The welding industry can be extremely rewarding due to the fact that employers have a constant need for skilled welders. Welding is used in manufacturing, construction and many other industries. In the Welding Technology program, students are taught oxy-fuel gas cutting principles and practices, arc cutting principles and practices, and welding inspection and testing principles. Welding Technology students research careers in the welding field and learn how to weld in all positions. Further, they learn how to interpret blueprints and layout projects from cutting to tacking to full completion of projects. Students learn about precision cuts in steel plates using superheated gases and learn how steel is formed from a liquid to solid. Students also gain handson training in a variety of welding procedures including shielded metal arc welding (STICK), gas metal arc welding (MIG), flux cored arc welding (FCAW) and gas tungsten arc welding (TIG). In this program, students learn how to use the proper equipment for testing welds, destruction, and hardness testing. They gain experience in reading and understanding manuals and specification charts for the welding process. The students learn how to use grinders and chemical baths for surface cleaning, proper clamping techniques, and welding standards established by the American Welding Society.

Industry Certifications a Student May Earn

• OSHA-10
• Certified Welder (AWS)

Median Wage for Related Occupations

• Sheet metal workers $48,000
• Welders, Cutters, Solderers & Brazers $50,600
• Boilermakers $50,000
• Pipefitters $58,000