Welding
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Students will develop advanced welding concepts and skills. Metal is cut with plasma arc and oxy-fuel torches, prepared with grinders and welded using the Shielded Metal Arc, Gas Metal Arc, and Gas Tungsten Arc processes. As the students become proficient in their process, the weld is tested to welding codes such as AWS D1.1, D9.1, and ASME Section IX.
Why Choose Welding?
Welding is a very rewarding and challenging career that is extremely important for industry and construction. This isn't a job where you can get bored easily, as you use both your mind and hands in your work. It also pays well!
CTHS Student discusses his experience.
CTHS Senior explains his progress.
Advantages of Becoming a Welder
It’s easy to get into
There’s a huge demand for welders
It’s easy to climb the ladder
It pays well
You can travel the world as a welder
It’s easy to pick up side work if you need extra income
It’s easy to start your own business
It’s enjoyable work
You learn valuable skills to use outside work
It's a very diverse industry
Skills USA Welding Competition
Each year welding students compete in the Skills USA welding competition. Traditionally, welding students have placed in District competitions along with State and even National's winning numerous awards, scholarships, and prizes.
The Welding Pathway Provides Real World Experiences
Students attending the welding pathway have an opportunity to be elevated inside of a simulated pipe rack. Due to the height of the rack, students are required to wear safety harnesses along with other Personal Protective Equipment (P.P.E.) as they would in the field.
Welder Qualification
Students will receive training and undergo welder qualification throughout high school. Students attending the welding pathway will participate in welder qualification days each year at CTHS. During their Sophomore year they will be given an open V-Groove with backing test, during their Junior year they will be given a structural welding test, and during their Senior year they will be given an open root pipe welding test. In addition to in-house certifications they will be provided with additional opportunities to receive certifications through the American Welding Society's (AWS) Student Certification Day and various other competitions and qualification opportunities to test their welding ability.
Welder Expectations
CERTIFICATIONS
NCCER
NCCER Core, Welding Level I, Welding Level 2
NCCER's industry-recognized credentials provide students and craft professionals with national portability of skills. NCCER maintains credentialing and certification through its Registry System.
OSHA
OSHA 10-Hour
The OSHA 10 Hour Construction Industry Outreach Training Program is intended to provide an entry level construction worker's general awareness on recognizing and preventing hazards on a construction site.
American Welding Society
AWS D1.1 & D9.1 Qualification opportunity
The Certified Welder program tests welders to procedures used in the structural steel, petroleum pipelines, sheet metal, and chemical refinery welding industries.
ASME
Section IX - Pipe Welding Qualification opportunity for select students.
Certified welders must meet stringent qualifications to produce ASME-standard-compliant welds.
Bryan Suarez
Contact
Dr. Kirk Lewis Career & Technical High School
1348 Genoa Red-Bluff
Houston, TX 77034
Ph 713-740-5320
bsuarez@pasadenaisd.org