Welding Technology

Welder - Entry Level

An entry level welder demonstrates the ability to assist lead welders in the fabrication of steel and metal structures.  Scholars must be adept at performing basic welding functions and calculating dimensions as well as operating power equipment, grinders and other related tools.  Scholars must be proficient in reading and interpreting basic blueprints and following work procedure specifications (WPS).


Example Careers: Pipe Welder, Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), Certified Welding Educator (CWE), Welding Engineer, Structural Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, etc.


Welding Technology students will develop communication and leadership skills through the career and technical student organization, SkillsUSA. 

Pathway Course Sequence

1st Course:  480505 Blueprint Reading for Welding

Grade level:  9-12

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  None

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 and diagrams, working drawings, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing 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. 

2nd Course:  480521 Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and Lab

Grade level:  10-12

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  Blueprint Reading for Welding

This course provides experiences in which students acquire the manipulative skills to do groove welds in all positions with backing. 

3rd Course:  480528 SMAW Groove Welds with Backing Lab

Grade level:  11-12

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and Lab

Provides experiences in which students acquire the manipulative skills to do groove welds in all positions with backing.  

4th Course:  Students may choose from the Elective Courses section for their fourth course.

Elective Courses

480522 Gas Metal Arc Welding and Lab

Grade level:  11-12

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  SMAW Groove Welds with Backing Lab

This course is designed to teach students the 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 and SAW and metallurgy are also included. 

480525 Gas Tungsten Arc Welding and Lab

Grade level:  11-12

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  SMAW Groove Welds with Backing Lab

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

480541 Co-op I (Welding)

Grade level:  12

Credit:  2

Prerequisite:  Meet Fusion WBL Program Criteria

Cooperative Education provides supervised on-the-job work experience related to the student's educational objectives. Students participating in the Cooperative Educational program receive compensation for their work. This course can be repeated. 

Industry Certification Opportunity