Welding Technology Program in Arizona

West-MEC’s Adult Education Welding Technology Program in Arizona provides 900 clock hours of competency-based education and hands-on training for adult students preparing to enter the welding industry.

This welding program helps students learn to weld using essential processes such as SMAW, also known as Stick welding; GMAW, also known as MIG welding; FCAW, or Flux-Cored Arc Welding; GTAW, also known as TIG welding; and Oxy-fuel cutting. Students build practical skills that are used across industries such as pipeline construction, manufacturing, shipyards, power plants, aerospace, structural engineering, and other skilled trade environments.Upon completing the program, completers may test for industry-recognized welding certifications that can support their employability credentials across multiple fields.

*Test fees are not included in the program cost and are the responsibility of the student.

What Students Learn in the Welding Technology Program

Students in West-MEC’s Adult Education Welding Technology Program learn foundational and advanced welding techniques used across many industries. The program is designed to help students understand welding processes, practice safe work habits, and build the confidence needed to pursue entry-level welding career pathways.

SMAW / Stick Welding

Students are taught Shielded Metal Arc Welding, commonly known as Stick welding. This process is widely used in construction, repair, maintenance, and outdoor welding environments.

GMAW / MIG Welding

Students are taught Gas Metal Arc Welding, commonly known as MIG welding. MIG welding is often used in manufacturing, fabrication, automotive, and production welding environments.

FCAW / Flux-Cored Arc Welding

Students are taught Flux-Cored Arc Welding, a process commonly used for structural welding, fabrication, and applications that require strong welds in demanding conditions.

GTAW / TIG Welding

Students are taught Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, commonly known as TIG welding. TIG welding is valued for precision work and is often used in industries that require clean, high-quality welds.

Oxy-Fuel Cutting

Students are also taught Oxy-fuel cutting, a process used to cut, shape, and prepare metal materials for welding and fabrication work.

Learn to Weld at an Accredited Welding Program in Arizona

West-MEC’s Adult Education Welding Technology Program gives students a hands-on path to build real-world skills for the welding industry. The program combines technical instruction, guided practice, and career-focused training so students can develop confidence through skill.

For adult learners comparing welding programs in Arizona, West-MEC offers a structured training experience with clear schedules, campus locations, financial aid resources, and step-by-step enrollment support.

Students can train at West-MEC’s Central Campus in Glendale or Southwest Campus in Buckeye, depending on schedule availability.

Welding Career Pathways

The Welding Technology Program helps completers gain transferable skills that are important across a broad spectrum of entry-level welding careers. Completers may be prepared to pursue roles such as:

Structural Welder

Structural welders work on metal frameworks and components used in buildings, bridges, infrastructure, and industrial projects. This role may involve reading plans, preparing materials, and welding structural components.

Welding Supervisor

Welding supervisors oversee welding work, support quality standards, and help coordinate welding teams or production processes. This role may require experience beyond entry-level employment.

Manufacturing Welder

Manufacturing welders support the production of metal parts, products, machinery, and equipment. This role may involve repeated welds, fabrication processes, and quality checks in production environments.

Iron Worker

Ironworkers install and connect metal structures, including beams, columns, and reinforcing materials. Welding skills can support work in construction, structural installation, and repair.

Pipe Fitter

Pipe fitters install, assemble, and maintain piping systems used in industrial, commercial, and utility environments. Welding knowledge can support work with pipe systems and related components.

*Information found in the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment & Wages