The objective of the Welding Technology (WLD) program is to provide students with a broad base of knowledge and skills for employment as entry-level welders. Students are taught to apply safe work practices and perform a variety of welding and metal fabrication processes. The program stresses safe practices for the welding industry. Students are immersed in classroom theory and hands-on lab instruction in welding, fitting, and related metalworking processes. The program provides students with a foundation that includes print reading and fabrication plans for welders. Coursework covers oxyfuel cutting and welding, carbon arc cutting and gouging, shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, flux core arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, and pipe welding. This training program concludes with an externship off campus, or with the completion of a capstone project on campus. The program prepares students to sit for the American Welding Society (AWS) and Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO) certification tests. The WLD program is 12 months in length (four quarters). The student will earn 77 credit hours which are 1,344 clock hours. The student to instructor ratio for the WLD program is no greater than 22:1.