Welding Technology is a pre-professional program which provides the opportunity for students to earn the Internationally Recognized credential called Level I AWS (American Welding Society) Entry Welder Certification. This is made possible by the instructor, who holds the distinction of CWE (Certified Welding Educator) and CWI (Certified Welding Inspector). Normal welding inspection fees for certification are at no extra cost to students. Located at Pike Central High School, the welding program prepares students for the workforce, apprenticeships, and post-secondary education. Dual college credit is available up to fifteen hours which gives students a head start in welding and related technical areas. Welding is a two-year program and meets three periods per day. Admission is often competitive and dependant on a student’s interest, work-ethic, attendance, behavior, and grades in school. Due to safety concerns and quality instruction, over-filling the lab with students is not possible.
The curriculum is aligned with AWS SENSE (Schools Excelling through National Skills Standards Education). Content areas include: safety, electricity, material properties, blue print reading, SMAW (shielded metal arc welding), GMAW (gas metal arc welding), GTAW (gas tungsten arc welding), FCAW (flux cored arc welding), OAW (oxy-acetylene welding) and cutting, brazing, air carbon arc cutting, and plasma arc cutting. Safety, craftsmanship, meeting recognized standards of workmanship, and work-ethic are emphasized. Math calculations, including metric conversion with use of the US customary units are important concepts as is accurate measurement. Some project designs utilize practical trigonometry concepts, algebra, and geometry but always applied to a working piece or project. Below are specific entry level guidelines and certification standards.
- EG2.0 Guide for the Training of Welding Personnel: Level I – Entry Welder
- QC10 Specification For Qualification and Certification of Level I - Entry Welder
- Written Examinations
- Practical Examinations & Drawings
- EDU-WPS: Welding Procedure Specifications
- SENSE Quality Control Manual
Welding is an important professional skilled trade used in many industries including manufacturing, mining, and construction. Sophisticated processes found in the automotive and aerospace industry as well as other industries which utilize fine metals allows for continued career advancement. Welding in construction and mining is in particular high need in southwest Indiana. Underwater welding is a dangerous but lucrative field. Welding Engineers continue to develop and refine processes. If you possess the ability to focus and maintain fine motor control over long periods of time you would be well suited for this career. Good welders are consistently trying to produce high quality welds and will not accept anything substandard.
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