Welding and Fabrication
Winter 2010 Program Outline
Start: Fall, Winter, Spring
Degrees and Certificates
Program Website:
www.scc.spokane.edu/?weld
Additional Costs
| Books | $175 |
| Misc. Fees* | $225 |
| * Tools & Equipment (one-time cost) $225 |
Program Description
Welding is one of the most common and dependable methods of joining materials together. Fabrication is the process of blueprint reading, layout, cutting and preparing materials for assembly.
The competency-based Welding and Fabrication program trains the student in the safe and correct procedures used in shielded metal-arc welding, oxy-acetylene welding, MIG and TIG welding, and air arc and plasma cutting. Course content also includes the safe use and care of hand and power equipment found in welding and fabrication shops. Some of the equipment includes overhead cranes, grinders, power saws, ironworker, cold saws and drill presses.
The student will be prepared for entry into many trade and industry opportunities, including construction, aerospace, automotive, heavy equipment, machinist, ship building and agriculture. This is only a small cross-section of job opportunities available to the student who successfully completes the program.
Program Goals
- Specific skills and related knowledge in shielded metal arc welding, gas metallic arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding and flux core arc welding.
- Specific skills and related knowledge in the set-up and usage of the following power equipment: ironworker punch/shear, drill press, overhead crane, cold saw, band saw, chop saw, grinders, plasma arc, and oxy-acetylene cutting.
- Individual initiative and responsibility as a craftsman.
- A working knowledge of fabrication and blueprints.
- Understanding of occupational safety habits.
Normal sight, depth perception and physical dexterity are required.
Career Opportunities
Employment of welder/fabricators is expected to increase rapidly as a result of the favorable outlook for metalworking industries and the wider use of the welding process. Many more welder/fabricators will be needed for maintenance and repair work in the growing metalworking industries and in construction using welded steel structures. The number of welder/fabricators in production work is expected to increase in plants fabricating metal products, boilers, storage tanks, ships, and other structural components.
POTENTIAL POSITIONS INCLUDE: boilermaker, carpenter, iron worker, millwright, operating engineer, pipe welder, plumber, sheet metal, ship fitter, steam fitter, welder fitter, welder fitter apprentice, and welder (all areas including service, maintenance and production).