Train to become a certified welder. Discover materials and techniques for work in many industries as a specialist in one of the most highly paid skilled trades.
What is Welding Technology?
HCC's welding program allows you to work with the most current tools and machines to let you take your education further. You weld various kinds of metals, such as mild steel, aluminum, cast iron, and stainless steel. You ll also learn:
- Electric arc welding.
- Oxyacetylene gas welding and cutting.
- Metal inert gas welding (MIG).
- Tungsten inert gas welding (TIG).
- Blueprint reading.
- Metal welding using mild steel, aluminum, cast iron, and stainless steel.
- Operation of saws, drill presses, grinders, power shears, metal brakes and rolls, and numerous other hand tools.

Getting Started
What are my degree, diploma, and certificate options?
- SENSE LEVEL 1 - ENTRY WELDERS CERTIFICATE
- GAS METAL ARC WELDER CERTIFICATE
- GAS TUNGSTEN ARC WELDER CERTIFICATE
- GAS WELDER CERTIFICATE
- GAS TUNGSTEN ARC WELDER (GTAW) PIPELINE CERTIFICATE
- SHIELDED METAL ARC WELDER (SMAW) PIPELINE CERTIFICATE
- GAS METAL ARC WELDER (GMAW) PIPELINE CERTIFICATE
- PRODUCTION LINE WELDER CERTIFICATE
- SHIELDED METAL ARC WELDER CERTIFICATE
- WELDER HELPER GENERAL CERTIFICATE
- ARC CUTTER CERTIFICATE
How Do I Pay For This?
Worry no more. With the lowest tuition in Kentucky, financial aid options, and a helping hand to guide you through the application process, HCC has you covered. We'll help you reach your dreams at a price that won't break the bank.
What Else Do I Need to Know?
Length of Program
You can earn an associate in applied science degree in two years if you maintain full-time status.
This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You
should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that
you meet all degree requirements.
View the Two-Year Schedule to see the assignment of classes over the long term.
How many hours are classroom/lab sessions?
Sense Level 1 - Entry Welders Certificate: 36-37 of the *required 36-37 credit hours are classroom/lab instruction.
Production Line Welder Certificate: 19-20 of the *required 19-20 credit hours are classroom/lab instruction.
Shielded Metal Arc Welding Certificate: 17-18 of the *required 17-18 credit hours are classroom/lab instruction.
Gas Metal Arc Welding Certificate: 17-18 of the *required 17-18 credit hours are classroom/lab instruction.
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Certificate: 17-18 of the *required 17-18 credit hours are classroom/lab instruction.
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) Pipeline Certicate: 25-30 of the *required 25-30 credit hours are classroom/lab instruction.
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (GTAW) Pipeline Certicate: 25-30 of the *required 25-30 credit hours are classroom/lab instruction.
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) Pipeline Certicate: 25-30 of the *required 25-30 credit hours are classroom/lab instruction.
Arc Cutter Certificate: 5 of the *required 5 credit hours are classroom/lab instruction.
Welder Helper General Certificate: 5 of the *required 5 credit hours are classroom/lab instruction.
Gas Welder Certificate: 4 of the *required 4 credit hours are classroom/lab instruction.
*does not include <100 level credit hour courses