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25-26
2025-2026
2014-2015
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Welding Technology
Administration of Justice
Advanced Manufacturing
Agriculture
Allied Health
Anthropology
Applied Art and Design
Art
Art History
Astronomy
Athletics
Automotive Technology
Biological Sciences
Building Industries
Business
Chemistry
Communication Studies
Computer Science
Deaf Studies
Earth Science
Economics
Education
Engineering
English as a Second Language
Environmental Sciences and Sustainability
Ethnic Studies
Fashion
Fire Technology
French
Geography
German
Health Education
Health Sciences
History
Human Development and Family
Humanities
Information Technology
Italian
Japanese
Kinesiology
Learning Disabilities
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Studies
Liberal Arts
Library Science
Mathematics
Mechatronics
Music
Natural Science
Nursing Assistant
Nursing, Registered
Nutrition and Food Science
Personal Development
Philosophy
Photography
Physics
Political Science
Psychology
Recreation Management
Rise
Skill Development
Sociology
Spanish
Statistics
Theatre Arts
Welding Technology
Women and Gender Studies
Overview
Degrees/Certificates
Courses
Student Learning Outcomes
Contact Information
Division
Business, Technology and Public Service
Dean
Jill Alcorn
Associate Dean
Vance Klinke
Division Office
B3, Rocklin Campus
Overview
The Welding Technology curriculum provides training in the field of commercial and industrial welding and fabrication. Students enrolled in Welding Technology courses will receive both the theoretical technical knowledge and the hands-on skills that will prepare them for a career in welding. An associate degree, a certificate of achievement, and skills certificates may be
earned in the Welding Technology program.
Faculty
Jesus de la Torre
Assistant Professor, Welding Technology
B.A., Sonoma State University
Scott Johnson
Assistant Professor, Welding Technology
A.S., Sierra College
B.S., California State University, Fresno
Aleda Vaughn
Professor, Welding Technology
A.S., American River College
A.A., Cosumnes River College
Degrees/Certificates
Associate Degree
Welding Technology
Certificate of Achievement
Welding
Skills Certificates
Gas Metal Arc Welding
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
Metal Fabricator and Designer
Shielded Metal Arc Welding
Noncredit Certificate
Welding Industry Training
Welding Technology
AA or AS Degree
Successful completion of the degree pattern in Welding Technology prepares students for a career in a variety of manufacturing, construction, and fabrication fields as it relates to welding. Students must fulfill the following major requirements with grades of “C” or better, complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable semester units (12 of which must be completed at Sierra College) with a grade point average of at least 2.0 and complete one of the following three general education patterns:
Sierra College Associate Degree Requirements
California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC)
Required Courses
Course List
Code
Title
Units
WELD 0001A
Introduction to Welding and Fabrication
WELD 0001B
Basic Welding Fabrication
WELD 0002A
Gas Metal Arc Welding of Mild Carbon Steel on Sheet and Plate
WELD 0002B
Gas Metal Arc Welding of Stainless Steel on Sheet and Plate
WELD 0002C
Gas Metal Arc Welding Certifications on Sheet and Plate
WELD 0003A
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding of Mild Carbon Steel on Sheet and Plate
WELD 0003B
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding of Mild Carbon and Stainless Steel on Sheet and Plate
WELD 0003C
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Certifications on Sheet and Plate
WELD 0005A
Manual Metal Arc Welding of Mild Carbon Steel Fillet Welds
WELD 0005B
Manual Metal Arc Welding of Mild Carbon Steel Groove Welds
WELD 0005C
Manual Metal Arc Welding Certifications on Closed and Open Root Plate
WELD 0011
Welding Metallography
Select 9-12 units from the following:
9-12
ADVM 0003D
Design for Additive Manufacturing - 3D Printing
ADVM 0062
Introduction to Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacturing
ADVM 0064
Computer-Aided 2D Design
ADVM 0066
CNC Milling Level 1
ADVM 0067
CNC Milling Level 2
ART 0022
Metal Arts
ART 0033
Art Metal Casting
BUS 0144
Accounting Fundamentals for Small Business Owners
BUS 0215
Personal Finance
BUS 0241
Innovation Concepts for Starting a Small Business
BUS 0242
Entrepreneurship - Small Business Management
BUS 0250
Microsoft Applications for Business
BUS 0260
Introduction to Business
MECH 0001
The Science of Electronics
MECH 0004
Fundamentals of Mechatronics
MECH 0010
Fundamentals of Electronics
MECH 0044
Mechatronic Processes and Materials
WELD 0015A
Manual Metal Arc Welding on Pipe Level 1
WELD 0028
Independent Study
WELD 0095
Internship in Welding Technology
Total Units
35-38
Welding
Certificate of Achievement
Successful completion of the curriculum in Welding provides students with employable skills in commercial and industrial welding processes. Students are trained to pass industry recognized welding performance testing. Industry-recognized Welder Qualification Test Records are given to those who pass the performance tests. A certificate is designed to provide career technical skills; it is not equivalent to an associate degree.
