WELDING

Forge your future with fire and metal! The Welding Technology program at the Strom Thurmond Career and Technology Center (STCTC) provides intensive, hands-on training in the art and science of joining metals. You will learn the foundational and advanced techniques required for high-demand careers in fabrication, construction, manufacturing, and maintenance.

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🔩 Program Curriculum and Skills

 

Our Welding program is a three-year sequence (Welding 1, Welding 2, and Welding 3/4) that systematically builds your expertise from basic joint methods to specialized, industrial processes.

Course Level	Focus Areas
Level 1 & 2 (Foundations)	Learn essential safety protocols, proper use of cutting and grinding tools, and core welding methods: Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW).
Level 3/4 (Advanced Techniques)	Gain advanced knowledge and practice in SMAW, GMAW, and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). Students are introduced to Fluxed Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), along with detailed print reading and welding symbol interpretation for accurate fabrication.

Students apply their skills through senior projects, which in the past have included building functional items like trailers, grills, gates, and various hunting accessories, giving you real-world fabrication experience.

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🛡️ Certifications and Professional Edge

 

Earning industry-recognized credentials is the key to a competitive advantage in the job market.

●       OSHA-10 Certified: 99% of students in the program become OSHA-10 Certified, demonstrating a commitment to safety standards required by virtually all construction and manufacturing employers.

●       NCCC Credentials: The program is designed to prepare students for leading National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) certifications, validating your proficiency in critical welding processes.

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💼 Career Outlook

 

Welding is a foundational skill for numerous high-paying careers across South Carolina's industrial landscape. Graduates of the STCTC program are prepared for a variety of roles:

Career Pathway	Median Annual Wage Potential
Structural/Industrial Welder	Up to $52K or $35/hour
Advanced Welder (Offshore/Underwater)	Average salary up to $70K
Specialized Fields	Pipe Line Welding, Fabrication, Railroad, Nuclear, Equipment Sales, and Military Maintenance.

Welding graduates have options: 52% of students go on to post-secondary education, while others enter the workforce immediately in fabrication and maintenance roles.

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Ready to master a valuable trade? Contact the Strom Thurmond Career and Technology Center at (803) 275-1767 to learn how to enroll in the Welding program.