The Welding Technology Associate Degree Program is a two-year training program usually offered at vocational colleges and focuses mainly on metal joining and cutting techniques. The aim of the program is to train qualified technicians needed by the welding industry. This training provides students with theoretical and practical knowledge in subjects such as welding processes, material science, technical drawing, welding methods and quality control.
The curriculum of the program is designed to follow the current developments in welding technologies. Students learn different welding methods such as gas arc welding, electric arc welding, TIG welding. They are also trained on the properties of materials, the behavior of materials during welding and the factors affecting the quality of the weld. Another important element of the program is occupational health and safety training, where students learn the risks they may encounter while performing welding operations and learn to take the necessary precautions to minimize these risks.
In addition to lectures, teaching methods include hands-on laboratory work, workshops and projects involving real-world scenarios. These practical studies enable students to put their theoretical knowledge into practice and gain the ability to produce solutions to the problems they may encounter in the sector.
Graduates have the opportunity to work as welding technicians in shipbuilding, automotive, construction, energy and many other sectors. They can also pursue careers in quality control, project management and technical consultancy. Graduates of the program are considered as the qualified workforce needed by the industry and are usually advantageous in finding a job.
Internship and practice opportunities are also an important part of this program. Students gain experience in a real working environment by doing internships in various industries, usually in the last year of the program or during the summer. These experiences provide students with an important network and experience that helps them find a job.