Galveston College is celebrating National Welding Month this April by inviting prospective students, parents, high school counselors, and industry partners to explore its Welding Technology Program. Visitors can schedule campus tours and virtual welding demonstrations at the Charlie Thomas Family Applied Technology Center (ATC), located at 7626 Broadway St., Galveston, TX 77554.

The college offers multiple pathways in welding education, including Level One (Entry and Intermediate), Level Two (Advanced) certificates, and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Welding Technology. These programs are designed to be completed in less than a year and prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce.

Graduates of the program have secured positions with leading companies such as Broome Welding, Gulf Copper, Parkline Inc., and Turner Industries. Many of these employers also serve on the college’s Welding Advisory Board, helping to align training with industry needs. Students gain experience with state-of-the-art equipment and learn techniques such as shielded metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, and gas metal arc welding.

Through a partnership with the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) and Lincoln Electric, Galveston College offers stackable, industry-recognized welding certifications. These credentials are valuable in fields like construction, shipbuilding, oil and gas, and manufacturing. High school students can also take advantage of the Dual Credit program to begin welding training while still in school.

Financial aid and a variety of scholarships are available, including awards from the American Welding Society, Society of Mechanical Engineers, and the Fabrication and Manufacturing Association Foundation. Counseling services are offered in both English and Spanish to assist with applications and financial aid.

To schedule a tour or virtual meeting, contact Welding Program Director James Love at 409-944-1405 or jlove@gc.edu. For more information, visit gc.edu.