CAMPUS LIFE

Welding program provides hands-on experience

Sam Williams, a 2023 welding and fabrication graduate, said that “welding is a useful skill in life and it’s very fun to learn.” Williams has returned to WCC as a teacher assistant, helping students with welding ideas during class. Courtney Prielipp | Washtenaw Voice

Sasha Hatinger

Staff Writer

It’s hot. It’s hazardous. You’re “playing” with fire, but getting paid the big bucks.

At WCC, a two-year Welding Technology Associate in Applied Science is available. Students can also choose a basic certificate in Welding and Fabrication Principles or an Advanced Certificate in Welding and Fabrication advanced applications.

Amanda Scheffler, a full-time welding and fabrication faculty member at WCC, shared what she thinks is special about welding: “It’s scary, it’s dangerous, and it’s fun,” she said. “You get to play with fire and manipulate metal … It’s a lot of fun. I mean, I think it is. Some people probably think it’s work,” laughing playfully. She added that welding jobs pay well.

WCC partners with EMU and offers a 3+1 Welding Technology program. Which is when a student completes three years at WCC, then transfers to EMU to finish their bachelor’s degree in one year. Scheffler highlights that WCC has a 2.5-year articulation agreement with Wayne State for the Welding program.

Welding is a popular major at WCC. Scheffler noted that enrollment increased about 20% in the last year. Scheffler also mentioned that plenty of welding jobs are available, including a few local companies that work with students.

According to Scheffler, the welding program at WCC includes a safety class, inspection and testing. Students will also learn to read X-rays and ultrasounds of welds and how to use ultrasonic testing equipment.

The welding department also has robotic welding machines, a laser welder cutter/edger, a plasma cutter and fabrication equipment.

“We have a submerged arc welding machine,” Scheffler added. “Which not a lot of places teach their students to do that.”

Amari Hinton, a WCC student majoring in welding and attaining his associate’s in applied science, shared his opinion on what people should know about welding: “It takes patience, and it takes time. You’re not going to get it on the first try. Always keep trying.”

Hinton offers these tips for prospective students interested in the welding program: “Before you start, see if you can get resources outside the school for hands-on [experience] … You have to be more hands-on when it comes to welding.”

Scheffler offers the following advice: “If anyone’s interested in welding, don’t be intimidated by getting hurt or bullied out … Our welding and fabrication department makes sure everyone is supported.”

For more information on the Welding programs available at WCC, visit https://www.wccnet.edu/learn/departments/wafd/programs/ online.