Welder Helper Certificate (I-BEST)

Program Details Welder Helper Certificate (I-BEST)

Here is a general overview of what your classes will look like following each quarter. This information may be subject to change at any time without notice, please contact your advisor for more information regarding the courses. To check out which materials are needed for your courses click this bookstore link Links to an external site. and enter the course information.

What is I-BEST?

 General Overview

When can I start? Fall (September), Winter (January), or Spring (April)

How long is the program? It depends on when you started at RTC:

• 1 or 2 quarters (up to 8 months) with 22 total credits if you started before fall 2023
• 1 quarter (3 months) with 19 total credits if you started in fall 2023 or afterwards

When do classes meet? Monday through Friday, five days per week. We offer welding classes in two time slots:

• Daytime: 8 A.M. to 1 P.M.
• Afternoon and Evenings: 3 P.M. to 8 P.M.

This is an intense introduction to welding fundamentals: different cuts and different joints on mild steel. The Welding Helper certificate also includes career and academic support classes to give you all of the skills that employers want.

What does a welder do?

What is the average salary?

$59,710 annually Links to an external site. in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area, for experienced welders. You may earn less with just the first welding certificate.

Who can I contact with questions?

• New students, please visit our Zoom lobby (Links to an external site.) to talk with someone by video chat, or e-mail our advising department.
• For current students, please visit RTC's advising page (Links to an external site and look for the faculty counselor assigned to Welding.

Overall Materials Needed:

1. Access to a functioning laptop or computer (you may use computers in the RTC Library or Learning Resource Center)
2. Working internet connection
3. Tools ($200 estimated)

Note: This program has course fees of $35 per WELD credit.

 Financial Aid Eligibility Warning

This specific program may not be eligible for federal financial aid because it is too short. Please talk to your adviser about different ways to pay for tuition.