About
Bates Technical College's Welding program in Tacoma, Washington, trains students in welding processes used in aerospace, maritime, construction, manufacturing, and energy. The program offers an Associate of Applied Science degree and a Certificate of Competency, with preparation for certification tests from the American Welding Society and the Washington Association of Building Officials. Coursework is delivered through online, hybrid, web-enhanced, and face-to-face options, with day and evening classes, and the primary degree pathway runs for six quarters. Admission requirements are not stated in the program information. The curriculum covers safety and thermal cutting, shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, flux-cored arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, blueprint reading, fabrication, and work-based learning, with students selecting a specialization in the later quarters.
At a glance
- Format: HYBRID
- Next start: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
- Leads to: American Welding Society certification tests and Washington Association of Building Officials certification tests
- Financial aid: available (per the school's page)
- Scholarships: available (per the school's page)
Organization
Bates Technical College - Downtown Campus
Bates Technical College is a career-focused institution in Tacoma, Washington, with pathways spanning healthcare, public safety, business, advanced manufacturing, and technology. Dreambound-listed fields include Certified Nursing Assistant, Practical Nurse, Dental Assisting, Phlebotomy, HVAC, and Welding, among others. Its programs combine technical and theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, and several pathways use workplace-style labs or industry-relevant tools. Advanced Manufacturing covers precision tooling, machining, and CNC equipment, while Health Sciences includes direct and indirect patient-care occupations. Business and Communication supports professional, entrepreneurial, and digital work, and Education and Public Safety includes early childhood education, fire service, and public safety administration. The college also offers Hospitality training through Culinary Arts and STEM programs focused on information technology, robotics, mechatronics, electronics, and engineering. Career pathways are organized around exploration of occupational fields and preparation for entry-level positions.