Southern Maine Community College – Welding
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Maine / Southern Maine Community College – Welding
Southern Maine Community College – South Portland, ME
Program Information
Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) offers a comprehensive Welding Technology program designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in metal fabrication, industrial construction, and manufacturing. The program combines technical instruction with hands-on lab experience, providing students with mastery of modern welding techniques including MIG, TIG, Stick, and Flux-Cored Arc Welding. Coursework emphasizes blueprint reading, welding safety, metal properties, and fabrication processes to ensure a complete understanding of welding systems used in today’s industry.
Students train in fully equipped welding facilities under the guidance of industry-experienced instructors. The curriculum aligns with American Welding Society (AWS) standards, allowing graduates to pursue professional welding certifications and apprenticeships immediately after completion. SMCC’s program also integrates soft skills training and workforce readiness, preparing graduates to excel in both local and national welding positions.
Program Length
- Certificate or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Welding Technology
- Completion time: 1–2 years depending on enrollment track
Hands-On Training
Students gain extensive real-world welding experience through lab-based instruction that mirrors professional work environments. Areas of focus include:
- MIG, TIG, Stick, and Flux-Cored Arc Welding
- Blueprint reading and fabrication design
- Welding inspection, testing, and quality assurance
- Cutting and shaping metals with plasma and oxy-fuel systems
- Safety and OSHA compliance standards
Program Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Basic math and measurement skills
- Physical ability to perform welding and fabrication tasks
Certifications & Career Opportunities
- Preparation for AWS welding certification exams
- Career paths include Welder, Fabricator, Pipefitter, Welding Technician, and Quality Inspector
- Graduates find employment in shipbuilding, manufacturing, and construction industries throughout Maine and beyond
Location
Located in South Portland, Maine, Southern Maine Community College offers students access to a strong network of regional employers and apprenticeship opportunities. The campus’s welding facilities provide a modern learning environment where students can develop the technical and professional skills needed to thrive in today’s skilled trades workforce.
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