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Career Studies Certificate
Mountain Empire Community College
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Program Details
Career Studies Certificate in Welding Operator II
Career Studies CertificateCareer Studies Certificate in Welding Operator II
Mountain Empire Community College
The Welding Operator II career studies certificate is designed to prepare students for employment as apprentice welders immediately upon completion of the curriculum. Technical courses and shop experience comprise the program.
Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
1. Follow industry safety practices.
2. Cut metals using oxyfuel and plasma arc cutting processes.
3. Weld in flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead positions using the basic welding processes of GMAW and FCAW.
4. Read and interpret basic blueprints and welding symbols to fabricate components.
Program Overview & Guidance

Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Considerations for Selecting Degree | The Welding Operator II career studies certificate is designed to prepare students for employment as apprentice welders immediately upon completion of the curriculum. Technical courses and shop experience comprise the program. |
Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes Articulation course credits may be earned by the validation of welding skills learned in a vocational school or on-the-job experience. |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
|
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | Articulation course credits may be earned by the validation of welding skills learned in a vocational school or on-the-job experience. |
Doing More With Your Degree | The Career Studies Certificate in Welding Operator II will prepare students for the occupational goal of an entry level welder. |
Program Successes & Highlights |
Program Credit Requirements

The table below provides the requirements to complete this program. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You should consult an advisor or counselor to find courses you can take at your current institution that will transfer to this degree.
Please note that some courses may count towards more than one requirement such as meeting a general education requirement and a major specific requirement. The course will be listed under the first matching requirement. Please contact the institution with questions.
Please note that some courses may count towards more than one requirement such as meeting a general education requirement and a major specific requirement. The course will be listed under the first matching requirement. Please contact the institution with questions.
The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio
and the requirements for the selected program.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Career Studies Certificate in Welding Operator II
16
Career Studies Certificate in Welding Operator II
16
Course Requirements for 221-995-02
16
Core Requirements for 221-995-02
16
HLT 105
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
WEL 130
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
WEL 198
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
DRF 160
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
WEL 160
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
WEL 153
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Residency
16
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 12 credits may be applied to this program.
Plan GPA for 221-995-02
16
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Associate Transfer Degree Completion | The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities. |
Credit for Prior Learning | VCCS Policy 5.6.5.1 |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Is This College Right For Me? | Mountain Empire Community College’s mission is to provide our region with accessible, quality higher education, workforce training, and community programs to ensure an educated population and globally competitive workforce. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | |
First Year Student Catalog Year | The catalog year is based on the admission term that the student applies for. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

This section displays VCCS degrees most closely related to this
program and to which you may be able to most efficiently transfer your
current course work. So, you can use this list to find a degree you can
complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program
page.
If you are interested in transferring to a four-year degree view this degree on the Transfer Virginia site to explore degrees aligned with this program at Virginia's 4-year institutions.
If you are interested in transferring to a four-year degree view this degree on the Transfer Virginia site to explore degrees aligned with this program at Virginia's 4-year institutions.
Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Technical Studies Welding | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
---|---|---|---|
51-4121.00 | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | Use hand-welding, flame-cutting, hand-soldering, or brazing equipment to weld or join metal components or to fill holes, indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products. | Production Occupations |
51-4122.00 | Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | Set up, operate, or tend welding, soldering, or brazing machines or robots that weld, braze, solder, or heat treat metal products, components, or assemblies. Includes workers who operate laser cutters or laser-beam machines. | Production Occupations |
Cost To Complete

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