Welding Technology
Our Welding Program offers state-of-the-art equipment and safety. The program is certified by the American Welding Society (AWS) and prepares students for steady, high paying jobs in a variety of industries that utilize welders.
Skilled, certified welders can find work on construction sites, in petroleum-related industries and in many jobs where heavy equipment is used. Welding, soldering and brazing workers held about 452,000 jobs in 2002 and of these, about two out of every three were in manufacturing. Welders are needed for shipbuilding, automobile manufacturing and repair, aerospace applications, bridges, pipelines, power plants and refineries. Skill levels vary from those with just a few weeks of school to those who invest several years of combined school and on-the-job training for more highly skilled, lucrative jobs.
Base Wages for Welders in Alaska
- ANCHORAGE: $45,626
- FAIRBANKS: $46,800
- JUNEAU: $46,042
The above figures are median base salaries for a Welder II as of October 2005. If benefits are added in, the median salary could be as much as $65,895.
A Welder I makes about $10,000 less.
Ketchikan Welding
The University of Alaska Southeast Ketchikan Welding Program offers state-of-the-art equipment and safety. The program is certified by the American Welding Society (AWS) and prepares students for steady, high paying jobs in a variety of industries that utilize welders.
Emphasis is placed on Aluminum and Steel welding techniques. Welder certification is a part of the program. Upon successful completion of course work and taking the qualifying exam, students become recognized American Welding Society Certified Entry-Level Welders.
Current Semester Scholarship Opportunities: Click here for Application.
For more information, contact instructor Steve Brandow at 907-228-4534.
Steve Brandow, Assistant Professor of Welding
Steve began welding with the inspiration of his mother, a welder during World War II. He has been welding since 1980 and teaching at UAS Ketchikan since 1999. Steve's goals for welding students is for them to learn how to weld well and have a productive life. With the recent upgrade and installation of state-of-the-art technology and safety equipment, the welding lab offers students hands-on training with the latest equipment and instructors who understand welding techniques. Students in the UAS Ketchikan Welding Program can begin their career in welding or they can come to acquire new techniques in welding to stay competitive in the market. Steve is certified by the American Welding Society as both an Associate Welding Inspector as well as a Welding Instructor.
Welding as Art
In the Fall 2008 semester, students in the Metal Arts class, taught by UAS Ketchikan Adjunct Faculty Instructor Ken Horn, immersed themselves in welding techniques, designing their pieces and creating an elaborate underwater ‘seascape.’ Student artists include JoMarie Alba, Margaret Cloud, Janine Gibbons, Anna Hillberry, Brooke Keith, Paige Keith and Martin Northway.
“Only two of the students had ever used the power tools or welding processes required for the task at hand, presenting a special challenge for them, which they overcame with flying colors,” Instructor Ken Horn said. “Finding a project everyone could contribute to and complete within our time restraints was the first challenge. A seascape was a good choice and offered students the opportunity to be creative as they researched and designed their subjects,” Horn said.
Sitka Welding
University of Alaska Southeast Sitka Campus offers a comprehensive welding program. Hands-on classes are held in an indoor welding lab. Students get individual attention and can learn a wide variety of welding skills. They may also take a welding exam on-site at the end of their program for certification.
For more information call 1-800-478-6653 or 907-747-6653 to get started in your Welding career today!