Naval Welding

Partnering with the United States Navy, the College is bringing Naval Welding training to the Philadelphia region. Learn to construct the ships that facilitate global trade and protect our waterways. With a large portion of welders set to retire over the next decade, this industry is full of potential for newcomers.

About the Program

Naval Welding prepares you for careers in structural, pipe, and specialty welding through training in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), and associated cutting processes, including Oxy-Fuel and Plasma Arc Cutting. Instruction aligns with the American Welding Society’s (AWS) D1.1 Structural Welding Code, NAVSEA Technical Publications (e.g., 278, 1688), and relevant MIL-STD standards, ensuring graduates meet the demanding requirements of shipbuilding, defense, and heavy manufacturing sectors.

You will gain both theoretical knowledge and extensive hands-on lab experience welding carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper-nickel in a variety of joint configurations (fillet, groove, tee, butt) for plate and pipe applications. Training emphasizes weld quality, process selection, parameter control, safety protocols, and reading/interpreting blueprints and welding procedure specifications (WPS). The curriculum also covers preheat and interpass temperature control, welding metallurgy basics, inspection readiness, and employer-specific requirements.

Career Outlook

Graduates are prepared for high-demand positions in industries such as shipbuilding, aerospace, construction, manufacturing, and energy. Entry-level welders in the Philadelphia region typically earn $28/hour, with opportunities for overtime, shift premiums, and advancement into pipe welding, fabrication, and inspection roles. Demand is particularly strong for welders certified to AWS and NAVSEA standards in naval and defense work. The average income for naval welders in Philadelphia-Wilmington-Camden is $54,080/year.

Program highlights:

• Taught by AWS Certified Welding Inspectors (CWI) and NAVSEA-qualified instructors
• Hands-on training in SMAW, GMAW, GMAW-P, GTAW, Oxy-Fuel Cutting and Plasma Arc Cutting
• Welding on carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum and copper-nickel
• Preparation for AWS D1.1 and NAVSEA welder performance qualifications
• Integration of soft skills, workplace readiness and professional development
• Access to industry-grade welding machines, cutting tables and inspection tools
• Strong career placement support through BlueForge Alliance and regional employers

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Set up and operate SMAW, GMAW and GTAW equipment for various joint types and positions
• Select and prepare filler metals, shielding gases and consumables for specific base materials
• Perform structural and pipe welds on carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum and copper-nickel to code specifications
• Execute Oxy-Fuel and Plasma Arc Cutting for preparation and fit-up of weld joints
• Interpret blueprints, weld symbols and Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS)
• Apply proper preheat, interpass, and post-weld procedures to control distortion and prevent defects
• Evaluate weld quality visually and prepare for code-compliant inspection and testing
• Follow OSHA and NAVSEA safety protocols for electrical, gas and arc hazards
• Document work using standard welding and inspection reporting formats

Certifications and Competencies

• OSHA 10 General Industry Safety
• AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code preparation and performance qualification testing
• NAVSEA welding procedure and performance qualification alignment (Tech Pub 278, 1688)
• Training in accordance with MIL-STD welding workmanship standards

Program Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent; basic math and measurement skills recommended

Workforce Development Program Scholarships

Thanks to the Community College of Philadelphia Foundation and its donors, workforce development scholarships are available for the Naval Welding program. To submit your scholarship application, follow the steps in this Workforce Development Program Scholarship Application Guide.

Payment Plan Available

You can pay for the Naval Welding program in four installments, with a 25% deposit due when you register. You will then be invoiced in three equal monthly installments beginning with the month the course starts.

Noncredit Program Refund Policy

Refunds for noncredit programs will be granted if the class is canceled or if you withdraw no later than the day before the first class. Refunds are not available after class begins.

Course Dates and Times

Course hours: 450