Welding is a high-tech industry that can take you places all over the world. From ladders to aircraft carriers, from NASCAR to national defense, and from the laboratory to sales and repair, the varied welding industry impacts virtually every industry. Technology is creating more uses for welding in the workplace. The Welding Technician program is designed to prepare students to support industrial, transportation, oil and gas, constructing, and many other industries with welding skills. The work of welders includes joining pipe sections for oil and natural gas pipelines, working in numerous industrial environments, building ships, and supporting construction. Students can serve in positions such as Welders, Cutters, Solderers and Brazers.

This program provides learners the entry level skills required to start a career in welding. This course is designed to prepare students to earn multiple credentials through the American Welding Society (AWS) Schools through National Skill Standards Education (SENSE) Level 1 Certificate of Completion. Students are eligible for an optional externship with a local employer after successful course completion.

Program Objectives

After completing this program, learners will be able to:

• Describe the building trades and technology industry and associated career paths
• Identify the professional skills required for success and career advancement in the industry
• Complete basic measuring tasks and math calculations required in the building trades workplace
• Explain the safety procedures and equipment commonly used in the building trades workplace
• Explain the proper use, care, maintenance, and safety considerations for using common hand tools
• Explain the proper use, care, maintenance, and safety considerations for using common power tools
• Identify common rigging equipment and procedures used on a construction site
• Read common construction drawings and plans
• Select and properly use safety equipment, protective clothing, and procedures applicable to the cutting and welding of metals
• Describing basic welding processes, the welding trade, and training/apprenticeship programs
• Applying welding safety practices and using personal protective equipment related to the welding trade
• Applying knowledge and skills related to safety practices, equipment, consumables, setup, and use of equipment for oxyfuel cutting, plasma arc cutting, air-carbon arc cutting and gouging
• Applying knowledge and skills related to safe preparation of base metals and basic cleaning, basic weld joint design, types of welds and joint preparation
• Applying knowledge of various codes and assessing weld quality
• Applying knowledge and skills related to SMAW (shielded metal arc welding) including safety, equipment, setup, electrodes and their care and handling, bead and fillet welds, groove welds with backing, and open-root groove welds
• Applying knowledge of welding symbols and welding drawings

Certification Opportunities

After completing this program, learners will have the option to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exam(s) essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field.

	American Welding Society (AWS) SENSE Certificate of Completion
	National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Welding Technician

Optional Volunteer Externship Opportunity

Students who complete this program are eligible to participate in an optional volunteer externship opportunity with a local company/agency/organization whose work aligns with this area of study in order to gain valuable hands-on experience.  As students progress through their eLearning program, an Externship Coordinator will reach out to coordinate placement.

Note: Additional documentation including health records, immunizations, drug-screening, criminal background checks, etc. may be required by the externship facility.