• Academics
    Back
    • By Training
    • Health Science Training
      Back
      • Professional & Master EstheticianDiploma
      • Medical AssistantDiploma
      • Medical Assistant with Limited Scope Radiologic TechnologyDiploma
      • Dental AssistantDiploma
    • Skilled Trades Training
      Back
      • Combination WeldingDiploma
      • Construction ElectricianDiploma
      • Heating, Ventilation, and Air ConditioningDiploma
      • Wind Turbine TechnicianDiploma
      • Solar TechnicianDiploma
    • By Location
    • Chesapeake, Virginia
      Back
      • Professional & Master EstheticianDiploma
      • Medical AssistantDiploma
      • Medical Assistant with Limited Scope Radiologic TechnologyDiploma
      • Dental AssistantDiploma
    • Newport News, Virginia
      Back
      • Medical AssistantDiploma
      • Medical Assistant with Limited Scope Radiologic TechnologyDiploma
      • Heating, Ventilation, and Air ConditioningDiploma
      • Combination WeldingDiploma
    • Norfolk, Virginia
      Back
      • Medical AssistantDiploma
      • Medical Assistant with Limited Scope Radiologic TechnologyDiploma
      • Construction ElectricianDiploma
      • Wind Turbine TechnicianDiploma
      • Solar TechnicianDiploma
  • Locations
    Back
    • Chesapeake, Virginia
    • Newport News, Virginia
    • Norfolk, Virginia
  • Admissions + Aid
    Back
    • Admission Process
    • Tuition + Fees
    • Financial Aid
    • Scholarship Match Program
    • Consumer Information
  • Student Services
    Back
    • Student Support + Resources
    • Military Student Services
    • International Student Services
    • Alumni
  • About
    Back
    • Mission, Objectives + History
    • Why Centura?
    • Blog
    • Events
    • Careers at Centura College
  • Get Started
  • 877-523-9528
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
  • Career Readiness Quiz
  • Student Portal
  • Contact
  • 877-523-9528
  • Search
Centura College Allied Health and Trades

Accredited College Degrees and Diplomas

  • Academics
  • Locations
  • Admissions + Aid
  • Student Services
  • About
  • Get Started
  • 877-523-9528
  • Career Readiness Quiz
  • Student Portal
  • Academics
    • Health Science Training
    • Skilled Trades Training
  • Locations
    • Chesapeake, Virginia
    • Newport News, Virginia
    • Norfolk, Virginia
  • Admissions + Aid
    • Admission Process
    • Tuition + Fees
    • Financial Aid
    • Scholarship Match Program
    • Consumer Information
  • Student Services
    • Student Support + Resources
    • Military Student Services
    • International Student Services
    • Alumni
  • About
    • Mission, Objectives + History
    • Why Centura?
    • Blog
    • Events
    • Join Our Talent Network
  • Contact
  • Get Started

Skilled Trades Training

Combination Welding

Classes Start 6/16! Get in touch today!

Spark a Rewarding Career with Centura College’s Combination Welding Program

Are you ready to ignite your welding career? Centura College’s Combination Welding program is your gateway to a rewarding future in metal fabrication and repair. Our comprehensive training equips you with the skills needed to excel in welding, a profession in high demand across diverse industries. Join us to explore the benefits of a welding career, the skills you’ll acquire, and the exciting opportunities that await.

  • Diploma
  • Program length: 8 months
  • Day courses: between 8:30am – 2:30pm
  • Night courses: between 4:30pm – 10:30pm
Request Info

Not sure you’re ready?
Take our short Career Readiness Quiz

A Centura College welding program student using an angle grinder on a pipe

Campus Options

Newport News, VA

Three welding masks on a shelf

Become a combination welder

Benefits of Welding as a Career: Unlock a World of Possibilities

Embark on a versatile career in welding, a profession integral to manufacturing, shipbuilding, construction, and aerospace. Centura College’s curriculum prepares you with hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of various welding techniques, opening doors to a world of opportunities.

Master the Art of Welding Techniques: Hands-On Learning for Success

Our Combination Welding program hones your expertise in:

  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
  • Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
  • Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW)
  • Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)

You’ll also master blueprint reading, welding machinery maintenance, and safety practices.

Success Stories

“There’s always going to be a demand for a welder somewhere…It’s a skilled-based process, it’s gotta be hands on. These students get probably 85% of lab time.”

