Bates Technical College is a public two-year technical college in Tacoma, Washington. At the South Campus, its welding program offers a 98-credit Associate of Applied Science and a 98-credit Certificate of Competency, each organized across six quarters with daytime and evening options. Students train in Stick, MIG, Flux-Core and TIG welding, including pipe, structural and fabrication applications, using shop equipment for oxy-fuel and plasma cutting, fitting and welding projects. The program also encourages graduates to pursue AWS and Washington Association of Building Officials certification tests.