Required Courses
Course List
Code
Title
Units
WELD 0001A
Introduction to Welding and Fabrication
WELD 0001B
Basic Welding Fabrication
WELD 0002A
Gas Metal Arc Welding of Mild Carbon Steel on Sheet and Plate
WELD 0002B
Gas Metal Arc Welding of Stainless Steel on Sheet and Plate
WELD 0002C
Gas Metal Arc Welding Certifications on Sheet and Plate
2.0
WELD 0003A
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding of Mild Carbon Steel on Sheet and Plate
WELD 0003B
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding of Mild Carbon and Stainless Steel on Sheet and Plate
WELD 0003C
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Certifications on Sheet and Plate
2.0
WELD 0005A
Manual Metal Arc Welding of Mild Carbon Steel Fillet Welds
WELD 0005B
Manual Metal Arc Welding of Mild Carbon Steel Groove Welds
WELD 0005C
Manual Metal Arc Welding Certifications on Closed and Open Root Plate
WELD 0011
Welding Metallography
Total Units
26
Certified Gas Metal Arc Welder
Skills Certificate
This certificate can be completed in 2 semesters. The
Gas Metal
Arc Welding Skills Certificate prepares students for jobs in small and large fabrication shops building a variety of goods and equipment, welding mild steel and stainless steel in thickness ranges of 16 gauge to 3/8 inch. A skills certificate is designed to provide career technical skills for the focused subject area. Students will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their skills through performance-based tests. Students who successfully pass will be awarded industry-recognized Welder Qualification Test Records (industry certifications).
Required Courses
Course List
Code
Title
Units
WELD 0001A
Introduction to Welding and Fabrication
WELD 0001B
Basic Welding Fabrication
WELD 0002A
Gas Metal Arc Welding of Mild Carbon Steel on Sheet and Plate
WELD 0002B
Gas Metal Arc Welding of Stainless Steel on Sheet and Plate
WELD 0002C
Gas Metal Arc Welding Certifications on Sheet and Plate
2.0
Total Units
10
Certified Gas Tungsten Arc Welder
Skills Certificate
This certificate can be completed in 2 semesters. The Certified Gas Tungsten Arc Welder Skills Certificate prepares students for jobs in specialty fabrication shops fabricating and welding mild steel, stainless steel and aluminum in thickness ranges of 16 gauge to 1/8 inch. A skills certificate is designed to provide career technical skills for the focused subject area. Students will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their skills through performance-based tests. Students who successfully pass will be awarded industry-recognized Welder Qualification Test Records (industry certifications).
