Prepare to enter a field with growing opportunities with COM's Welding Technology Program. Area plants are investing billions of dollars in capital improvements, and COM provides training that supports industry demands. Employment can be found in a variety of industrial settings such as the oil and gas industry, energy exploration, power plants and construction. The need for qualified welders in the Gulf Coast region is anticipated to grow by 26.7 percent by 2020. The median hourly wage is $17.53 with entry-level positions starting below that rate. (Source: Workforce Solutions, 2014) COM's program prepares a student completing the Welding, Multiple Processes class to be hired as a welder SMAW (shielded metal arc welding) helper/tacker. Students completing three classes may be hired as a structural welder (SMAW), while students completing five classes may be hired as a pipe welder (SMAW). The course includes a $200 lab fee. Not included is approximately $250 for personal equipment.