WELDING AND METAL FABRICATION
COURSE SEQUENCE
12 credits required for graduation

EXPLORATORY AND INTRODUCTION TO WELDING AND METAL FABRICATION (3 credits)
All Grade 9 students go through the Exploratory Program.  Please see page 7 for more detail. Students deciding to enter the field of welding and metal fabrication will be exposed to the basics of safety and sanitation, as well as equipment identification and use. Students learn about the variety of careers available in the welding and metal fabrication industry, hand tools and shop equipment. Different modes of welding are demonstrated and practiced. Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, blueprint reading and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.

BASICS OF WELDING, METAL CUTTING AND PREPARATION (3 credits)

In Grade 10, arc welding is demonstrated and practiced. Students prepare sections for joints, fillets and grooves and then test-weld. Proper use of machine cutting tools is demonstrated and then practiced by students. Oxy-fuel welding and brazing are taught and practiced, and weld quality is examined and diagnosed. Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) applications, parameters, gases, wire types and sizes are studied, demonstrated and practiced. Students continue to receive instruction in safety requirements and demonstrate sound safety practices. Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, blueprint reading and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.

METAL FABRICATION AND ADVANCED WELDING MODES (3 credits)

In Grade 11, industry weld symbols are defined and applied to blueprint interpretation. Metal identification, properties and prefabrication destructive testing are taught and practiced. Destructive and nondestructive welding inspection are demonstrated and practiced. Pipe welding is introduced and demonstrated. Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW), Submerged Arc Welding (SAW), Plasma Arc Welding (PAW), and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) are introduced with discussion and exercises on procedures and applications. Students begin preparation for certification assessments. Students continue to receive instruction in safety requirements and demonstrate sound safety practices. Students will perform in-school welding projects for customers. Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for Work Based Learning (WBL).  Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, blueprint reading and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.

FERROUS AND NONFERROUS MATERIAL WELDING, PIPE WELDING AND WELDING CERTIFICATION (3 credits)

In Grade 12, on-site flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead application welding skills are demonstrated to and practiced by students. Characteristics of stainless steel and aluminum are taught and specific welding techniques are demonstrated and practiced. Advanced pipe and tube welding is demonstrated and practiced. Students prepare and practice for national welding certification tests. Students continue to receive instruction in safety requirements and demonstrate sound safety practices. Students will demonstrate the ability to complete a job application and interview and have entry-level job readiness and trade skills. Students will perform in-school welding projects for customers.  Students will demonstrate the ability to complete a job application and interview and to perform entry-level job readiness and trade skills.  Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for Work Based Learning (WBL).  Each student will take the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) exam, which is a performance-based test.  Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, blueprint reading and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.
 
Students successfully completing this course of study will be able to pursue a two year or a four year degree in mechanical engineering.  Students electing to immediately enter the work force typically acquire positions as welders in the aviation and aerospace industries, large construction companies, and independent welding and fabrication shops.