The welding program is designed to provide students with the skills needed for entry level work as a welder.  Students will learn basic shielded metal arc welding, advanced shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, and career skills to support their success.  Upon completion of the program, student will earn valuable skills essential to gaining meaningful employment.

Basic Shielded Metal Arc

This course introduces students to various components and equipment used in the welding trade. This course helps students to develop an understanding of the basic theory, applications, practical skills and will help them gain employment in the welding field. This course prepares students in theory and practice for the following:  shielded metal arc welding (carbon steel), flux cored arc welding (carbon steel), gas metal arc welding (carbon steel), gas tungsten arc welding (carbon steel), and thermal cutting. Comprehensive training in flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead welding positions is provided. Hands-on-instruction is emphasized with additional theory presented in workbook format.

Duration:  16 hours per week for 3.75 weeks (60 hours)

Program prerequisites:  Students must meet entrance requirements of the Welding Program.

Basic Shielded Metal Arc – (50 hours)

Section 1-Basic Safety:  Includes Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) overview, the use of hand tools, power tools, oxy/fuel safety and welding safety

Section 2: Welding Math and Basic Measurement: Includes basic and construction math, reading a ruler and understanding plumb and level

Section 3- Introduction to Welding: Includes an introductory study of welding safety, metal preparation, weld quality, SMAW- Equipment Set-up, Electrodes, Joint Fit-Up and alignment.

Section 4- Welding in Flat Position-SMAW: Welding of Beads & Fillet Welds, and the 5 Engineered Joints and V-Grooves with Backing in the flat position.

Career/Life Skills (10 hours)

• Schedule Type and Contact Hours: Lecture (20 Hours); Lab (40 Hours)

Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding

This course is a continuation of Basic Welding and prepares students in theory and practice for the following: Gas Tungsten Arc Welding stainless steel and aluminum. Shielded Metal Arc Welding stainless steel. Hands-on-instruction is emphasized with additional theory presented in workbook format.

Duration:  16 hours per week for 3.75 weeks (60 hours)

Program prerequisites:  Successful completion of Basic Shielded Metal Arc

Program outline:

Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding (50 hours)

Horizontal Position-SMAW

Welding of the 5 Engineered Joints: (Tee’s, Corner, Lap, Edge, and Butt Joints) in the Horizontal Position Welding and completion of the V-Groove for the bend test in the Horizontal Position

Vertical Position-SMAW

Welding of the 5 Engineered Joints: (Tee’s, Corner, Lap, Edge, and Butt Joints) in the Vertical Position Welding and completion of the V-Groove for the bend test in the Vertical Position

Overhead-SMAW

Welding of the 5 Engineered Joints: (Tee’s, Corner, Lap, Edge, and Butt Joints) in the Overhead Position Welding and completion of the V-Groove for the bend test in the Overhead Position

Career/Life Skills (10 hours)

Gas Metal Arc Welding

Students will gain an understanding of basic “MIG”.  Proper set-up and operation will be included, as well as, the safety aspect pertaining to the safe implementation.  All safe practices and prior weld training will be incorporated into the GMAW/FCAW training.

Duration in weeks:  16 hours per week for 10 weeks (160 hours)

Program prerequisites:  Successful completion of Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding.

Program outline:

Gas Metal Arc Welding – (150 hours)

D1-M-3UL GMAW-1” vertical position

D1-F-3GUL FCAW-1” vertical position

D1-T-3GLT GTAW-3/8” vertical position

D6-S-LT SMAW 3/8” stainless steel

D6- T-LT GTAW 3/8” stainless steel

Career/Life Skills (10 hours)

• Schedule Type and Contact Hours: Lecture (60 Hours); Lab (100 Hours)

Summary¹
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm

¹Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook