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INDUSTRIAL WELDING

Welding is the most common way of permanently joining metal parts. Through welding, heat is applied to metal pieces, melting and fusing them to form a permanent bond. There are a variety of welding processes, including stick, MIG and TIG. The Industrial Welding program at Kellogg Community College prepares students to weld many different metals in various positions using each of these processes.

KCC offers a variety of American Welding Society (AWS) welder qualifications, including shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). As part of the curriculum, KCC offers students vast amounts of hands-on training time in a state-of-the-art welding lab. As they learn to become expert welders, KCC students can expect to spend less time in the classroom and more time on the training floor mastering welding skills according to AWS standards.

KCC offers a certificate and an associate degree in Industrial Welding, as well as the more generalized Trades certificate and associate degree geared towards company-sponsored students.

Industrial Welding Certificate (25 credits)
Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Welding (60 credits)
Industrial Trades Certificate (25 credits)
Associate in Applied Science: Skilled Trades (60 credits)

Welding Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Due to the risks presented by COVID-19, all students are required to provide their own PPE for use in the welding lab. Students will not be allowed to weld in the lab without this gear.

Contact our welding instructors if unsure about any equipment purchases.

The following items are needed, with an estimated cost of $125 to $150 excluding shoes.

Safety glasses
Work boots
Welding helmet (Lincoln 1740 helmet or similar)
Welding jacket (green fire-resistant type jacket, not brand specific)
Welding gloves
Oxy-fuel face shield (#5, not brand specific)

Course Sequences

Unlike traditional academic courses, the offerings in KCC’s Industrial Welding program consist of short modules that are components of larger units. Modules are often less than one credit apiece and can be completed at a student’s own pace in a matter of hours or days. Units range from 1 to 30 modules, depending on the area of instruction.

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Industrial Welding Course Sequence

Unit	Title	Credits
Unit 05	Basics of Welding	0.43
Unit 10	Oxyacetylene Welding	1.54
Unit 15	Cutting Processes	0.79
Unit 20	Brazing and Soldering	0.92
Unit 25	Shielded Metal Arc Welding	4.02
Unit 30	Advanced Arc Welding	5.74
Unit 35	Welding Metallurgy	1.27
Unit 40	Gas Metal Arc Welding	2.80
Unit 45	Gas Tungsten Arc Welding	5.01
Unit 50	Pipe Welding	4.37
Unit 55	Special Applications	1.68

Full Module Listings
RMTC	Spring 2024	Summer 2024	Fall 2024
EAC	Spring 2024		Fall 2024
Hastings	Spring 2024		Fall 2024

Job Outlook & Salary Info

For the latest employment and wage estimates for industrial welding careers in Michigan, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

Transfer Opportunities

Transfer opportunities are available for students looking to transfer their KCC credits to a four-year institution. Popular transfer destinations for KCC’s Industrial Welding students include Ferris State University, Siena Heights University and Western Michigan University.

For additional advice on transfer opportunities, contact our academic advising department.