Required Courses
Course List
Code
Title
Units
WELD 0001A
Introduction to Welding and Fabrication
WELD 0001B
Basic Welding Fabrication
WELD 0003A
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding of Mild Carbon Steel on Sheet and Plate
WELD 0003B
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding of Mild Carbon and Stainless Steel on Sheet and Plate
WELD 0003C
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Certifications on Sheet and Plate
Total Units
10
Metal Fabricator and Designer
Skills Certificate
The Metal Fabricator and Designer Skills Certificate provides students knowledge of the processes, manner and techniques of metalworking used in the welding industry or artistic metal expression applications. It can be a lead into employment with a typical metal fabrication organization and may parallel the manner of methods used by Ironworkers, Boilermakers and Millwrights; however, each of these specialty areas of metalwork encompasses their own system of apprenticeship which this skills certificate is not designed to replace. A skills certificate is designed to provide career technical skill for the focused subject area; it is not equivalent to the Welding Certificate and does not replace Welder Certification which is solely skill performance based.
Required Courses
Course List
Code
Title
Units
ART 0022
Metal Arts
WELD 0001B
Basic Welding Fabrication
WELD 0002A
Gas Metal Arc Welding of Mild Carbon Steel on Sheet and Plate
WELD 0003A
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding of Mild Carbon Steel on Sheet and Plate
WELD 0005A
Manual Metal Arc Welding of Mild Carbon Steel Fillet Welds
WELD 0015A
Manual Metal Arc Welding on Pipe Level 1
Total Units
13
Certified Manual Metal Arc Welder
Skills Certificate
This certificate can be completed in 2 semesters. The Manual Metal Arc Welder Skills Certificate prepares students for jobs in construction and field equipment repair, welding mild steel in thickness ranges of 1/8" to 1". Students will learn thermal cutting and gouging processes for fabrication and repair. A skills certificate is designed to provide career technical skills for the focused subject area. Students will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their skills through performance-based tests. Students who successfully pass will be awarded industry-recognized Welder Qualification Test Records (industry certifications).
Required Courses
Course List
Code
Title
Units
WELD 0001A
Introduction to Welding and Fabrication
WELD 0001B
Basic Welding Fabrication
WELD 0005A
Manual Metal Arc Welding of Mild Carbon Steel Fillet Welds
WELD 0005B
Manual Metal Arc Welding of Mild Carbon Steel Groove Welds
WELD 0005C
Manual Metal Arc Welding Certifications on Closed and Open Root Plate
Total Units
10
Welding Industry Training
Noncredit Certificate of Completion
This certificate can be completed in 1-2 semesters.
This skills certificate covers welding processes, knowledge, and skills specific to employers' needs. Workplace safety and etiquette are included. Metal fabrication skills for specific employment needs and welding certification testing are provided. A skills certificate is designed to provide career technical
skills
skill
for the focused subject
area.
Students will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their welding skills through industry-recognized welder qualification tests
(industry certifications).
Required Courses:
Course List
Code
Title
Units
WELD 0810
Welding Technology Industry Training 1
WELD 0811
Welding Technology Industry Training 2
Total Units
Courses
Understanding course descriptions
WELD 0001A. Introduction to Welding and Fabrication
Units: 2
Formerly known as WELD 15
Hours: 72 (18 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Hands-on survey class that focuses on the three common welding processes of Manual Metal Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding, and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, including correct setup and "how to" techniques. Plasma Arc Cutting and Oxyacetylene Cutting processes are also covered. This class is a survey of basic welding, cutting and fabrication used by the welding industry, metalworking artists, and interested hobbyists. Perfect for students who have never welded before. (CSU)
WELD 0001B. Basic Welding Fabrication
Units: 2
Formerly known as WELD 70
Prerequisite: Completion of WELD 1A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 72 (18 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Foundational fabrication course includes elements of design and fabrication methods, tool and equipment utilization, materials planning, and print reading. Designed for welding students wanting to learn the basic skills of welding shop steel fabrication. (not transferable)
WELD 0002A. Gas Metal Arc Welding of Mild Carbon Steel on Sheet and Plate
Units: 2
Formerly known as WELD 40
