Welding is the most common way of permanently joining metal parts. Briefly, heat is applied to metal pieces, melting and fusing them to form a permanent bond. There is a national shortage of welders, which is also reflected in the local job market. If you are looking for ways to enter this trade or upgrade your expertise, L&C’s program can position or reposition you in the industry. Because of its strength, welding is used in shipbuilding, automobile manufacturing and repair, aerospace applications, and thousands of other manufacturing activities. Welding also is used to join beams when constructing buildings, bridges, and other structures, and to join pipes in pipelines, power plants, and refineries. Welding is a requisite skill in today’s building boom. Put quite simply, to learn the principles of welding is to advance in the field. At Lewis and Clark Community College you will be able to take courses in Introduction to the Welding Industry, Metallurgy, Welding Print Reading, Oxy-fuel cutting and Welding, Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding, Flux-Cored Arc Welding, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, Pipe Welding, Fabrication and Layout, Inspecting and Testing Welds, and Preparation to become a Certified Welding Inspector.