Program provides training in the most common welding and cutting techniques: shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, oxyacetylene welding, oxy fuel cutting and plasma cutting. In most welding applications, filler materials are melted and added to the weld puddle to give the joint greater strength. It is the job of the welder to control the amount of heat and the size of the melted area, and to add the proper amount of filler material in order to form a strong joint. Students learn use of welding tools, materials, safety procedures, layout and fit-up of materials and pike.

Required

Leather work boots ($35-$60)

Leather sleeves and apron, gloves and welding helmet are provided

Average Salary

Starting $9/hour up to $20/hour and beyond

ACADEMIC/EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS:

Physical Skills: Be able to lift approximately 50 pounds and bend at the knees and waist without difficulty. Exhibit physical skills such as walking, standing, lifting, climbing, carrying, and bending/possess good vision, speech, and fine motor skills; have average ability to concentrate on detailed work for long periods.

Math Skills: Convert and or perform practical applications involving fractions and decimals, percentages, measurement, ratios, and proportion and metric conversion. Calculate surface area, volume, weights, measure, and circumference. Understand square roots and radicals, properties of angles, essentials of trigonometry, and proper use of all measuring devices used in the career area.

Language/English Skills: Read a variety of magazines, newspapers, trade-related technical manuals, and encyclopedias. Read safety rules, instructions in the use and maintenance of shop tools and equipment, and proper job procedures. Write reports with proper format.

Science Skills: No specific science requirements. Recommend students take Physical Science, Principles of Technology, and /or Physics.

Related Post-Secondary Opportunities

Graduates enjoy the Associate and Baccalaureate opportunities offered by: Four-year apprenticeship program. Additional trade-related studies and advanced skill training courses available through post-secondary trade schools and extension programs. Two-year Associate or four year Welding engineer Degree available.