Welding and Fabrication
Diploma
12 months (48 weeks)
The training program is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and skills for entry-level employment as a welder in the manufacturing, construction or maintenance industries. This program provides specific welding and metal shop training including theory and extensive hands on laboratory activities for reading blue prints, setting up Computer Numeric Control (CNC) cutting procedures and welding of flat and pipe metals. General education courses are included to support the training program and develop computer, mathematics, and science skills used in the industry. Personal attributes considered essential for this field of employment are visual acuity, manual dexterity, stamina, communication skills, reading comprehension, the ability for lift or carry heavy materials and handle large power tools. Welders must be flexible, demonstrate dexterity, and be able to translate mechanical ideas into the manufacturing process. Physical abilities recommended for this field are repetitive sitting, kneeling, twisting, frequent standing, crouching, bending, flexion (extension/wrist use), continuous walking, and the ability to lift at least 25 pounds. Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers may work outdoors, often in inclement weather, or indoors, sometimes in a confined area. They may work on a scaffold, high off the ground, and they occasionally must lift heavy objects and work in awkward positions.
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hours | Class Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEL101 | Introduction to Welding and Fabrication | 4.5 | 72 |
| WEL111 | Oxyfuel, Plasma, Carbon Arc Cutting/Gouging and Basics of SMAW | 4.0 | 72 |
| WEL121 | Welding I SMAW | 6.5 | 120 |
| WEL131 | Welding II-a Advance SMAW, Introduction to GMAW and FCAW | 6.5 | 120 |
| WEL132 | Welding II-b GMAW and FCAW | 5.5 | 96 |
| WEL140 | Welding III Carbon Steel | 6.5 | 120 |
| WEL151 | Welding IV GTAW, Aluminum and Stainless-Steel | 4.0 | 72 |
| WEL155 | Welding Skills Review and SENSE Level II Certification | 6.5 | 120 |
| MFG106 | Mathematics for Manufacturing and Fabrication | 3.0 | 48 |
| MFG111 | Print Reading | 3.0 | 48 |
| MFG120 | Computer Fundamentals for the Trades | 1.5 | 24 |
| MFG131 | Computerized Assistant Design and Drafting | 3.0 | 48 |
| Total Welding and Fabrication | 54.5 | 960 | |
| Total Outside Coursework Hours | 304 | ||
Nature of Work:
Welders and cutters may work outdoors, often in inclement weather, or indoors, sometimes in a confined area designed to contain sparks and glare. When working outdoors, they may work on a scaffold or platform high off the ground.
In addition, they may have to lift heavy objects and work in awkward positions while bending, stooping, or standing to work overhead.
Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers are often exposed to a number of hazards, including very hot materials and the intense light created by the arc. They wear safety shoes, heat-resistant gloves, goggles, masks with protective lenses, and other equipment to prevent burns and eye injuries and to protect them from falling objects.
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration requires that welders work in safely ventilated areas in order to avoid danger from inhaling gases and fine particles that can result from welding processes. Because of these hazards, welding, cutting, soldering, and brazing workers have a rate of injuries and illnesses that is higher than the national average. However, they can minimize injuries if they follow safety procedures.
Job Outlook:
Employment of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2012 to 2022 Nationally and **23 Percent from 2010 to 2020 in Nevada, slower than the average for all occupations nationally but higher than average for **Nevada. Employment growth reflects the need for welders in manufacturing because of the importance and versatility of welding as a manufacturing process. The basic skills of welding are similar across industries, so welders can easily shift from one industry to another, depending on where they are needed most. For example, welders laid off in the automotive manufacturing industry may be able to find work in the oil and gas industry. The nation’s aging infrastructure will require the expertise of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers to help rebuild bridges, highways, and buildings. The construction of new power generation facilities and, specifically, pipelines transporting natural gas and oil will also result in new jobs.
OCCUPATIONAL TITLE WELDERS, CUTTERS, SOLDERERS, AND BRAZERS SOC CODE 51-4121.00
SOURCE: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm.
**Source: http://www.careerinfonet.org/occ_rep.asp?optstatus=011000000&soccode=514121&id=1&nodeid=2&stfips=32&search=Go
