Jack Lowe
215C ATC / (304) 367-4208
Advanced Technology Center
Jack.Lowe@pierpont.edu
Program Purpose
The AAS Advanced Welding Degree is designed to prepare the student who has completed at least two (2) years in the welding field to advance into a higher-level professional position in the welding industry.
Program Admission
This program allows open enrollment for students who meet general college admission requirements. As the first semester of this program does not contain any college-level Math or English courses, students may enter the first semester while completing remedial Math or English courses. Successful completion of remedial courses will be required to progress into college-level Math and English courses within the second semester if test scores do not meet the following criteria:
| MATH |
|
| Compass |
20 |
| ACT |
15 |
| SAT |
330 |
| Accuplacer |
37 |
| Asset |
30 |
| ENGLISH |
|
| Compass |
28 |
| ACT |
13 |
| SAT |
430 (Critical Reading) |
Program Expectations
The AAS Advanced Welding Degree program focuses on the basic hands-on skills and advanced welding knowledge that prepares the student for certification as an AWS Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI), AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), AWS Certified Welding Educator (CWE), AWS Certified Welding Supervisor, or an AWS Certified Sales Representative depending on the student’s background and position currently held in the welding industry.
Students are also expected to pursue on-campus opportunities to participate in technical meetings/seminars and invest a part of their personal time in industrial societies and organizations as well as career networking opportunities that may be available to students.
Students interested in careers in this industry should be aware that the following working conditions are typical: working inside and outside in summer and winter, working as a member of a team or working alone, the possibility of heavy lifting, climbing, as well as working with common and specialized hand-tools. Jobs in this field require mental and physical fitness. Employment will always depend on passing a skills test, drug test, and background check. Frequently, there are strict limitations on tobacco and cell phone use. Travel is often required as a condition of employment.
Opportunities
The AAS Advanced Welding Degree is geared towards those who are seeking a career in high demand and highly technical career field offering annual entry-level salaries of $35,000 and up. The national average wage for welders is $39,110 (US Department of Labor Data, 2015). The program enhances the student’s ability to advance in position and income throughout his or her career. These careers offer annual salaries of $80,000 or more depending on career choices and the ability to travel.
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