Welding is the most common way of permanently joining metal. Because of its strength, welding is used to build and repair a myriad of products, from pipelines and power plants to ships and spacecraft. Job opportunities are on the rise as the demand for highly trained welders increases with industries throughout the world. Welders plan the sequence of operations and select the equipment to be used according to the kinds of metals involved and the type of weld to be made. The Welding program is designed to provide skill development in currently used welding processes including brazing, soldering, shielded metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, resistance spot welding, gas metal arc welding and flux core arc welding. Additionally, skill development also includes oxy-fuel cutting, air carbon arc cutting, and plasma cutting. This program prepares students to take the certification exams reflecting the structural codes and standards set by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME 9), American Welding Society (AWS), and the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER). Students seeking this degree will need to choose between construction/pipe welding trades or an industrial maintenance equipment specialty. Welders work all shifts, some overtime, indoors and outdoors, often welding in awkward positions. Welders enjoy working with their hands and enjoy the sense of accomplishment from building objects.
In addition to textbooks, welding students are required to supply the following items: safety glasses (ANSIZ87), welding gloves, welding jacket. These items generally cost less than $25 and can be purchased at either SJ Smith Co. or ILMO Products Company. SJ Smith is located at 1980 N. Brush College Road - 428-4493 - www.sjsmith.com. ILMO is located at 2515 Parkway Court - 428-9332 - www.ilmoproducts.com.
Career and Technical Options
- Welding Technology
- Pipefitting and Pipe Welding Certificate
(52 hours) - Welding Technician Certificate (45 hours)
- Welding Certificate (31 hours)
- Pipefitting and Pipe Welding Certificate
- Construction and Pipe Specialty
- Industrial & Equipment Specialty
