with customers and clients.

Welding at NCC

Located in Bethlehem, PA, Northampton Community College is situated in the heart of Pennsylvania's industrial strip - the ideal place to explore opportunities in the welding profession.With an associate degree, certificate, or specialized diploma from NCC's welding program, you can pursue careers in the manufacturing, energy and automotive industries. Because we understand welding is one of the most hands-on majors, NCC employs a mixture of classroom training with an emphasis on interactive learning. You will not only understand the theoretical aspect of welding, but know how to solder, braze, cut, etc.

Welding positions, with the high skill-sets we teach you at NCC's welding technical school, are in high- demand. For professional jobs, you'll be required to demonstrate academic and technical competence of industrial heat treating, metallurgy and associated safety protocols.After completing NCC's welding program, you have the opportunity to pursue a four-year welding degree or fabrication engineering degree from an accredited university or college. Choosing community college welding courses at NCC gives you access to a wide range of career services and other resources. Compared to vocational schools, welding trade schools or apprenticeships, Northampton has the resources of a well-regarded institution with extensive connections in the Bethlehem area.

Our faculty and advisers can help you identify professional opportunities for an array of welding jobs. Recent (Summer 2015) job listings in the Lehigh Valley included positions with highly-regarded companies such as:

Tradesmen International
The Rose Corporation
Trillium Construction Services
Fronti Fabrications
S&W Metal Products
FIBA Technologies
KB Systems, Inc.
Myers Power Products, Inc.
Clemens Food Group
Lineage Logistics
REEB Millwork Corporation

Your Career in Welding

Students who complete the program will:

Demonstrate the proper use of Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) in short circuit and spray transfer modes, Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), and Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) equipment
Produce flat position padding and horizontal position tee joint fillet type welds with the GMAW, FCAW, and SAW processes that consistently meet the requirements of the American Welding Society
Identify common GMAW, FCAW, and SAW discontinuities, explain what causes their occurrence and how they negatively impact the weld
Demonstrate the proper use of Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) and Plasma Arc Cutting (PAC) equipment
Identify common GTAW discontinuities; explain what causes their occurrence and how they negatively impact the quality of the weld
Produce flat position padding with Torch Brazing (TB)Welding Career Paths