• Welding

    Sparks fly, and craftsmanship reigns supreme in our welding program. Students are equipped with a fundamental understanding of blueprint reading, weld symbols and weld joints, alongside safety protocols and shop equipment identification. Hands-on lab experiences help students master oxy-fuel cutting and shielded metal arc welding processes, producing quality welds with shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and tungsten inert gas (TIG). 

    Students gain valuable credentials such as OSHA 30 and AWS certifications, preparing them for a successful career in welding. Join SkillsUSA and become part of a community dedicated to excellence in craftsmanship and leadership development. 

    Program Overview

    The Welding program provides students with a fundamental understanding of blueprint reading, weld symbols, weld joints, safety, and identification of shop equipment.  Students will acquire the knowledge for safe operations of oxy-fuel cutting and shielded metal arc welding processes.  

    The Welding program provides students with the skills to interpret lines, views, and dimensions of weld joint configurations and weld symbols; identify oxy-fuel cutting equipment and components; determine proper setup of equipment for application; identify safety hazards and welding equipment related to shielded metal arc welding. Students will work in a hands-on lab environment to produce quality welds utilizing Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG). 

    Courses Offered

    • Safety and Health Regulations
    • Welding: SMAW I
    • Welding:  SMAW II
    • Welding:  GMAW and FCAW
    • CTE Lab in Architecture and Construction
    • Career Pathway Project Arch. & Con.

    Credentials Students Can Earn

    • OSHA 30
    • AWS Certifications (one or more areas)
    • Asphalt Roller - Skills for Success
    • Bulldozer - Skills for Success
    • Skid Steer - Skills for Success

    Employment Outlook

    Our Welding pathway provides a solid foundation for various entry-level positions in the welding and metalworking industry, and further education and certifications can lead to more advanced career opportunities with greater responsibilities and higher earning potential. 

    For students graduating from a welding pathway without pursuing further education, there are several entry-level job opportunities available in the welding and metalworking industry. These may include:

    • Welder: Welders use various welding processes to join metal parts and components together according to blueprints, diagrams, or specifications. They may work in manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding, or repair and maintenance industries, producing quality welds using shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), and tungsten inert gas (TIG) processes.

    • Welding Technician: Welding technicians assist welders and fabricators in setting up and operating welding equipment, preparing materials, and performing quality inspections on welded joints. They may also assist in maintaining welding machinery and equipment to ensure proper functioning and safety compliance.

    • Metal Fabricator: Metal fabricators fabricate and assemble metal structures, components, and products using various metalworking techniques, including cutting, bending, shaping, and welding. They may work in metal fabrication shops, manufacturing plants, or construction sites to produce custom metalwork according to design specifications.

    • Welding Inspector: Welding inspectors inspect welded joints and structures to ensure compliance with industry standards, codes, and specifications. They may perform visual inspections, non-destructive testing (NDT), and dimensional measurements to verify weld quality and integrity. Certification as a welding inspector from organizations like the American Welding Society (AWS) may be required for this role.

    • Metalworking Apprentice: Metalworking apprentices learn various metalworking skills and techniques, including welding, machining, and fabrication, through on-the-job training and classroom instruction. They may work under the supervision of experienced craftspeople to develop their skills and knowledge in the metalworking trade.

    For students interested in advancing their careers and taking on higher-level roles, pursuing further education, such as specialized welding certifications or an associate’s degree in welding technology, can open up additional opportunities. Jobs that may require further education include:

    • Certified Welding Inspector (CWI): Certified welding inspectors are responsible for inspecting welds, certifying welders, and ensuring compliance with welding codes and standards. They may work for construction companies, engineering firms, or government agencies, conducting inspections and overseeing welding projects. Certification as a CWI from the American Welding Society (AWS) is typically required for this role.

    • Welding Engineer: Welding engineers design, develop, and implement welding processes, procedures, and quality control measures to optimize welding operations and ensure product quality and reliability. They may work in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, or energy industries, conducting research, performing testing, and providing technical support to production teams. A bachelor's degree in welding engineering or a related field is typically required for this position.

    Student Organization

    SkillsUSA empowers its members to become world-class workers, leaders, and responsible American citizens. SkillsUSA improves the quality of our nation’s future skilled workforce through the development of Framework skills that include personal, workplace and technical skills grounded in academics. Alabama SkillsUSA is committed to producing a generation of strong workers and exceptional leaders who will take America’s workforce into a new frontier of triumph and prosperity.

    Faculty Contact

    Mark Pilotte | markpilotte@albertk12.org