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Welding Technician

What is it?

A welding technician is a skilled professional who uses various welding processes to join or repair metal objects. They play a crucial role in diverse industries, from construction and manufacturing to shipbuilding and oil and gas exploration. Here’s a breakdown of the key responsibilities of a welding technician:

Welding and Fabrication:

  • Selecting appropriate welding techniques and equipment: Based on the materials, thickness, and desired outcome, welding technicians choose the most suitable welding process and equipment for the job. Common techniques include arc welding, oxy-fuel welding, and mig welding (MIG/MAG).
  • Preparing and cleaning weld surfaces: They ensure the metal surfaces to be welded are clean, free of debris, and properly prepared for optimal adhesion and weld quality.
  • Operating welding equipment: With expertise and safety precautions, they operate the chosen welding equipment, following established procedures and maintaining consistent technique to create strong and durable welds.
  • Inspecting welds and ensuring quality: Upon completion, welding technicians meticulously inspect their welds for any defects or imperfections using visual inspection techniques or specialized equipment like radiographic testing.
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  • Reading and interpreting blueprints and specifications: Understanding blueprints and technical specifications is essential for interpreting weld requirements, dimensions, and joint configurations.
  • Cutting and shaping metal pieces: In some cases, they may be responsible for cutting and shaping metal pieces using various tools and equipment like saws, torches, or grinders, preparing them for the welding process.
  • Maintaining and troubleshooting welding equipment: Performing basic maintenance tasks on welding equipment and troubleshooting minor malfunctions are often part of the job.
  • Adhering to safety protocols: Welding involves potential hazards, so following strict safety protocols, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and maintaining a safe work environment are crucial responsibilities.
  • Industry: The specific industry, like construction, ship building, or aerospace, can influence the types of metals welded, the required techniques, and the overall work environment.
  • Level of experience: Entry-level positions might involve assisting experienced welders with basic tasks, while senior technicians may work independently on complex projects requiring specialized skills and knowledge.
  • Work setting: Welding technicians can work in various settings, including workshops, construction sites, factories, or even underwater environments for offshore projects.

Length of Training

3 weeks

Type of Training

In Person

* Salary Range

$39,500 - $60,700​

(entry level – experienced)

* Regional Jobs Available

969

(3 year forecast)

A person wearing protective gear, including a welding helmet, is welding a metal object, emitting bright sparks—a glimpse into the careers that skilled trades offer.

Is it Right For You?

Here are some essential skills and qualities for success as a welding technician:

  • Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination: Precise handling of welding equipment and maneuvering within tight spaces require good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
  • Ability to follow instructions and work independently: While collaboration exists, the job often involves following technical instructions and working independently to complete welding tasks efficiently and safely.
  • Problem-solving skills: Identifying potential issues during the welding process, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and adapting to unforeseen situations are crucial aspects of the job.
  • Physical stamina and endurance: Welding often involves working in physically demanding positions for extended periods, requiring stamina and endurance.
  • Attention to detail and quality consciousness: Ensuring the quality and integrity of welds requires a keen eye for detail and a commitment to following safety standards and achieving high-quality results.

Overall, a career as a welding technician offers a rewarding path for individuals who enjoy working with their hands, are detail-oriented, and thrive in a dynamic and hands-on work environment. It requires technical skills, strong work ethic, and a commitment to safety in various industries that rely on the expertise of skilled welders to build and maintain critical structures and equipment.

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A group of graduates in caps and gowns celebrating outdoors. Text on the image reads "Over $12 million in scholarships being awarded." These scholarships are paving the way for promising careers.
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Stephanie underwood - Chief financial Officer

Stephanie Underwood serves as Chief Financial Officer at Great Jobs KC, where she leads the organization’s financial strategy in support of its mission to create economic mobility through education and workforce opportunities. With more than 17 years of experience in nonprofit finance, Stephanie brings deep expertise in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance. She is passionate about using her career as a platform to serve and support mission-driven organizations, helping them maximize impact through strong financial stewardship.

Prior to joining Great Jobs KC, Stephanie served as Chief Financial Officer for Griffith Centers, a behavioral and mental health organization, where she oversaw financial operations for a multi-million-dollar organization spanning residential, educational, and community-based programs. She also spent nearly a decade as Vice President of Accounting Services at NFP Partners, providing CFO-level leadership to nonprofit organizations across the country, with a focus on strategic growth, audit readiness, and governance.

Outside of her professional role, Stephanie volunteers her time at her church and serves on the board of a local nonprofit. She is known for her collaborative leadership style and her commitment to aligning financial strategy with mission impact. She holds a Master of Science in Accounting and is proud to be a first-generation college graduate.

 

 

 

Adult Learner College Scholarship

The Adult Learner Scholarship application is closed. Please click GET STARTED to be added to communication reminders on when to apply during the next open cycle.

Program offers:

  • Up to $25,000 paid directly to the college over the course of up to six years.
  • Once awarded, the Scholar can enroll full or part-time the fall semester following awarding.
  • Scholarship can be used at any of our college partners. See our current list of partners HERE.
  • Scholarship can be used towards an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or a credit-bearing credential. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

  • Be a high school graduate or GED holder (24 years or older).
  • Live in one of the six eligible counties. (Kansas: Wyandotte, Johnson; Missouri: Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte)
  • Be income eligible. (FASFA Student Aid Index of 12,000 or less)
  • Have not previously earned a bachelor’s degree.
  • Have not previously been awarded a KC Scholars Scholarship (Traditional or Adult Learner).
  • Is not currently enrolled in a Great Jobs KC Skills Training Program.
  • US Citizenship/Residency is not required to apply.

If you need more information on program details, please find our FAQs HERE

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Jimmy Swift - Chief Operating Officer

As the Chief Operating Officer, Jimmy Swift is responsible for overseeing our core programs, our adult workforce development program, Great Jobs KC tuition-free job training, and our KC Scholars Scholarship Program, which includes 11th Grade Traditional Scholarships and Adult Learner Scholarships. 

Jimmy has a career in education that spans more than 25 years and is built around supporting and improving the performance of career training programs and leading the operations of degree-granting institutions. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in management and has served as Campus President, Vice President of Career Services, and Executive Director of various career schools.  

Most recently, Jimmy served as the Vice President of PLA University at Phalen Leadership Academies, bringing access to job skill training to the parents and families of the Scholars served by Phalen Leadership schools across the country.  Beyond his higher education experience, Jimmy serves as the Executive Board Chairman for Project Safety Net NY, a nonprofit community-based agency delivering a broad range of health, education, and prevention services to the New York Community. As the Chief Operating Officer for Great Jobs KC, he and his team are poised to make a substantial impact on the economic stability and future of Kansas City.

Great Jobs KC
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