Barton’s Welding Technology program prepares students for success in the welding industry through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and skill assessments.
Students gain experience with various joint types and welding positions, learn to interpret blueprint symbols, and understand the safety standards essential for working in the field. Whether you're starting a new career or enhancing your existing skills, Barton provides the tools you need to excel in today’s welding industry.
Barton Benefits
At Barton, our academic programs are designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking necessary to thrive in today’s world. Whether you're just beginning your educational journey or advancing your career, we offer flexible and rigorous programs that support your goals.
Why Barton?
Barton’s Welding Technology program prepares students for high-demand careers in the welding industry with flexible class times, hands-on experience, and strong industry connections.
Flexible Class Schedules
We offer welding classes to fit your life, with options from:
- 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- 1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Online and Lab-Based Learning
- Intro to Welding and Blueprint Reading are available online once each semester.
- In the welding lab, students gain hands-on experience welding in 1F, 2F, 3F, 4F, 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G positions using GMAW, GTAW, and SMAW processes.
Competitive Earnings
Graduates from Barton’s Welding Technology program typically earn between $18 and $27 per hour, depending on experience and certification level.
Career Pathways
Program Pathways
Choose the program that fits your goals:
- 17-credit hour certificate – Complete in one semester
- 38-credit hour certificate – Finish in two semesters
- 64-credit Associate of Applied Science degree – Graduate in four semesters
Certification Opportunities
Students can earn welding certifications in structural, pipe, and aerospace welding, enhancing employability in a range of industries.
Real Employment Opportunities
Barton students are already working with respected employers such as Superior Boiler, Primus Sterilizer, Maico Inc., Moly Manufacturing, and Great Plains Manufacturing—local companies that value skilled, job-ready welders.
Career Options
- Structural Welder
- Pipe Welder
- Aerospace Welder
- Shipyard Welder
- Production Welder
- Project Manager
Industry Partners
Barton’s Welding Technology program is proud to collaborate with leading industry partners who support student success through training opportunities, internships, and potential employment pathways. These partnerships help ensure our curriculum stays aligned with current workforce needs.
Our valued partners include:
- Maico Inc. – Ellsworth, Kan.
- Primus Sterilizer – Great Bend, Kan.
- Doonan Trailer – Great Bend, Kan.
- Moly Manufacturing – Ellsworth, Kan.
- Great Plains Manufacturing – Ellsworth, Kan.
- Superior Boiler – Hutchinson, Kan.
These strong industry connections enhance our students' learning experiences and help prepare them for real-world success in the welding and manufacturing fields.
Become a Cougar
Complete the Admissions checklist of requirements to become a Cougar today.
Barton classes are affordable and accessible, with sessions starting throughout the year.
You have many options to help you accomplish yours goals and we're here to help!
Partnering Programs
- Excel in CTE Initiative (SB #155) for High school Juniors & Seniors
- A-OK participants
- WIA participants
- Financial Aid Eligible
- Promise Act Eligible
- Kansas Board of Regents Aligned
Degree Maps
Degree Maps
Associate of Applied Science
Welding Technology (64 hours)
Certificate
Welding Technology (17 hours - certificate guide)
Welding Technology (38 hours - certificate guide)
View the full list of Curriculum Guides (applicable for students admitted prior to Fall 2024) and Degree Maps (applicable for students admitted Fall 2024 and after).
Check out the Course Search for a full listing of courses available.
Courses
Courses
Check out the course descriptions below to learn more about the Welding Technology program.
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
Through classroom and/or lab/shop learning and assessment activities, students in this course will: explain the gas tungsten arc welding process (GTAW); demonstrate the safe and correct set up of the GTAW workstation; relate GTAW electrode and filler metal classifications with base metals and joint criteria; build proper electrode and filler metal selection and use based on metal types and thicknesses; build pads of weld beads with selected electrodes and filler material in the flat position; build pads of weld beads with selected electrodes and filler material in the horizontal position; perform basic GTAW welds on selected weld joints; and perform visual inspection of GTAW welds.
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) II will expand on GTAW I by including weld beads in the vertical and overhead positions, groove welds in the vertical position, fillet welds in the overhead position, and bend tests on completed groove welds.
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
Through classroom and/or lab/shop learning and assessment activities, students in this course will: describe the Shielded Metal Arc Welding process (SMAW); demonstrate the safe and correct set up of the SMAW workstation; associate SMAW electrode classifications with base metals and joint criteria; demonstrate proper electrode selection and use based on metal types and thicknesses; build pads of weld beads with selected electrodes in the flat position; build pads of weld beads with selected electrodes in the horizontal position; perform basic SMAW welds on selected weld joints; and perform visual inspection of welds.
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (GTAW) II will expand on SMAW I by including weld beads in the vertical and overhead positions using E-7018 and E-6010, building a pad of beads in the vertical and overhead positions using E-7018 and E-6010 electrodes, perform open root groove welds in the vertical and overhead positions using E-7018 and E-6010 electrodes, and performing advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welds (SMAW) of fillet and groove welds.
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
Through classroom and/or shop/lab learning and assessment activities, students in this course will: explain gas metal arc welding process (GMAW); demonstrate the safe and correct set up of the GMAW workstation.; correlate GMAW electrode classifications with base metals and joint criteria; demonstrate proper electrode selection and use based on metal types and thicknesses; build pads of weld beads with selected electrodes in the flat position; build pads of weld beads with selected electrodes in the horizontal position; produce basic GMAW welds on selected weld joints; and conduct visual inspection of GMAW welds.
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) II will expand on GMAW I by including weld beads in the vertical and overhead positions, producing welds on selected weld joints, performing guided bend tests on completed groove welds.
Cutting Processes
Through classroom and/or shop/lab learning and assessment activities, students in this course will: distinguish several types of mechanical and thermal cutting equipment and processes used in the welding trade; demonstrate the safe and correct set up, operation and shut down of the Oxy-fuel (OFC) workstation; demonstrate the safe and correct set up, operation and shut down of the Plasma Arc (PAC) workstation; demonstrate the safe and correct set up, operation and shut down of the Carbon Arc Cutting with Air (CAC-A) workstations; demonstrate safe and proper operation of several types of mechanical cutting equipment; and inspect quality and tolerance of cuts according to industry standards.
Blueprint Reading
Through a variety of classroom and/or shop/lab learning and assessment activities, the students in this course will: identify basic lines, views, and abbreviations used in blueprints; interpret basic 3D sketches using orthographic projection and blueprints; solve applicable mathematical equations; use basic measuring tools; interpret scale ratios on a blueprint; identify basic welding joints and structural shapes; interpret a Bill of Materials; identify standard AWS weld symbols.
Safety (OSHA 10)
Through a variety of classroom and/or lab learning and assessment activities, students in this course will: explain job/site safety and precautions for job/site hazards; determine the uses of personal protective equipment (PPE); identify the safety equipment and procedures related to safe work practices and environment; identify fire prevention and protection techniques; explore Hazardous Communications (HazCom) including Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Admissions
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Student Life
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