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. For example, new ways are being developed to bond dissimilar materials and non-metallic materials, such as plastics, composites, and new alloys. This program offers learners the core curriculum necessary for success in their trade or craft as well as a comprehensive introduction to the welding craft.
This program provides learners the entry level skills required to start a career in welding. The program is delivered through an intensive hands-on lab approach allowing learners to hone their skills using our exclusive Virtual Reality Augmented Arc experience and then concentrate on practical skills education and execution with actual welding equipment and practice.
After completing this program, learners will be able to:
- Explain the importance of workplace safety, safe work requirements, workplace hazards, prevention methods, emergency response procedures, and appropriate PPE for specific tasks
- Solve construction-related problems using basic math and common measuring tools
- Safely and properly use the proper hand tool for construction-related tasks
- Safely and properly use the proper power tool for construction-related tasks
- Correctly read and interpret various types of construction drawings including standard fundamental components, features, symbols, and dimensions
- Identify and describe use of various types of rigging slings, hardware, and equipment including use of proper ASME Emergency Stop hand signal
- Effectively communicate, listen, speak, read, and write to meet workplace expectations and communication goals
- Apply workplace skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, interpersonal skills, conflict management, and team member skills
- Identify standard procedures for safely and properly handling common materials found on work sites, including lifting, tying knots, and using motorized and non-motorized material handling equipment
- Select and properly use safety equipment, protective clothing, and procedures applicable to the cutting and welding of metals
- Safely and properly perform cutting techniques using oxyfuel cutting equipment and procedures
- Safely and properly perform arc cutting procedures in a variety of situations
- Safely and properly perform air-carbon arc washing and gouging procedures
- Safely and properly clean and prepare all types of base metals for cutting or welding
- Properly inspect welds for quality and adherence to applicable codes
- Safely and properly perform SMAW welding procedures for a variety of purposes, including reading the welding drawings for the weld, selecting appropriate electrodes, and setting up and using the SMAW equipment
As part of this program, Learners will complete the following hands-on labs and activities:
- Inspect, Don, Fit, and Remove Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Oxyfuel Cutting Equipment – Safety, Inspection, Setup, Disassembly, Transport, and Storage Walkthrough
- Plasma Arc Cutting Inspection, Equipment Components, Procedure Walkthrough
- Base Metal Workpiece and WPS Examination
- Weld Quality Inspection and Report
- SMAW – Equipment and Setup Walkthrough
- SMAW Electrodes Examination
- SMAW – Beads and Fillet Weld Walkthrough
- Joint Fit-Up and Alignment Checking
- Welding Simulator - SMAW/GMAW/GTAW Weld Demonstration and Practice
- Welding Safety Review
- Oxyfuel Cutting
- Plasma Arc Cutting
- Base Metal Preparation
- Joint Fit-Up and Alignment
- SMAW Groove Welds with Backing
- Welding Symbols
- Welding Drawings Examination and Detail Sketching
Certification Opportunities
After completing this program, learners will have the opportunity to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exam(s) essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field.
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.
