Welding Technology

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The Welding Technology curriculum provides students with a sound understanding of the science, technology, and applications essential for successful employment in the welding and metalworking industry.

Instruction includes consumable and non-consumable electrode welding and cutting processes. Courses may include math, print reading, metallurgy, welding inspection, and destructive and non-destructive testing providing the student with industry-standard skills developed through classroom training and practical application.

Graduates of the Welding Technology curriculum may be employed as entry-level technicians in welding and metalworking industries. Career opportunities also exist in construction, manufacturing, fabrication, sales, quality control, supervision, and welding-related self-employment.

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate computer competency, communicate, and work independently and as a team to design, layout, measure, and as a team to design, layout, measure, and construct components using the correct welding technique.
  • Examine and validate underlying assumptions dealing with welding shop and construction safety procedures, practices, chemical/solvent disposal, adhere to the EPA/OSHA regulatory requirements.
  • Demonstrate the knowledge and abilities necessary to achieve American Welding Society (AWS) certification.
  • Be able to seek best information, measure, analyze, design, layout, and correct equipment operation in the following processes:
    • Cutting (Oxy-Fuel, Plasma Arc)
    • Shielded Metal Arc (SMAW)
    • Gas Metal Arc (MIG)
    • Gas Tungsten Arc (TIG)
    • Metallurgy/Machining
    • Oxygen-Fuel

Job Outlook

Annual demand for Welding Technology/Welder in our service area is currently 210 job openings. This is expected to decrease by 0.57% in the next year.

Contact Information

Image of Jayden Gantt
Jayden Gantt, AGE
Lead Instructor - Welding
Phone: 336-838-6208
jagantt177@wilkescc.edu
Image of Nathan Bell
Nathan Bell, Diploma
Instructor - Welding
Phone: 336-838-6556
nwbell649@wilkescc.edu

Pathways

Course Requirements

    Fall Semester
    • ACA 115 Success & Study Skills

      This course provides an orientation to the campus resources and academic skills necessary to achieve educational objectives. Emphasis is placed on an exploration of facilities and services, study skills, library skills, self-assessment, wellness, goal-setting, and critical thinking. Upon completion, students should be able to manage their learning experiences to successfully meet educational goals.

    • WLD 110 Cutting Processes

      This course introduces oxy-fuel and plasma-arc cutting systems. Topics include safety, proper equipment setup, and operation of oxy-fuel and plasma-arc cutting equipment with emphasis on straight line, curve and bevel cutting. Upon completion, students should be able to oxy-fuel and plasma-arc cut metals of varying thickness.

    • WLD 115 SMAW (Stick) Plate

      This course introduces the shielded metal arc (stick) welding process. Emphasis is placed on padding, fillet, and groove welds in various positions with SMAW electrodes. Upon completion, students should be able to perform SMAW fillet and groove welds on carbon plate with prescribed electrodes.

    • WLD 121 GMAW (MIG) FCAW/Plate

      This course introduces metal arc welding and flux core arc welding processes. Topics include equipment setup and fillet and groove welds with emphasis on application of GMAW and FCAW electrodes on carbon steel plate. Upon completion, students should be able to perform fillet welds on carbon steel with prescribed electrodes in the flat, horizontal, and overhead positions.

    • WLD 141 Symbols & Specifications

      This course introduces the basic symbols and specifications used in welding. Emphasis is placed on interpretation of lines, notes, welding symbols, and specifications. Upon completion, students should be able to read and interpret symbols and specifications commonly used in welding.

    Spring Semester
    • ENG 110 Freshman Composition

      This course is designed to develop informative and business writing skills. Emphasis is placed on logical organization of writing, including effective introductions and conclusions, precise use of grammar, and appropriate selection and use of sources. Upon completion, students should be able to produce clear, concise, well-organized short papers.

    • MAT 110 Math Measurement & Literacy

      This course provides an activity-based approach that develops measurement skills and mathematical literacy using technology to solve problems for non-math intensive programs. Topics include unit conversions and estimation within a variety of measurement systems; ratio and proportion; basic geometric concepts; financial literacy; and statistics including measures of central tendency, dispersion, and charting of data. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the use of mathematics and technology to solve practical problems, and to analyze and communicate results.