Hours: 72 (18 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Designed for those interested in beginning stages of welding. Students are taught to weld on mild carbon steel sheet and plate in various welding positions and joint configurations using Gas Metal Arc Welding. Explores the various modes of metal transfer when using the Gas Metal Arc Welding process. Prepares students to work in welding shop environment. (not transferable)
WELD 0002B. Gas Metal Arc Welding of Stainless Steel on Sheet and Plate
Units: 2
Prerequisite: Completion of WELD 2A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 72 (18 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Covers equipment, metal preparation, and welding of stainless steels in all positions using Gas Metal Arc Welding. Instruction in equipment setup for different metals, filler selection, material identification, and welding techniques using Gas Metal Arc Welding. Students will learn to read and correctly complete welding procedures performed in industry. Helps prepare students for employment in high demand jobs. (not transferable)
WELD 0002C. Gas Metal Arc Welding Certifications on Sheet and Plate
Units: 2
Prerequisite: Completion of WELD 2B with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 72 (18 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Practice and completion of Gas Metal Arc Welding Certifications on sheet and plate. Upon successful completion of the course, students will hold multiple industry-recognized welding certifications in Gas Metal Arc Welding on sheet and plate in 3G and 4G welding positions. Students may choose to seek employment after successful completion of this course. (not transferable)
WELD 0003A. Gas Tungsten Arc Welding of Mild Carbon Steel on Sheet and Plate
Units: 2
Formerly known as WELD 10
Hours: 72 (18 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Designed for those interested in beginning stages of welding. Students are taught to weld on mild carbon steel sheet and plate in various welding positions and joint configurations using Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. Prepares students to work in welding shop environment. (CSU)
WELD 0003B. Gas Tungsten Arc Welding of Mild Carbon and Stainless Steel on Sheet and Plate
Units: 2
Formerly known as WELD 50
Prerequisite: Completion of WELD 3A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 72 (18 lecture, 72 laboratory)
Covers equipment, metal preparation, and welding of stainless steels in all positions using Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. Instruction in equipment setup for different metals, filler selection, material identification, and welding techniques using Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. Students will learn to read and correctly complete welding procedures performed in industry. Helps prepare students for employment in high demand jobs. (CSU)
WELD 0003C. Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Certifications on Sheet and Plate
Units: 2
Prerequisite: Completion of WELD 3B with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 72 (18 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Practice and completion of Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Certifications on sheet and plate. Upon successful completion of the course, students will hold multiple industry-recognized welding certifications in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding on sheet and plate in 3G and 4G welding positions. Students may choose to seek employment after successful completion of this course. (not transferable)
WELD 0005A. Manual Metal Arc Welding of Mild Carbon Steel Fillet Welds
Units: 2
Formerly known as WELD 20
Hours: 72 (18 lecture, 54 laboratory)
An introduction to the principles of manual metal arc welding (MMAW), setup/use of MMAW equipment, and safe use of tools and equipment. Provides instruction in welding mild carbon steel fillet weld joints in various positions. Prepares students who wish to pursue a career in structural or pipe welding outdoors at various construction sites. (C-ID WELD 101X) (not transferable)
WELD 0005B. Manual Metal Arc Welding of Mild Carbon Steel Groove Welds
Units: 2
Formerly known as WELD 25
Prerequisite: Completion with grade of "C" or better or concurrent enrollment in WELD 5A
Hours: 72 (18 lecture, 54 laboratory)
An expansion of the principles of Manual Metal Arc Welding (MMAW). Provides instruction in welding mild carbon steel groove weld joints in various positions, with backing and open root joints. Prepares students who wish to pursue a career in structural or pipe welding outdoors at various construction sites. (not transferable)
WELD 0005C. Manual Metal Arc Welding Certifications on Closed and Open Root Plate
Units: 2
Formerly known as WELD 80
Prerequisite: Completion of WELD 5B and WELD 2A with grades of "C" or better
Advisory: Students must be competent in vertical and overhead position welding using certification welding processes of MMAW, FCAW-G and FCAW-S
