MOHAVE COUNTY – Mohave Community College’s Community Education Division continues to add to its long list of offerings, including a number of new and returning welding courses. These courses are designed to teach students different types of welding, how to weld at home as a hobbyist and much more.
Welding Instructor Zachary Drew says many students secure employment immediately upon completion of MCC welding programs. In fact, he says companies in the area reach out to the College in their search for employees, and that students who worked hard and showed they were ready to work in a shop are quickly given that chance.
“We also equip students with the tools and know-how to do small side jobs and encourage entrepreneurship,” Drew says. “We also get a lot of students interested in welding for DIY and Hobby welding. Our shop is well set up with tools that students can learn to use and can purchase for their home shop and put to use. I just recently had a student from years ago email and ask what welder to purchase. He got one and is working on building some custom weld tabs for his side-by-side. I also have a student in his first semester that repaired the backer ‘bumper’ bars on a loading dock for a local company.”
Drew says experience is the greatest teacher, and that all of MCC’s welding programs provide students with that opportunity.
“After completing the programs at MCC, you will be ready for an entry-level job in a wide variety of welding processes and industries ranging from Structural welding, manufacturing, fabrication, pipe welding, and specialty welding with aluminum and stainless steel,” Drew says.
How to TIG Weld will see students learn Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, and the procedures and techniques that will allow them to weld on their own.
* 2 – 7 p.m. Saturdays
* Sept. 7 to Sept. 14
* Dec. 7 to Dec. 14
How to MIG Weld will teach students how to do Gas Metal Arc Welding, and the associated procedures and techniques to weld on one’s own.
* 2 – 7 p.m. Saturdays
* Oct. 5 to Oct. 12
Hobby Welding will teach students to weld in their own garages. Students are welcome to bring their own welders to learn how to use them, or they can use a provided welder to learn to fabricate in the garage as a hobbyist. Drew says students don’t walk away with the education and certifications they would need to enter the industry, but do leave equipped do complete DIY projects, such as fixing things around the house or creating artwork.
* 2 – 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9
The Welding Refresher class has multiple upcoming slots, all of which consist of a single session. The class is designed to give students a skill refresher in all welding processes, including MIG Welding, TIG Welding and more.
* 9 a.m. – noon Aug. 31
* 9 a.m. – noon Sept. 28
* 9 a.m. – noon Oct. 26
* 9 a.m. – noon Nov. 30
* 9 a.m. – noon Dec. 28
Community Education is also offering a Weekend Welding course that will provide students with an introduction to safe welding practices, required safety gear, and tools and equipment. Students will learn proper machine setup as well as foundational practices and techniques for Gas Metal Arc Welding and/or Gas Tungsten Arc Welding to produce fillet welds in the flat and horizontal positions.
* 8 a.m. – noon
* Sept. 7 to Sept. 28
Additionally, MCC offers AWS Certification for welding. If one’s certifications are set to expire, instructor Jim Hill can get them recertified. Recertification is offered year-round and is based on the instructor’s availability. Contact Daanderson@mohave.edu to inquire.
“The welding industry has great need for welders,” Drew says. “The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there will be 42,600 each year for welding professionals until the year 2031. The average age of welders in the U.S. is 55 so many professionals with experience are at the stage where they will be retiring and the younger generation has a great opportunity to get into these high-paying jobs.”
For more information on Community Education Division offerings, go to https://www.mohave.edu/upcomingcommunityclasses/.