– Jerome Dendler, Welding Coordinator

Centura Welding Coordinator Jerome Dendler

Program Duration and Content: Your Roadmap to Welding Excellence

In just 33 weeks, our Combination Welding program offers 24 credit hours through 6 courses, including:
  • Fundamentals of Modern Welding

  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding (Overhead)

  • Gas Metal Arc Welding and Flux Core Arc Welding

  • Special Cutting and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding

Fundamentals of Modern Welding

Begin your journey by mastering welding basics, safety protocols, and the art of blueprint interpretation. Gain hands-on experience in grinding metal, equipment setup, and essential oxyacetylene and propane handling. Delve into the electrical aspects of welding equipment, all while exploring key factors like attitude, motivation, planning, and memory, crucial for your success as a welder. Topics covered include:
  • Welding safety procedures
  • Blueprint interpretation
  • Metal grinding techniques
  • Equipment setup and maintenance
  • Oxyacetylene and propane handling
  • Understanding electrical aspects of welding equipment
  • Personal development skills

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (Overhead)

Elevate your skills by specializing in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) in overhead positions. Work with 7018 1/8 inch and 3/32 inch electrodes, mastering vertical tack welding on test plates, and ensuring your welds meet industry standards. Prepare for the American Welding Society (AWS) qualification, showcasing your expertise in SMAW. Some of the topics covered in this course include:
  • Overhead SMAW techniques
  • Vertical tack welding
  • Bend test procedures
  • AWS qualification preparation

Gas Metal Arc Welding and Flux Core Arc Welding

Explore the realms of Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW). Develop your proficiency in tee-joints, vee-joints, and welding in both flat and horizontal positions. Learn the nuances of wire feeding welders, electrode wire material selection, and the art of creating smooth and flawless welds. Topics of the course include:
  • GMAW and FCAW techniques
  • Welding in various positions
  • Wire feeding welder operation
  • Electrode wire material selection

Special Cutting and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding

Sharpen your skills with a focus on Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), commonly known as TIG welding. Practice tie-in beads using the 70S-3 wire in different positions. Master welding corner and edge joints, while also learning cutting techniques such as carbon arc cutting (CAC), plasma arc cutting (PAC), and shielded metal arc cutting (SMAC). This course covers:
  • GTAW (TIG) welding techniques
  • Corner and edge joint welding
  • Cutting techniques: CAC, PAC, SMAC

Financial Aid: Your Ticket to Affordable Education

At Centura College, we understand that money can be a big concern when it comes to getting an education. But, we’ve got your back! We offer financial assistance programs for eligible students.

Before you take that next step of enrolling, we strongly recommend first scheduling a meeting with one of our friendly Financial Aid Advisors. They’re here to make your life easier by guiding you through all the different financial aid options available. They’ll break it all down for you, so you’ll have a clear idea of what’s what. Plus, they’ll lend a hand in filling out your applications.

Centura combination welding student wearing welding gear

Career Support: Navigating Your Path to Success

At Centura College, we’ve got your back even after you graduate, thanks to our thorough job placement support.

Our Career Services Department is here to lend a hand to all our students, graduates, and alumni. The department provides services like resume writing, polishing up your interviewing skills, and guiding you through your job searching.

Students standing in front of campus building

Explore Centura Newport News Campus: Where Your Dreams Take Shape

The Combination Welding program is offered at our campus in Newport News, Virginia. The campus boasts a 32,000-square-foot facility with state-of-the-art amenities, including Wi-Fi, computer labs, lecture halls, and specialized labs for massage therapy and HVAC training. Centura College has a rich history of career training since 1969, committed to providing students with top-notch facilities and support.

Enroll with Ease: How to Begin Your Welding Journey

Starting your journey at Centura College is simple.

Enrollment process step one

First Step

Complete an interest form & Schedule a Meeting with Us.

Enrollment process step two

Second Step

Come in for a career planning session & fill out an application

Enrollment process step three

Third Step

Get your acceptance letter* & meet with a Financial Advisor & Explore Scholarships

Enrollment process step four

Fourth Step

Attend orientation & start your combination welding program!

*Applicants must meet admission requirements. Acceptance into the program is not guaranteed.

Program Requirements: Your Checklist for Entry into Welding

Students enrolling in the Combination Welding program need to meet the following requirements:

  • Be 18 or older or have an approved cosigner if under 18
  • Have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
  • Have a government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport
A welding student using a torch on a pipe

Articles + Events

Ready to achieve your career goals? You have our support all the way.

Let us get you the information you need and answer any questions you may have along the way.

Request more information

Footer

Centura College Allied Health and Trades
Administrative offices located at:
4455 South Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
877-523-9528
Academics
  • Health Science Training
  • Skilled Trades Training
Locations
  • Chesapeake, Virginia
  • Newport News, Virginia
  • Norfolk, Virginia
Admissions + Aid
  • Admission Process
  • Tuition + Fees
  • Financial Aid
  • Scholarship Match Program
  • Consumer Information
Student Services
  • Student Support + Resources
  • Military Student Services
  • International Student Services
  • Alumni
About
  • Mission, Objectives + History
  • Blog
  • Events
  • Join Our Talent Network
  • Career Readiness Quiz
  • Student Portal
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2025 Centura College. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Accredited School, ACCSC | Notice of Non-Discrimination