Welding

Welding is a vital skill in the manufacturing, construction, automotive, aerospace, and maintenance industries. The Welding program at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) is designed to provide students with comprehensive training in various welding techniques, safety protocols, and industry standards. This program prepares students for entry-level positions in welding and related fields, equipping them with practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary to succeed in a competitive job market. Throughout the program, students will learn different welding processes such as SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding), GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding), and FCAW (Flux-Cored Arc Welding). Emphasis is placed on understanding welding metallurgy, blueprint reading, and welding symbols, which are fundamental for interpreting technical drawings and ensuring quality craftsmanship. The curriculum includes hands-on training in welding shops, enabling students to develop proficiency in welding techniques, repair work, and fabrication tasks. Safety is a key focus, with extensive instruction on workplace safety procedures, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and environmental considerations. The program also covers inspection and testing methods to ensure weld quality and compliance with industry standards. Graduates of the Welding program are well-prepared to enter various sectors such as manufacturing plants, construction companies, repair shops, and fabrication shops. With a blend of classroom instruction and practical experience, students build confidence and competence in welding operations, making them highly valuable in the workforce. The program is ideal for individuals interested in pursuing a career as a welder, welding inspector, or fabrication technician. Upon completion, students receive a certificate that may enhance employment opportunities and serve as a stepping stone for advanced certifications in specialized welding disciplines. Whether seeking to start a new career or enhance existing skills, the Welding program at Harrisburg Area Community College offers a solid foundation to launch a career in this dynamic and essential industry.

Major Requirements   
GTEC 101 Safety: OSHA 30 & NFPA 70E  3 
WELD 101 Blueprint Reading  2 
WELD 102 Oxy Fuel Welding & Cutting  3 
WELD 103 Shielded Metal Arc Welding I  3 
WELD 105 Shielded Metal Arc Welding II  3 
WELD 120 Gas Metal Arc Welding I  3 
WELD 130 Gas Tungsten Arc Welding I  3 

Other Required Courses   
*ENGL 901 Basic Communication Skills  1 
MATH 161 Technical Math for General Technology  3 

This curriculum is designed to prepare students to:

Interpret welding blueprints

Weld carbon steel, aluminum and stainless steel in various positions with the oxy fuel welding process

Weld carbon steel in various positions with the shielded metal arc welding process

Weld carbon steel, aluminum and stainless steel in various positions with the gas metal arc welding process

Weld carbon steel, aluminum and stainless steel in various positions with the gas tungsten arc welding process

Apply for a Full-Ride Scholarship

Are you a future student and ready to apply to HACC? 
By applying to HACC, you have the opportunity to apply for a full-ride scholarship! HACC will fund two years of your education – enough to complete your associate degree.

Thanks to the support of the HACC Foundation, the College is able to offer FREE money to support future students, like you, in reaching your educational goals. Six full-ride scholarships are available – one from each of the five campuses and one through HACC’s Virtual Learning Program. 

Please note that current students are not eligible for the full-ride scholarships. However, there are more than 250 scholarships available for current students.

What should you know about the full-ride scholarship?

The scholarship covers tuition, books and fees for a full academic year. 

The scholarship will automatically renew each term for up to six consecutive terms if you maintain your eligibility.

Once you apply to the College and receive a HACC ID and email address, you may apply for the full-ride scholarship. You do not have to register for classes before applying for the scholarship.

Are you eligible?

To be eligible, you must:

Apply to HACC

Take 12-15 credits each term for no more than six consecutive terms (two years)

Live in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill or York county

Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0

Provide a 480 SAT reading score, 21 ACT or comparable scores on the College’s placement test

Maintain a GPA of 3.0 while enrolled at HACC

Participate in at least two HACC student organizations

The Welding program at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) provides students with comprehensive training in various welding techniques and industries. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in welding and related fields by covering fundamental and advanced welding skills such as SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding), GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding), and FCAW (Flux-Cored Arc Welding). Students also learn blueprint reading, safety practices, metallurgy, and quality control, which are essential for working in manufacturing, construction, maintenance, and fabrication industries.

The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on lab experiences, enabling students to develop practical skills through real-world projects. HACC's state-of-the-art facilities are equipped with modern welding equipment to ensure students gain relevant and industry-standard training. Additionally, students have opportunities to participate in internships and cooperative education programs that connect them with local employers, enhancing their employability upon graduation.

HACC emphasizes safety training throughout the program, ensuring students understand OSHA standards and best practices to prevent workplace accidents. The program also prepares students for certification in various welding processes, which can improve job prospects and earning potential. The Welding program offers flexible scheduling options, including day and evening classes, to accommodate diverse student needs.

Graduates of the program often find employment in industries such as shipbuilding, oil and gas, manufacturing, construction, and maintenance. The program’s faculty members are experienced industry professionals committed to mentorship and student success. Upon completing the program, students receive a certificate that validates their skills and knowledge, serving as a valuable credential in the welding industry. Overall, HACC's Welding program aims to develop competent, safety-conscious welders equipped to meet the demands of modern industrial environments.