Start Your Welding Career

• 12-Month Program: Focuses on providing hands-on training in four key welding techniques:
  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
  • Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
  • Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
  • Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
• Safety & Technical Aspects: Students learn the critical safety procedures and technical skills necessary for each welding process.
• Oxy-Fuel Cutting: Instruction in the proper and safe use of a torch to cut metal, along with the scientific principles behind the cutting process.
• Blueprint Reading: Training on how to read and understand welding blueprints, including weld symbols, line definitions, and various print views. The course begins with basic concepts and advances to more complex techniques.

Campbellsville University offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for success in their chosen field. Whether you are attending the Campbellsville or Harrodsburg campus, you will receive the same high-quality education. The courses are designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. Below are some of the core courses you can expect:

• Introduction to Welding
• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
• Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
• Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
• Oxy-Fuel Cutting
• Blueprint Reading for Welders
• Welding Safety and Technical Procedures
• Professional Development and Career Skills

Each course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and technical skills needed to excel in the welding industry. Click here to view our course curriculum. 

To be eligible for the Welding Program at Campbellsville University, whether on the main campus or the Harrodsburg campus, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Minimum Age: Must be at least 18 years old before the program’s start date.
• High School Diploma or GED: Proof of high school graduation or equivalent is required.
• Criminal Background Check: Applicants must pass a criminal background check before admission.
• Physical Fitness: Welding involves physical work; applicants must meet the physical and technical standards of the program.
• No Prior Experience Required: No previous welding experience is needed, but applicants should be motivated to learn and pursue a career in welding.

These requirements ensure that students are ready to begin their studies and will succeed in this hands-on program designed for the modern welding industry.

The welding industry is experiencing steady growth due to increasing infrastructure projects, manufacturing needs, and a skilled labor shortage. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the employment of welders to grow by 3% from 2020 to 2030, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.

• Welders: Work in construction, manufacturing, and repair industries.
• Pipefitters: Specialize in welding pipes for industrial, commercial, and residential use.
• Structural Welders: Focus on welding metal structures in construction and heavy machinery.
• Certified Welding Inspectors: Oversee welding operations and ensure quality standards are met.

Salary Insights:

• The median annual wage for welders, cutters, and brazers was around $44,190 in 2020 (BLS).
• Certified welders with specialized skills (such as underwater welding or pipe welding) can earn higher wages.
• Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and type of welding, with top welders earning $60,000 or more annually.

Welding offers a rewarding career with diverse opportunities and competitive pay, especially for those with certifications and specialized training.

Campbellsville University's Welding Program is accredited by recognized industry standards to ensure a high-quality education and hands-on training that meets the needs of the welding profession. Our program is designed to equip students with the technical skills and safety practices required for success in the field.

Key Accreditation and Affiliations:

• National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER): The Welding Program follows NCCER standards, providing industry-recognized certifications that enhance employability.
• American Welding Society (AWS): Our program aligns with AWS guidelines, ensuring students are prepared for certifications and roles within the welding industry.
• State of Kentucky Certification: Graduates meet the requirements for certification and licensure to work as welders in Kentucky.

These accreditations affirm the program’s credibility and ensure that students receive the training necessary to pursue careers in welding with confidence.