    • WLD 116 SMAW (stick) Plate/Pipe

      This course is designed to enhance skills with the shielded metal arc (stick) welding process. Emphasis is placed on advancing manipulative skills with SMAW electrodes on varying joint geometry. Upon completion, students should be able to perform groove welds on carbon steel with prescribed electrodes in the flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions.

    • WLD 122 GMAW (MIG) Plate/Pipe

      This course is designed to enhance skills with the gas metal arc (MIG) welding process. Emphasis is placed on advancing skills with the GMAW process making groove welds on carbon steel plate and pipe in various positions. Upon completion, students should be able to perform groove welds with prescribed electrodes on various joint geometry.

    • WLD 131 GTAW (TIG) Plate

      This course introduces the gas tungsten arc (TIG) welding process. Topics include correct selection of tungsten, polarity, gas, and proper filler rod with emphasis placed on safety, equipment setup, and welding techniques. Upon completion, students should be able to perform GTAW fillet and groove welds with various electrodes and filler materials.

    Summer Term
    • WLD 151 Fabrication I

      This course introduces the basic principles of fabrication. Emphasis is placed on safety, measurement, layout techniques, cutting, joining techniques, and the use of fabrication tools and equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to perform layout activities and operate various fabrication and material handling equipment.

    • WLD 261 Certification Practices

      This course covers certification requirements for industrial welding processes. Topics include techniques and certification requirements for prequalified joint geometry. Upon completion, students should be able to perform welds on carbon steel plate and/or pipe according to applicable codes.

    Course Requirements

    • WLD 110 Cutting Processes

      This course introduces oxy-fuel and plasma-arc cutting systems. Topics include safety, proper equipment setup, and operation of oxy-fuel and plasma-arc cutting equipment with emphasis on straight line, curve and bevel cutting. Upon completion, students should be able to oxy-fuel and plasma-arc cut metals of varying thickness.

    • WLD 115 SMAW (Stick) Plate

      This course introduces the shielded metal arc (stick) welding process. Emphasis is placed on padding, fillet, and groove welds in various positions with SMAW electrodes. Upon completion, students should be able to perform SMAW fillet and groove welds on carbon plate with prescribed electrodes.

    • WLD 121 GMAW (MIG) FCAW/Plate

      This course introduces metal arc welding and flux core arc welding processes. Topics include equipment setup and fillet and groove welds with emphasis on application of GMAW and FCAW electrodes on carbon steel plate. Upon completion, students should be able to perform fillet welds on carbon steel with prescribed electrodes in the flat, horizontal, and overhead positions.

    • WLD 141 Symbols & Specifications

      This course introduces the basic symbols and specifications used in welding. Emphasis is placed on interpretation of lines, notes, welding symbols, and specifications. Upon completion, students should be able to read and interpret symbols and specifications commonly used in welding.

    Course Requirements

    • WLD 110 Cutting Processes

      This course introduces oxy-fuel and plasma-arc cutting systems. Topics include safety, proper equipment setup, and operation of oxy-fuel and plasma-arc cutting equipment with emphasis on straight line, curve and bevel cutting. Upon completion, students should be able to oxy-fuel and plasma-arc cut metals of varying thickness.

    • WLD 121 GMAW (MIG) FCAW/Plate

      This course introduces metal arc welding and flux core arc welding processes. Topics include equipment setup and fillet and groove welds with emphasis on application of GMAW and FCAW electrodes on carbon steel plate. Upon completion, students should be able to perform fillet welds on carbon steel with prescribed electrodes in the flat, horizontal, and overhead positions.

    • WLD 122 GMAW (MIG) Plate/Pipe

      This course is designed to enhance skills with the gas metal arc (MIG) welding process. Emphasis is placed on advancing skills with the GMAW process making groove welds on carbon steel plate and pipe in various positions. Upon completion, students should be able to perform groove welds with prescribed electrodes on various joint geometry.

