Welding
Welders and cutters use hand-held or remotely controlled equipment to join or cut metal parts. They also fill holes, indentations, or seams of metal products.
Welder – Entry Level
48.0508.01
Courses
Cutting Process
Blueprint Reading for Welding
Basic Welding
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
Career Ready
Kentucky DOT3-G AWS Certifications
Post Secondary Education
West Kentucky Community & Technical College
Associate in Applied Science General Occupational/Technical Studies
Career Information
Work Environment
Welders and cutters may work outdoors, often in inclement weather, or indoors, sometimes in a confined area. They may work on a scaffold, high off the ground, and they occasionally must lift heavy objects and work in awkward positions. Although most work full time, overtime is common.
How to Become a Welder or Cutter
A high school diploma or equivalent combined with technical and on-the-job training is typically required to become a welder or cutter.
Pay
The median annual wage for welders and cutters was $40,240 in May 2017.
Job Outlook
Employment of welders and cutters is projected to grow 6 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The nation’s aging infrastructure will require the expertise of welders, cutters, solderers and brazers to help rebuild bridges, highways and buildings. Skilled welders with up-to-date training should have good job opportunities.
Courses
Welder – Entry Level Career Pathway 4 Year Course of Studies
Welding & ATC News & Events
ATC October 2023 Students of the Month
Congratulations to our Paducah Area Technology Students of the Month for October 2023.
ATC September 2023 Students of the Month
Congratulations to our Paducah Area Technology Students of the Month for September 2023.
ATC August 2023 Students of the Month
Congratulations to our Paducah Area Technology Students of the Month for August 2023.
