Course Descriptions

Welding Technology - WT
Course Classification

Courses numbered 1-49 — are baccalaureate level (transfer) courses. Courses thus numbered are transferable to four- year institutions. Agriculture courses are designed to parallel the work taught in similar courses at California Polytechnic State University or at California State University, Fresno but may not carry the same number.

Courses numbered 50-99 — are associate degree level courses. Courses thus numbered are primarily for the student who does not plan to continue his/her education beyond the community college level; however, occupational education courses may transfer according to articulation agreements. Complete information on articulation is available through the Counseling Center.

Courses Numbered 100-201 — are non-transfer and are non-degree applicable; they are skill building or remedial.

Abbreviations for Degree, Non-Degree, and Transfer Courses

The following abbreviations designate degree applicable, transfer, and non-degree applicable courses:
(AA) Associate Degree
(CSU) Transferable to California State University System
(UC) Transferable to University of California System
(NDA) Non-Degree Applicable

  • WT-015X
  • Occupational Work Experience
  • Credit(s) 1 - 8

WT 015X develops skills and knowledge by integrating classroom study with planned, supervised work experience. It is based on the principle that well-educated individuals develop most effectively through an educational plan that incorporates work experience. Through these structured experiences, the students enrich their college studies, which ennhances their total development. Occupational Work Experience is supervised employment which is intended to assist students in acquiring desirable work habits, attitudes, and career awareness in the field of the student's major. Students may earn up to 8 units per semester for a maximum of 16 total units. Credits are awarded for paid or voluntary work. For every 75 hours of paid work completed within the semester, 1 unit of credit is awarded. For every 60 hours of volunteer work completed within the semester, 1 unit of credit is awarded. Occupational Work Experience credits are counted as electives toward an Associate's Degree at West Hills College Coalinga and are transferable to four year universities (for specific transfer eligibility, please contact a counselor or an advisor).

Class Hours:
Work Experience
Transfers to:
CSU
  • WT-070
  • Introduction to Certified Welding
  • Credit(s) 2.5

WT 070 is the introductory course for the certified welding program designed as an introduction for the entry level welder. Topics include practical and theoretical instruction in welding safety, oxyfuel cutting, plasma arc cutting, air carbon cutting and gouging, base metal preparation and weld quality.

Class Hours:
36 Lecture | 27 Laboratory
  • WT-071
  • Beginning SMAW
  • Credit(s) 3

WT 071 is an introduction to shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). Topics include practical and theoretical training in SMAW equipment and setup; shielded metal arc electrodes; SMAW beads and fillet welds and joint fit-up and alignment.

Class Hours:
18 Lecture | 108 Laboratory
Advisory)s):
WT 070
  • WT-072
  • Advanced SMAW
  • Credit(s) 3

WT 072 is the study and application of advanced shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). This course consists of practical and theoretical training intended to build upon basic SMAW skills including groove welds and backing. Topics also include V-groove and open root V-groove welds for the following positions: flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead.

Class Hours:
18 Lecture | 108 Laboratory
Advisory(s):
WT 071
  • WT-073
  • Intro to Metallurgy & Weld Symbols
  • Credit(s) 1.5

WT 073 is an introduction to metallurgy and common weld symbols used for certified welders. Topics include theoretical instruction in reading welding symbols and welding detail drawings, physical characteristics and mechanical properties and preheating and post-heating of metals.

Class Hours:
27 Lecture
Advisory(s):
WT 072
  • WT-074
  • GMAW and FCAW:Plate
  • Credit(s) 3

WT 074 consists of practical and theoretical training in gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and flux cored arc welding (FCAW). Topics include equipment and filler metals as well as plate in the 1G (flat), 2G (horizontal), 3G (vertical) and 4G (overhead) positions.

Class Hours:
18 Lecture | 108 Laboratory
Advisory(s):
WT 073
  • WT-075
  • SMAW Pipe Welding
  • Credit(s) 2

WT 075 consists of practical training on the setup of SMAW equipment for open-root V-groove welds. Students will learn procedures for making open-root V-groove welds with SMAW equipment on carbon-steel pipe in the 1G-rotated, 2G, 5G and 6G positions.

Class Hours:
108 Laboratory
Advisory(s):
WT 074
  • WT-076
  • Welding Certification Preparation
  • Credit(s) 0.5

WT 076 prepares the student to take a welding certification test in the various processes, procedures and standards established by the American Welding Society (AWS).

Class Hours:
27 Laboratory
Prerequisite(s):
WT 071