Mar 10, 2016

COM’s welding classes, offered during the day and evening, are open for registration. The next classes begin the week of March 21.

The welding program trains students with any level of welding experience, from beginners to professionals wanting to advance in the field. Students learn several types of welding and earning welding certificates prepares them for positions including welder-pipefitter, structural welder, maintenance mechanics, scaffold builders and millwrights.

The median hourly wage for welders is $17.93, according to Workforce Solutions. The overall employment of welders, cutters, solderers and brazers in the Gulf Coast from 2011 to 2020 is projected to grow 26.7 percent.

With job openings outpacing new welding graduates, some COM students complete a few courses to gain the skills needed to test into an entry-level job. They then finish the welding certificate program by taking classes at night to prepare them for advancement in the field.

“When I got here, I didn’t know anything about welding. (The instructors) never let me quit. They teach you to be confident in yourself,” said Michael Minix, a COM graduate and welder at CBI in Texas City.

Financial aid and scholarships are available.

For more information, contact Doc Miller at dmiller@com.edu or 409-933-8454 or visit www.com.edu/welding.