Oxnard College
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in California / Oxnard College
Oxnard College – Oxnard, CA
Programs Offered
- Welding Technology (Associate of Science)
- Welding and Fabrication Certificate
- Advanced Arc and TIG Welding Specializations
Program Overview
Oxnard College offers a Welding Technology program that prepares students for professional welding and fabrication careers in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding. The program combines theoretical instruction with hands-on experience to ensure students master the techniques and tools necessary for modern metalworking applications. Students work in fully equipped welding labs with access to industry-standard machinery and safety equipment, learning to interpret blueprints and execute precise welds on various metals and joint types.
Hands-On Training
Students receive practical instruction across multiple welding processes, including:
- MIG (Gas Metal Arc Welding – GMAW)
- TIG (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding – GTAW)
- Stick Welding (Shielded Metal Arc Welding – SMAW)
- Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
The program emphasizes structural welding, fabrication techniques, metallurgy fundamentals, and welding inspection procedures. Students learn to apply welding standards in real-world scenarios, ensuring their readiness for both entry-level and advanced fabrication work.
Certifications & Career Preparation
- Preparation for AWS (American Welding Society) certification exams
- OSHA safety and materials handling training
- Introduction to non-destructive weld testing and quality assurance
- Job readiness training with local industry partners
Career Paths & Employment Opportunities
- Structural and Pipe Welder
- Fabrication Specialist
- Welding Inspector or Quality Control Technician
- Metalworking or Maintenance Mechanic
- Manufacturing and Aerospace Welder
Graduates from Oxnard College’s Welding Technology program find employment in Ventura County’s growing industrial and construction sectors. The college maintains partnerships with regional employers and unions, offering apprenticeship opportunities and job placement assistance.
Program Length
- Associate of Science Degree: Approximately 2 years (full-time)
- Certificate Programs: 9 to 18 months (varies by specialization)
Admission Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Basic math and blueprint reading skills
- Physical ability to work with tools, machinery, and metal components
Financial Aid & Student Support
Oxnard College provides financial aid options including state grants, federal aid (FAFSA), and scholarships for vocational and technical students. Career counseling, tutoring, and student success programs are available to help students achieve academic and professional goals.
Location
Located in Oxnard, California, Oxnard College features modern welding facilities and strong ties with local trade industries. The college serves as a regional hub for technical training and workforce development in Southern California’s manufacturing and construction sectors.
Cost & Career Outlook
Based on publicly reported data for Oxnard College (Oxnard, CA) — U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Program Type: Primarily Certificate or Associate Programs
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Median Earnings (10 yrs)
Time to Earn It Back
ROI Grade
About this data: Tuition and earnings are averages from federal College Scorecard data for comparable programs at Oxnard College. Actual costs may vary by program length, residency, and supplies. Earnings reflect median salaries ten years after entering the institution. This helps estimate how quickly your training can pay off in real-world wages.