Essential Welding Skills | Short-Term Welding Training

Build a Welding Career.

Hands-on training, real credentials, regional employers ready to hire.

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pct student welding in a welding lab

Program Overview

Essential Welding Skills is a 4-module stackable training pathway offered through Penn College's Workforce Development division. Each module builds on the last. Participants who complete the full pathway leave with process-specific AWS qualifications and the skills to compete for welding jobs across Central Pennsylvania's manufacturing and construction sectors. No prior experience is required to begin.

  • Module 1 - Structural Welding 1 
  • Module 2 - Structural Welding 2 
  • Module 3 - Precision & Specialty Welding 
  • Module 4 - Pipe Welding

Course Details

Module I is 160 hours of foundational welding training focused on Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and an introduction to Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), with integrated workforce readiness sessions to prepare participants for entry-level welding employment.

  • Dates: Fall dates coming soon!

    Cost: $4725 
     
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How it Works

Step 1

Complete the online prerequisite (self-paced, ~25 hours)

Step 2

Attend in-person training (160 hours in PCT's welding facility)

Step 3

Test for your AWS D1.1 qualification and connect with regional employers

Who Should Apply

Adults seeking entry into the skilled trades, career changers, individuals with some welding exposure looking to formalize their skills. No degree required.

Stackable Credential Structure

Title: Structural Welding 1 (SMAW Foundations & GMAW Introduction)

Primary Process: SMAW (Stick), GMAW (MIG) intro

Target Certifications: AWS D1.1 (SMAW, 1G-4G)

Title: Structural Welding 2 (GMAW/FCAW: Structural, Bridge & Lifting Equipment)

Primary Process: GMAW advanced, FCAW, plasma/oxy cutting

Target Certifications: AWS D1.1 (GMAW/FCAW), AWS D14.1, AWS D1.5 prep

Title: Precision & Specialty Welding (GTAW & Specialty Metals)

Primary Process: GTAW (TIG) on steel, stainless & aluminum

Target Certifications: AWS D1.1 (GTAW), specialty employer qualifications

Title: Pipe Welding

Primary Process: SMAW & GTAW pipe, cup walking, field welding

Target Certifications: API 1104 or AWS D1.1 6G