Welding

Course Description:

Students will learn the basic methods of welding and will gain practical experience in the welding lab. Design, layout, cutting and fabricating of metals, and identification of properties of metals and alloys are also studied. 

• Study Oxy-Acetyline cutting, shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), Flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), plasma arc cutting. 
• Weld in all positions: flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead on three different alloys: steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.
• Learn welding symbols, print reading, fabrication techniques, measurement, and cost analysis. 
• Students work in updated welding lab daily over the course of a year, with up to 300 hours of lab time.

Students who would benefit from this program

Students who would benefit from this program are those who possess strong math and technical skills, have steady hands and good hand-eye coordination, and like being hands-on. Welders are able to work well on a team, or on their own.

Course Outline:

1st Semester: Safety, Measurement, Print Reading, Thermal Cutting (OFC, PAC, CAC/G), Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Grinding and Finishing. 

2nd Semester: Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), Fabrication, Weld Symbols and Employability Skills.

High School Credit:

Students will earn elective credit at their high school upon completion of this course. Please see a high school counselor (based on district decision) for eligibility towards 4th-year math-related credit, VPAA credit, and waived credits for third year science and second year world language.

College Credit:

Several Michigan post-secondary education partners offer direct and articulate credit for this course. For specifics, visit the College & Career Services tab on our website.

Davenport University up to 15 credits. 

Length of Program:

1 year