Welding Technology

Program Overview

The welding industry can be extremely rewarding due to the fact that employers have a constant need for skilled welders. Welding is used in manufacturing, construction, and many other industries. In the Welding Technology program, students are taught oxy-fuel gas cutting principles and practices, arc cutting principles and practices, and welding inspection and testing principles. Welding Technology students research careers in the welding field and learn how to weld in all positions. Further, they learn how to interpret blueprints and layout projects from cutting to tacking to full completion of projects. Students learn about precision cuts in steel plates using superheated gases and learn how steel is formed from a liquid to solid. Students also gain hands-on training in a variety of welding procedures including shielded metal arc welding (STICK), gas metal arc welding (MIG), flux cored arc welding (FCAW), and gas tungsten arc welding (TIG).

In this program, students learn how to use the proper equipment for testing welds, destruction, and hardness testing. They gain experience in reading and understanding manuals and specification charts for the welding process. The students learn how to use grinders and chemical baths for surface cleaning, proper clamping techniques, and welding standards established by the American Welding Society.

* Blueprint Reading is a required course for this program of study.

Skill Alignment Chart (Click to Expand)

Educational & Physical Attributes	Expectations
Program Safety & Physical Considerations	A focus on safety around welding equipment, hand tools, power tools & other equipment Ability to work independently, read & follow directions Able to lift 50 lbs Good eye/hand coordination Stamina to stand for long periods of time Able to withstand welding fumes and mild chemical odors Able to remain focused on the task at–hand, particularly when welding
Essential APTITUDES for this lab–Recommended Levels	Finger & manual dexterity Form perception Motor coordination Spatial Critical thinking Troubleshooting Active learning & listening Math skills Ability to work independently & in teams Judgement & decision making Ability to take notes
Reading	Explain the main ideas or draw accurate conclusions after reading text Follow a complex multi–step procedure independently Evaluate how words and phrases shape meaning and tone in texts Comprehend written text and apply it to understand tables, charts, and other visuals Learn and apply content–specific symbols, abbreviations, and acronyms correctly Apply content–specific vocabulary correctly Identify and explain how different ideas connect throughout text Read and understand diagnostic and schematic data to solve a problem Compare & contrast information in a text Summarize information from different written resources By the end of grades 9–10 & 11–12 read & comprehend technical texts independently & proficiently Evaluate the hypotheses, data, analysis & conclusions in a technical text Textbook: Modern Welding, Twelfth Edition, Average grade reading level: 12.8
Writing	Write with a sharp, distinct focus identifying topic, task, and audience Develop and analyze the topic with relevant, well–chosen, and sufficient facts, extended definitions, and concrete details Produce clear & coherent writing Evaluate and explain arguments and counter arguments Develop and strengthen writing by brainstorming, revising, editing & rewriting Write with awareness to audience using program–specific vocabulary Write routinely over short/long time frames for a range of tasks, purposes & audiences Clearly convey with precision step–by–step work completed Write fast–paced, accurate work reports Use technology to produce, publish or share writing
Math Levels	Numbers and Operations: Grade 6 – Fluency in operations with whole numbers and decimals Grade 6 – Fraction computations Grade 6 – Whole number exponents Grade 7 – Fraction to decimal conversion Grade 7 – Percent and ratio problems Grade 8 – Decimals to rational number (fraction) conversion Grade 8 – Estimate the value of irrational numbers. Algebra 1 – Problem solving with real world units, including conversions Measurement: NG – Units: English / Metric Precision: Nearest 1/16 inch Grade 6 – Unit conversion within and between measuring systems Algebraic Concepts: Grade 8 – Slope Geometric Concepts: Grade 7 – Angle measure problems (supplementary, complementary, adjacent, angles of a triangle, parallel lines cut by transversal) Grade 7 – Scale drawings of geometric figures Grade 8 – Pythagorean Theorem Geometry – Trigonometric ratios and problem solving (includes Pythagorean) Geometry – Scale models and drawings Geometry – Study of circles Data and Probability: Algebra 1 – Interpret data on various displays – use to make predictions
Theory Time	Approximately 1 hour/day
Homework	1 hour/week
Lab Time	4– 4.5 hours/day
Tests	Unit quizzes (open notes) Chapter tests Industry Certifications OSHA 10 AWS–Certified Welder NOCTI (mandatory for all CTE programs)
POS Academics and Electives Recommended	College Prep English & Math are a component of the DCTS program
Study & Other Skills	Good attendance Responsible Able to take notes
Technology/Skills Knowledge	Use and navigate school–issued laptop Web navigation Email management Navigate learning management system and instructional technology tools Video conferencing Database navigation
Certifications Offered	OSHA 10 American Welding Society (AWS) Recognized Welding Certifications AWS D1.1 Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) Flux–Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) Gas–Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
Post–Secondary Options and Continuing Ed	SOAR Articulations Community College of Allegheny County– 9 credits Delaware County Community College– 8 credits Harrisburg Area Community College– 12 credits Northhampton County Area Community College– 10 credits Pennsylvania College of Technology– 12 credits Pittsburgh Technical College– 9 credits Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology– 9 credits Westmoreland County Community College– 10 credits