Great Bay Community College – Welding
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in New Hampshire / Great Bay Community College – Welding
Great Bay Community College – Portsmouth, NH
Program Overview
Great Bay Community College in Portsmouth offers a hands-on Welding Technology program that prepares students for immediate employment in manufacturing, construction, and fabrication industries. The curriculum combines classroom instruction with extensive lab work, giving students practical experience in a professional welding environment. Students learn to read and interpret blueprints, understand welding symbols, and apply multiple welding techniques to meet industry standards.
The program’s focus on both technical skills and safety ensures graduates are ready to pursue a variety of welding and fabrication careers across New Hampshire and the greater New England region.
Hands-On Training
Students train in the college’s fully equipped welding lab using industry-grade equipment and modern technology. Coursework and lab activities include:
- MIG, TIG, and Stick welding techniques
- Cutting, grinding, and metal preparation
- Weld inspection and testing
- Blueprint reading and fabrication layout
- Safety and OSHA standards in welding environments
The program emphasizes real-world projects and collaborative problem-solving, helping students develop the precision and confidence required for professional welding work.
Certifications & Career Opportunities
- Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions such as Welder, Fabricator, or Metalworking Technician
- Opportunities to earn American Welding Society (AWS) certifications during the program
- Career paths include manufacturing, shipbuilding, construction, and custom fabrication
- Job placement and career counseling services available through Great Bay’s Career Services department
Program Length
- Certificate in Welding Technology: Approximately 1 year (full-time)
- Diploma or Associate Degree Options: May extend up to 2 years depending on student track
Admission Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Basic math and measurement skills
- Ability to safely work with metal, tools, and welding equipment
Financial Aid & Support
Great Bay Community College offers several financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, and workforce development funds for technical programs. The college’s Student Services team assists with tuition planning and career preparation for graduates entering the trades.
Location
Located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Great Bay Community College provides access to a vibrant regional manufacturing and trades network, offering strong employment connections and apprenticeship pathways for welding graduates.
We’re still collecting verified tuition and earnings data for this school. Check back soon — College Scorecard updates are made regularly by the U.S. Department of Education.