    • WLD 141 Symbols & Specifications

      This course introduces the basic symbols and specifications used in welding. Emphasis is placed on interpretation of lines, notes, welding symbols, and specifications. Upon completion, students should be able to read and interpret symbols and specifications commonly used in welding.

    Course Requirements

    • WLD 115 SMAW (Stick) Plate

      This course introduces the shielded metal arc (stick) welding process. Emphasis is placed on padding, fillet, and groove welds in various positions with SMAW electrodes. Upon completion, students should be able to perform SMAW fillet and groove welds on carbon plate with prescribed electrodes.

    • WLD 116 SMAW (stick) Plate/Pipe

      This course is designed to enhance skills with the shielded metal arc (stick) welding process. Emphasis is placed on advancing manipulative skills with SMAW electrodes on varying joint geometry. Upon completion, students should be able to perform groove welds on carbon steel with prescribed electrodes in the flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions.

    • WLD 141 Symbols & Specifications

      This course introduces the basic symbols and specifications used in welding. Emphasis is placed on interpretation of lines, notes, welding symbols, and specifications. Upon completion, students should be able to read and interpret symbols and specifications commonly used in welding.

    Course Requirements

      Fall Semester
      • ACA 115 Success & Study Skills

        This course provides an orientation to the campus resources and academic skills necessary to achieve educational objectives. Emphasis is placed on an exploration of facilities and services, study skills, library skills, self-assessment, wellness, goal-setting, and critical thinking. Upon completion, students should be able to manage their learning experiences to successfully meet educational goals.

      • WLD 110 Cutting Processes

        This course introduces oxy-fuel and plasma-arc cutting systems. Topics include safety, proper equipment setup, and operation of oxy-fuel and plasma-arc cutting equipment with emphasis on straight line, curve and bevel cutting. Upon completion, students should be able to oxy-fuel and plasma-arc cut metals of varying thickness.

      • WLD 115 SMAW (Stick) Plate

        This course introduces the shielded metal arc (stick) welding process. Emphasis is placed on padding, fillet, and groove welds in various positions with SMAW electrodes. Upon completion, students should be able to perform SMAW fillet and groove welds on carbon plate with prescribed electrodes.

      • WLD 121 GMAW (MIG) FCAW/Plate

        This course introduces metal arc welding and flux core arc welding processes. Topics include equipment setup and fillet and groove welds with emphasis on application of GMAW and FCAW electrodes on carbon steel plate. Upon completion, students should be able to perform fillet welds on carbon steel with prescribed electrodes in the flat, horizontal, and overhead positions.

      • WLD 141 Symbols & Specifications

        This course introduces the basic symbols and specifications used in welding. Emphasis is placed on interpretation of lines, notes, welding symbols, and specifications. Upon completion, students should be able to read and interpret symbols and specifications commonly used in welding.

      Spring Semester
      • ENG 110 Freshman Composition

        This course is designed to develop informative and business writing skills. Emphasis is placed on logical organization of writing, including effective introductions and conclusions, precise use of grammar, and appropriate selection and use of sources. Upon completion, students should be able to produce clear, concise, well-organized short papers.

      • MAT 110 Math Measurement & Literacy

        This course provides an activity-based approach that develops measurement skills and mathematical literacy using technology to solve problems for non-math intensive programs. Topics include unit conversions and estimation within a variety of measurement systems; ratio and proportion; basic geometric concepts; financial literacy; and statistics including measures of central tendency, dispersion, and charting of data. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the use of mathematics and technology to solve practical problems, and to analyze and communicate results.

      • WLD 116 SMAW (stick) Plate/Pipe

        This course is designed to enhance skills with the shielded metal arc (stick) welding process. Emphasis is placed on advancing manipulative skills with SMAW electrodes on varying joint geometry. Upon completion, students should be able to perform groove welds on carbon steel with prescribed electrodes in the flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions.

