"Advancing welding careers in SC"

Midlands Technical College’s Welding Program Director Caleb Fulwood was a guest on South Carolina Public Radio’s “South Carolina Business Review” on December 8th.

With host Mike Switzer, Fulwood discussed MTC’s new $4.5 million welding technology center on the Airport Campus and how it is preparing South Carolinians for “one of the highest paying, most in-demand jobs available to non-4-year college graduates.”

“We now have a 2-year degree that goes live in January,” said Fulwood. “We teach all the fundamentals. You don’t have to have any prior experience.”

Listen to the interview and learn about careers where graduates can earn more than $50 per hour.

MTC's welding classes provide a variety of skills to equip students for the shipping, automotive manufacturing and repair, and aerospace industries. Learn more about the Welding certificates and degrees offered:

Welding and Cutting Fundamentals

The Welding and Cutting Fundamentals Certificate provides students with the core skills necessary to become a professional welder. The techniques and competencies developed in this 3-week certificate are foundational in starting a welding career. This certificate awards college credit and can be stacked with the Welding Qualifications Certificate and the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Welding Technology.

Welding Qualifications

The Welding Qualificationscertificate builds upon the skills developed in the Welding Fundamentals Certificate. It is designed to prepare students for a career as a professional welder. Students will learn advanced processes and techniques while honing their skills. This 3-week certificate awards college credit and can be stacked with the Welding Fundamentals Certificate and the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Welding Technology.

Welding Technology

The first college degree in welding available in the state of South Carolina, the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Welding Technology is a 6-semester program that combines the Welding Fundamentals and Qualifications Certificates. This Academic Welding Degree Program is an in-depth training program delivered by a staff of professional welders and AWS Certified Welding Educators and Inspectors. Welders who also hold an Associate degree are more qualified to advance into higher roles within the industry.

Comprehensive Welder

The Comprehensive Welder Certificate is the culmination of the individual Stick, MIG/Flux Cored, and TIG Welding certificates and prepares the individual to work for a wide range of companies in the manufacturing and construction fields.

Advanced Welder

The Advanced Welder Program focuses on advanced welding positions and MIG transfer processes. The program is designed for a welding student finishing the Comprehensive Welder Certificate or a welder currently working in the industry and is seeking additional skills to advance their career.

MIG and Flux Cored Welder

The MIG and Flux Cored Welder Certificate focuses on the Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) processes. In two, 8-week courses you will learn how to use both processes to weld in all positions.

Stick Welder

The Stick Welder Certificate focuses on the Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) process. In three, 8-week courses you will learn how to fillet, groove, and pipe weld in all positions.

TIG Welder

The TIG Welder Certificate focuses on the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) process. In two, 8-week courses you will learn how to fillet and groove weld flat plate in all positions as well as pipe weld in the 6G position.