Del Mar College will introduce a new associate degree in metal fabrication in fall 2027, pending approvals from the state and an accrediting association.
The college Board of Regents approved the new Associate of Applied Science degree on Sept. 8.
"This is a very critically important degree to have because it directly supports the industries that drive the area's economy," Del Mar College Vice President and Chief Academic Officer Jonda Halcomb said.
According to a staff presentation prepared for the regents, local employers and advisory committee members reported difficulty finding qualified workers with technical, layout and fabrication skills. State and federal labor market data also indicate growth in manufacturing, petrochemical processing,
oil and gas and shipbuilding industries, according to the presentation.
Other Texas community colleges offer similar fabrication and structural welding programs, though not in South Texas. Institutions with similar programs include Alvin Community College, Austin Community College, Central Texas College, Dallas College, San Jacinto Community College and Texas State College.
The program includes 60 credit hours, including welding, pipefitting and fabrication courses, as well as academic courses. Students will earn industry certifications as they complete the associate degree program.
Existing certificate programs, including the specialty welding and apprentice pipefitter certificate programs, share hours with the degree.
The associate degree program will also be stackable into the college's bachelor's of organizational management degree.
The college anticipates 24 students in the first cohort, with potential growth in subsequent semesters. The college will need a new full-time faculty member in the first year, with more additional faculty needed if enrollments grow in later years.
Before the program begins, the college will need approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Olivia Garrett reports on education and community news in South Texas. Contact her at olivia.garrett@caller.com.
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: New metal fabricator degree planned by Del Mar College
