Pathway Description

An entry level welder demonstrates the ability to assist lead welders in the fabrication of steel and metal structures. Students must be adept at performing basic welding functions and calculating dimensions as well as operating power equipment, grinders and other related tools. Student must be proficient in reading and interpreting basic blueprints and following work procedure specifications (WPS). ***Pathway courses cannot be taken before sophomore year***

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Suggested Course Progression

Course Descriptions

Blueprint Reading for Welding

This course provides a study of occupationally specific prints for welders. Advanced study of multi-view drawings, assembly drawings, datum dimensions, numerical control drawings, sheet metal prints, castings and forgings, instrumentation and control charts, diagrams, working drawings, geometric dimensioning, tolerance, and use of reference materials and books are included. Occupational specifics including welding drawings, symbols, joint types, grooves, pipe welding symbols, testing symbols, and specification interpretations are stressed.

Oxy-Fuel Systems

This course provides a working knowledge of oxy-fuel identification, set up, inspection, and maintenance; consumable identification, selection and care; principles of operation; and effects of variables for manual and mechanized oxy-fuel cutting, welding, brazing principles and practice, and metallurgy. Shop safety and equipment use are also covered.

Shielded Metal Arc Welding

Students learn the identification, inspection, and maintenance of SMAW electrodes; principles of SMAW; the effects of variables on the SMAW process to weld plate and pipe; and metallurgy

SMAW Groove Welds

Students will acquire the manipulative skills to do groove welds in all positions with backing.

Gas Metal Arc Welding

This course covers identification, inspection, and maintenance of GMAW machines; identification, selection and storage of GMAW electrodes; principles of GMAW; and the effects of variables on the GMAW process. Theory and applications of related processes such as FCAW, SMAW, and metallurgy are also included. Students learn the practical application and manipulative skills of Gas Metal Arc Welding and the proper safety situations needed in this process. Both ferrous and non-ferrous metals will be covered, as well as various joint designs on plate in all positions.

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding

This course covers identification, inspection, and maintenance of GTAW machines; identification, selection and storage of GTAW electrodes; principles of GTAW; effects of variables on the GTAW process; and metallurgy. This course also teaches the theory and application of Plasma Arc Cutting.

Special Problems for Welding

This is a course designed for the student who has demonstrated specific needs. This course does not count toward preparatory status.

Co-op (Welding)

Co-op provides supervised on-the-job work experience related to the educational objectives. Students participating in the Cooperative Education program receive compensation for their work.