Advanced Welding Technology
If you enjoy working with your hands and building things that last, welding might be the perfect path for you. Welders play a crucial role in creating the structures, tools, and technology that keep industries moving—from bridges and buildings to pipelines, vehicles, and aerospace components.
At Western Technical College, the Advanced Welding Technology program offers a hands-on training experience designed to help you build confidence and core skills in metal fabrication, blueprint reading, safety, and multiple welding techniques. You’ll train in a lab environment that mirrors Real World conditions, learning to work with the tools and processes used across today’s industries.
Welders are needed in fields like construction, oil and gas, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and transportation—and in Texas, job openings are projected to grow steadily at about 4% through 2029. (Source: Texas Workforce Commission, Labor Market Information, 2023)
Ready to learn more about what you’ll do, what you’ll learn, and where welding can take you? Let’s break it down—one spark at a time.
Spark Your Future With A Career In Welding!
Flexible Schedules
We know life can be hectic and that is why we offer three flexible schedules to choose from. Attend classes around what works best for you. Choose from day, afternoon or evening classes and complete your training in just 13 months!
Hybrid Program
Our Advanced Welding program is a hybrid program that combines the elements of traditional face-to-face learning with the flexibility of online learning. Hybrid courses are delivered via Canvas, our Learning Management System (LMS), which provides both synchronous and asynchronous tools to support online learning.
Your Training
80% of your training will consist of hands-on (lab or shop work), and the other 20% will be spent in the classroom/online.
Welding Certifications
Preparing you is what we do! Not only will you graduate with a Certificate in Advanced Welding, you will also be eligible to test up to 6 welding certifications offered by the American Welding Society (AWS):
- (6) Structural Certifications – 2G, 3G,4G (POSITIONS) SMAW (STICK), 1/4” PLATE, OPEN V GROOVE
- (2) Pipe Certifications –
6G (45* Position) 4” sch. 40 pipe – SMAW
6G (45* Position) 4” sch. 40 pipe – SMAW / GTAW Combo
Internship Opportunities
Before you graduate from the welding program, the time will come for you to put the skills you learned in the classroom and apply them in a Real World setting! As an intern, you will have the opportunity to work hands on in a professional environment, network with other professionals in your field, explore different careers, and build your resume. You will have a dedicated team that will personally work with you and many of our industry partners to provide you the exposure and experience you need to get ready for the Real World.
Career Opportunities for Welders
- Arc Welder
- Apprentice Welder
- Combination Welder
- Fabrication Welder
- GMAW / GTAW Welder
- Iron Worker
- Pipe Fitter
- Pipe Welder
- Sheet Metal Worker
- Structural Welder
Facilities
Equipped for Your Success
- Dedicated classrooms for instruction
- 60+ welding booths
- 80+ welding machines: SMAW (Arc); GMAW (MIG); GTAW (TIG); FCAW (Flux Cored)
- Oxy-Acetylene Track Torches
- Manual Torches
- Plasma Cutters
* U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Additional Program and Outcomes Details
Additional Program and Outcomes Details can be found on our disclosures page.
What People Say
Stephen Rodriguez
“ Chris Marin is a great cdl instructor at Western Tech. He explains everything clearly stays patient and actually cares about making sure you understand, not just pass the test. he genuinely cares about his students success. He takes the time to break things down, gives practical tips that actually stick, and makes sure everyone feels prepared before moving forward. You can tell he has real experience and wants his students to succeed long after training is over. If you’re serious about getting your cdl and want an instructor who’s knowledgeable supportive, and straight up solid at what he does. Chris Marin is the guy. Western Tech is lucky to have him. ”
Martin Ramirez
“ If you want the best most precise instruction have them put you with Mr. Chris Marin. Knowledgeable, dedicated, patient and over all a great human being. I now will have my CDL for my current job thanks to his excellent leadership and work capabilities. Thank you for everything Mr. Marin. God bless ”
Andrew Morones
“ I hold the utmost respect for Chris Marin. He possessed exceptional knowledge and exhibited a profound sense of respect, which greatly contributed to my successful completion of the Western Tech CDL program. I wholeheartedly recommend him for any services he may offer. ”
David Le
“ CDL A class:
Great school, great teachers and instructors. Had the pleasure of having Mike Williams and Oscar Molinar as my teacher and instructor. Highly recommend going to school with Western Tech to obtain your CDL A. It’s not easy but with the help of everyone here, they’ll make sure you pass all exams. They want you to succeed! I didn’t work under these instructors but I did see them help out students. Pete, Fernando and Lupe were helping other students. Everyone’s knowledgeable so no worries on that end. Just study and practice on the range and you’ll be good. ”
Larry Wendy Calderon
“ I’m currently in the HVAC program and enjoying every moment of it. I was skeptical about coming back to school because I assumed the curriculum would be dry and too formal, but found out it’s the opposite. It’s got so much hands on that it makes the lecture and book portion very much interesting to incorporate them both. The instructors make the lessons fun, and learning coming easy when you have good instruction. I’d totally recommend this program to anybody. ”
Juan Rosario
“ Very well organized, you can eat from the floor. Very good mechanics supervisor. He could not help us. But he explanation made lots of good sense. ”
Vyserex 007
“ Amazing school and they have all the classes you need and they have really cool stuff to work on in the auto and diesel shop and they even have a CDL class that you can take which is good for those who want it ”
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Have questions about your future? Connect with our team—virtually or in person—to explore programs, admissions, and how to get started.
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