Hours: 72 (18 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Designed to certify the welder within the guidelines of American Welding Society (AWS) Structural Steel Code D1.1. Focus on manipulative skill development with MMAW E-7018 in 3G and 4G, MMAW E-6010 in 3G and 4G open root. Students will earn industry recognized certifications in Manual Metal Arc Welding. (not transferable)
WELD 0011. Welding Metallography
Units: 4
Formerly known as WELD 60
Prerequisite: Completion of WELD 1A, WELD 2A, WELD 3A or WELD 5A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 108 (54 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Exploration of the production and properties of ferrous metals used in the welding industry. The chemical and physical properties of metals, crystallization, and theoretical concepts of alloying. Laboratory experiments in metal identification, hardness and destructive testing, heat treating, sample preparation, and microphotography. (CSU)
WELD 0015A. Manual Metal Arc Welding on Pipe Level 1
Units: 2
Formerly known as WELD 30
Prerequisite: Completion of WELD 5B with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 72 (18 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Welding of pipe using accepted practices of industry with Manual Metal Arc Welding Process. Emphasis on the welding techniques used for out-of-position welding (2G, 5G, 6G, and 6GR pipe full penetration welds). (CSU)
WELD 0028. Independent Study
Units: 1-3
Designed for students interested in furthering their knowledge at an independent study level in an area where no specific curriculum offering is currently available. Independent study might include, but is not limited to, research papers, special subject area projects, and research projects. See Independent Study page in catalog. (CSU)
WELD 0095. Internship in Welding Technology
Units: 0.5-4
Designed for advanced students to work in an area related to their educational or occupational goal. Provides new on-the-job technical training under the direction of a worksite supervisor, allowing students to expand knowledge and skills in the chosen field. Mandatory orientation session and faculty approval to determine eligibility. One unit of credit is equal to 54 hours of work. Students may earn up to a total of 16 units in internship courses (any course numbered 95 and PDEV 94). (CSU-with unit limitation)
WELD 0801A. Introduction to Welding and Fabrication
Units: 0
Hours: 72 (18 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Hands-on survey class that focuses on the three common welding processes of Manual Metal Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding, and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, including correct setup and "how to" techniques. Plasma Arc Cutting and Oxyacetylene Cutting processes are also covered. This class is a survey of basic welding, cutting, and fabrication used by the welding industry, metalworking artists, and interested hobbyists. Perfect for students who have never welded before. (noncredit)
WELD 0802A. Gas Metal Arc Welding of Mild Carbon Steel on Sheet and Plate
Units: 0
Hours: 72 (18 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Designed for those interested in beginning stages of welding. Students are taught to weld on mild carbon steel sheet and plate in various welding positions and joint configurations using Gas Metal Arc Welding. Explores the various modes of metal transfer when using the Gas Metal Arc Welding process. Prepares students to work in welding shop environment. (noncredit)
WELD 0810. Welding Technology Industry Training 1
Units: 0
Hours: 42 (6 lecture, 36 laboratory)
Covers welding processes, knowledge, and skills specific to employers' needs. Workplace safety and etiquette are included. Metal fabrication skills for specific employment needs and welding certification testing are provided as requested by employers. (noncredit)
WELD 0811. Welding Technology Industry Training 2
Units: 0
Hours: 42 (6 lecture, 36 laboratory)
Covers advanced welding processes, knowledge, and skills specific to employers' needs. Workplace safety and etiquette are included. Advanced metal fabrication skills for specific employment needs and advanced welding certification testing are provided as requested by employers. (noncredit)
Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)
Be aware of and demonstrate a high level of understanding of safety practices expected with metal-working equipment in a welding environment.
Accept personal responsibility in developing manipulative skills of the craft with the knowledge and creativity to recognize, analyze, problem solve to successful completion.
Apply reading, writing, and listening practice to interpret welding terminology, blueprints, procedures, and directions along with active verbal communication to facilitate mutual understanding in the workforce.
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Welding Technology
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