Welding

Does PCC Have Welding Classes for Aspiring Welders?

Does PCC Have Welding Classes

Yes, PCC (Portland Community College) offers welding classes.

The PCC Welding program teaches various techniques such as GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, and more.

Graduates of the program have found employment with companies such as Cascade General, Freightliner, and Vigor Marine.

Classes are held at Rock Creek Campus, Swan Island Ship Repair Yard, and the OMIC Training Center in Scappoose.

Additional information about program entry requirements can be found at www.pcc.edu/weld.

Did You Know?

1. The welding program at PCC (Portland Community College) is considered one of the top five welding programs in the United States.

2. PCC offers specialized welding classes that cover a wide range of welding techniques, such as MIG, TIG, and arc welding.

3. PCC’s welding program is accredited by the American Welding Society (AWS), ensuring that students receive high-quality and industry-relevant education.

4. PCC’s welding classes are not limited to basic welding training – they also offer advanced courses such as pipe welding, underwater welding, and aerospace welding.

5. PCC’s welding program boasts a high job placement rate, with many students finding employment in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and automotive after completing their training.

PCC Welding Classes Offered In Open-Entry, Open-Exit Format

Portland Community College (PCC) takes pride in offering welding classes to aspiring welders in the Portland area. The college’s welding program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the welding field. What sets PCC apart is its open-entry, open-exit format, giving students the flexibility to enroll in welding classes at their convenience.

Before enrolling in PCC’s welding classes, program advising and department approval are mandatory to ensure that students receive proper guidance in choosing the right courses that align with their career goals. Additionally, there is an extra fee of $12.00 per credit hour for shop welding classes, which covers the cost of materials and equipment used in the program.

The classes are held at PCC’s Rock Creek Campus in Building 2 Weld Shop Room 132. They have a Monday to Thursday schedule, offering three different time slots: morning classes from 7:00 am to noon, afternoon classes from noon to 5:00 pm, and evening classes from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. This flexible scheduling allows students to pick a time that suits their other commitments.

For students based in Scappoose, PCC’s welding program also operates at the OMIC Training Center located at 34001 NE Wagner Ct. The center provides AAS Degree courses from 4-9 pm Monday to Thursday, following the open-entry, open-exit instructional format.

Swan Island is another location for PCC welding classes. These classes are conducted at the Swan Island Ship Repair Yard at Vigor Industrial Welding Training Center, offering specialized training in maritime welding. The Maritime Career Pathway classes are scheduled from 7 am to 12 noon from Monday to Thursday, while the AAS Degree courses follow the same open-entry, open-exit instructional format from 5 pm to 9:50 pm.

It is important to note that students interested in taking welding classes at Newberg High School’s weld shop will need to find an alternate option as the shop is temporarily closed due to a major remodel. Nonetheless, PCC’s main campuses and other locations provide ample opportunities for aspiring welders to kick-start their careers.

Job Outlook And Salary For Welders In Portland Area

If you’re considering a career in welding, you’ll be pleased to know that the job outlook for welders in the Portland area is very promising. According to the Oregon Employment Department, there will be over 250 welding job openings each year through 2027. This high demand for skilled welders creates excellent opportunities for individuals looking to enter the field.

In addition to the abundance of job openings, welding also offers competitive salaries in the Portland area. According to the same report from the Oregon Employment Department, Portland area welders earn wages ranging from $19.44 to $32.57 per hour, with an average annual salary of $54,067. These figures demonstrate that welding can be a lucrative career choice for those with the right training and skills.

PCC’s welding program equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge required to succeed in the profession. By completing the program, graduates are well-prepared to take advantage of the numerous job opportunities and attractive salary prospects available in the Portland area.

Techniques Taught In Pcc Welding Program

PCC’s Welding Technology program provides students with comprehensive training on various welding techniques. By mastering these techniques, students gain the practical skills needed to excel in the field of welding.

Among the techniques taught in the program are:

  • GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding): Also known as MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding, it involves using a consumable wire electrode and a shielding gas to form an electric arc and melt the base metal. GMAW is a versatile and commonly used welding process.
  • GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding): Also known as TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding, it is a process that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode and a filler metal to join metals together. GTAW is often preferred for its ability to produce high-quality welds with excellent aesthetic appeal.
  • FCAW (Flux-Cored Arc Welding): A semi-automatic welding process that uses a hollow wire electrode filled with flux to shield the weld pool from contaminants. FCAW is known for its high productivity and ability to weld in a variety of positions.

These techniques are widely used in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and metal fabrication.

PCC ensures that students develop a well-rounded skill set that meets the demands of the industry.

By teaching these techniques, PCC ensures that students develop a well-rounded skill set that meets the demands of the industry. With a solid foundation in these welding techniques, graduates are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of a welding career.

  • GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) or MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding uses a consumable wire electrode and a shielding gas to form an electric arc and melt the base metal.
  • GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding) or TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode and a filler metal to join metals together.
  • FCAW (Flux-Cored Arc Welding) is a semi-automatic welding process that uses a hollow wire electrode filled with flux to shield the weld pool from contaminants.
  • PCC’s Welding Technology program ensures that students develop the practical skills needed to excel in the field of welding.

Employment Opportunities For Graduates Of Pcc Welding Program

Graduates of PCC’s Welding program have found employment with reputable companies in the Portland area. Some notable employers include Cascade General, Freightliner, and Vigor Marine.

Cascade General is a ship repair and heavy industrial construction company that offers a range of services, including welding. Graduates of PCC’s welding program have been able to secure positions within Cascade General, leveraging the knowledge and skills acquired during their studies.

Freightliner, a leading manufacturer of heavy-duty trucks, also hires welders who have completed PCC’s welding program. The company values the training received at PCC and recognizes the program as a solid foundation for a successful welding career.

Vigor Marine, a ship repair and maritime industry leader, is another employer that welcomes PCC welding program graduates. With their comprehensive training in maritime welding, PCC graduates are well-equipped to contribute to the industry and excel in their roles at Vigor Marine.

These examples showcase the reputation and value of PCC’s welding program. Graduates have found success in securing employment with well-established companies in the Portland area, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for real-world welding challenges.

Locations And Schedule Options For Pcc Welding Classes

PCC offers welding classes at various locations, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for students.

As previously mentioned, classes are held at PCC’s Rock Creek Campus, where students can attend sessions at Building 2 Weld Shop Room 132.

For those in Scappoose, the OMIC Training Center is a convenient option for pursuing a welding education. The center offers AAS Degree course offerings from 4 pm to 9 pm Monday to Thursday, providing a suitable schedule for working professionals or individuals with other commitments.

Swan Island is another location where PCC holds welding classes. Specifically, classes are conducted at the Swan Island Ship Repair Yard at Vigor Industrial Welding Training Center, which can be found at 5555 N Channel Ave, Portland. This location offers Maritime Career Pathway classes from 7 am to 12 noon Monday to Thursday. Additionally, AAS Degree course offerings follow the open-entry, open-exit instructional format from 5 pm to 9:50 pm Monday to Thursday.

These different locations and schedule options cater to a diverse range of students, allowing them to choose the most suitable learning environment and class times. PCC strives to accommodate the needs of aspiring welders, ensuring they have the opportunity to pursue their passion for welding conveniently and effectively.

PCC’s welding program teaches various welding techniques (blockquote), providing students with comprehensive training.

Graduates of the program have found employment with reputable companies such as Cascade General, Freightliner, and Vigor Marine.

  • PCC’s welding program is designed with an open-entry, open-exit format, allowing students to enroll and complete classes at their convenience.
  • With an excellent job outlook and competitive salaries, welding proves to be a promising career choice in the Portland area.
  • Flexible scheduling options are available to accommodate students’ needs.
  • Different campuses offer welding classes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many months is a welding course?

Aspiring welders embarking on a career in welding are advised to enroll in a minimum of three courses. However, the duration of a welding course can vary depending on the level of training one wishes to acquire. Ideally, completing all the required classes would typically take approximately 6-8 months, affording individuals a comprehensive skill set to excel in the competitive job market.

What is basic welding course?

The basic welding course provides essential training on the ARC welding technique, which involves using electricity to generate heat and melt metal in order to join two separate pieces of metal. This process enables a strong and lasting bond between the metals once they cool and solidify. Throughout the course, students learn the fundamental principles and practical skills necessary for proficient ARC welding, enabling them to effectively join metals together and create functional metal structures.

What is CSI welding?

CSI welding stands for Combining Skills and Innovation in welding. It refers to the application of advanced welding techniques and state-of-the-art welding technology to deliver exceptional weld quality. Utilizing cutting-edge orbital welding equipment and manual TIG welding capabilities, CSI welders are skilled craftsmen who take great pride in their workmanship and approach each project with a strong sense of ownership. By merging traditional welding skills with the latest innovations in the field, CSI welding sets the industry standard for precision and excellence in welding.

How fast can I learn welding?

The speed at which you can learn welding will depend on several factors. If you enroll in an associate degree program, you can expect to spend two years acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge. However, if you opt for a certification program, you could complete it in six to 18 months, allowing for a faster learning experience. Additionally, choosing to embark on an apprenticeship or receiving formal training over a few years can also accelerate your learning process. Ultimately, the duration to acquire proficiency in welding varies based on the specific education pathway you choose and your commitment to mastering the craft.

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