      • WLD 122 GMAW (MIG) Plate/Pipe

        This course is designed to enhance skills with the gas metal arc (MIG) welding process. Emphasis is placed on advancing skills with the GMAW process making groove welds on carbon steel plate and pipe in various positions. Upon completion, students should be able to perform groove welds with prescribed electrodes on various joint geometry.

      • WLD 131 GTAW (TIG) Plate

        This course introduces the gas tungsten arc (TIG) welding process. Topics include correct selection of tungsten, polarity, gas, and proper filler rod with emphasis placed on safety, equipment setup, and welding techniques. Upon completion, students should be able to perform GTAW fillet and groove welds with various electrodes and filler materials.

      Summer Term
      • WLD 151 Fabrication I

        This course introduces the basic principles of fabrication. Emphasis is placed on safety, measurement, layout techniques, cutting, joining techniques, and the use of fabrication tools and equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to perform layout activities and operate various fabrication and material handling equipment.

      • WLD 261 Certification Practices

        This course covers certification requirements for industrial welding processes. Topics include techniques and certification requirements for prequalified joint geometry. Upon completion, students should be able to perform welds on carbon steel plate and/or pipe according to applicable codes.

      Course Requirements

      • WLD 110 Cutting Processes

        This course introduces oxy-fuel and plasma-arc cutting systems. Topics include safety, proper equipment setup, and operation of oxy-fuel and plasma-arc cutting equipment with emphasis on straight line, curve and bevel cutting. Upon completion, students should be able to oxy-fuel and plasma-arc cut metals of varying thickness.

      • WLD 115 SMAW (Stick) Plate

        This course introduces the shielded metal arc (stick) welding process. Emphasis is placed on padding, fillet, and groove welds in various positions with SMAW electrodes. Upon completion, students should be able to perform SMAW fillet and groove welds on carbon plate with prescribed electrodes.

      • WLD 121 GMAW (MIG) FCAW/Plate

        This course introduces metal arc welding and flux core arc welding processes. Topics include equipment setup and fillet and groove welds with emphasis on application of GMAW and FCAW electrodes on carbon steel plate. Upon completion, students should be able to perform fillet welds on carbon steel with prescribed electrodes in the flat, horizontal, and overhead positions.

      • WLD 141 Symbols & Specifications

        This course introduces the basic symbols and specifications used in welding. Emphasis is placed on interpretation of lines, notes, welding symbols, and specifications. Upon completion, students should be able to read and interpret symbols and specifications commonly used in welding.

      Course Requirements

      • WLD 110 Cutting Processes

        This course introduces oxy-fuel and plasma-arc cutting systems. Topics include safety, proper equipment setup, and operation of oxy-fuel and plasma-arc cutting equipment with emphasis on straight line, curve and bevel cutting. Upon completion, students should be able to oxy-fuel and plasma-arc cut metals of varying thickness.

      • WLD 121 GMAW (MIG) FCAW/Plate

        This course introduces metal arc welding and flux core arc welding processes. Topics include equipment setup and fillet and groove welds with emphasis on application of GMAW and FCAW electrodes on carbon steel plate. Upon completion, students should be able to perform fillet welds on carbon steel with prescribed electrodes in the flat, horizontal, and overhead positions.

      • WLD 122 GMAW (MIG) Plate/Pipe

        This course is designed to enhance skills with the gas metal arc (MIG) welding process. Emphasis is placed on advancing skills with the GMAW process making groove welds on carbon steel plate and pipe in various positions. Upon completion, students should be able to perform groove welds with prescribed electrodes on various joint geometry.

      • WLD 141 Symbols & Specifications

        This course introduces the basic symbols and specifications used in welding. Emphasis is placed on interpretation of lines, notes, welding symbols, and specifications. Upon completion, students should be able to read and interpret symbols and specifications commonly used in welding.

      Course Requirements

      • WLD 110 Cutting Processes

        This course introduces oxy-fuel and plasma-arc cutting systems. Topics include safety, proper equipment setup, and operation of oxy-fuel and plasma-arc cutting equipment with emphasis on straight line, curve and bevel cutting. Upon completion, students should be able to oxy-fuel and plasma-arc cut metals of varying thickness.

      • WLD 121 GMAW (MIG) FCAW/Plate

        This course introduces metal arc welding and flux core arc welding processes. Topics include equipment setup and fillet and groove welds with emphasis on application of GMAW and FCAW electrodes on carbon steel plate. Upon completion, students should be able to perform fillet welds on carbon steel with prescribed electrodes in the flat, horizontal, and overhead positions.

      • WLD 131 GTAW (TIG) Plate

        This course introduces the gas tungsten arc (TIG) welding process. Topics include correct selection of tungsten, polarity, gas, and proper filler rod with emphasis placed on safety, equipment setup, and welding techniques. Upon completion, students should be able to perform GTAW fillet and groove welds with various electrodes and filler materials.

      • WLD 141 Symbols & Specifications

        This course introduces the basic symbols and specifications used in welding. Emphasis is placed on interpretation of lines, notes, welding symbols, and specifications. Upon completion, students should be able to read and interpret symbols and specifications commonly used in welding.

      Course Requirements

      • WLD 115 SMAW (Stick) Plate

        This course introduces the shielded metal arc (stick) welding process. Emphasis is placed on padding, fillet, and groove welds in various positions with SMAW electrodes. Upon completion, students should be able to perform SMAW fillet and groove welds on carbon plate with prescribed electrodes.

      • WLD 116 SMAW (stick) Plate/Pipe

        This course is designed to enhance skills with the shielded metal arc (stick) welding process. Emphasis is placed on advancing manipulative skills with SMAW electrodes on varying joint geometry. Upon completion, students should be able to perform groove welds on carbon steel with prescribed electrodes in the flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions.

      • WLD 141 Symbols & Specifications

        This course introduces the basic symbols and specifications used in welding. Emphasis is placed on interpretation of lines, notes, welding symbols, and specifications. Upon completion, students should be able to read and interpret symbols and specifications commonly used in welding.

      Technical Standards

      The Welding Technology program technical standards have been developed to inform students of the nonacademic essential functions of the program and profession. Examples are not all inclusive.

      Standard Essential Function Examples
      Communication
      Oral / Written
      • Skills sufficient to communicate information and ideas so others will understand
      • Communicate with coworkers and customers
      Mobility / Motor Skills
      • Motor skills sufficient to move the hands and use hands to grasp or manipulate objects
      • Mobility sufficient to perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and moving the whole body
      • Ability to work in varied spaces
      • Use hand tools
      • Perform tasks in multiple positions (flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead) at floor level and at heights over six feet
      • Work in confined spaces
      • Physical activities may include:
        • Stooping
        • Reaching
        • Squatting
        • Lifting
        • Bending
      Physical Strength and Stamina
      • Ability sufficient to lift and carry
      • Lift steel plates, parts, fixtures, etc.
      Sensory

      • Sight
      • Sound
      • Taste
      • Touch
      • Smell
      • Visual skills sufficient to see details at close range
      • Ability to take precise measurements
      • Ability to visualize two- and three-dimensional objects and spaces
      • Ability to distinguish colors, shades, and textures
      • Visual skills to inspect or assess for safety
      • Understand and interpret information from books, handouts, diagrams, charts, and tables
      • Read a tape measure
      • View blueprints and sketches
      • Inspect an area or piece of equipment for potential failures or safety issues
      Environmental / Occupational Exposure
      • Possible exposure to extreme noise levels
      • Possible exposure to extreme weather
      • Possible exposure to dust, chemicals, and fumes
      • Ability to tolerate variations in lighting
      Field or Industry Professional Standards
      • Ability to wear safety equipment
      • Wear safety glasses

      Disability Services Statement

      Wilkes Community College is an ADA compliant institution. WCC does not discriminate based on a disability in the admissions process or in access to its programs, services, and/or activities for qualified individuals who meet eligibility requirements. WCC will provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with documented disabilities who are eligible to receive or participate in college programs, services, and/or activities. If a student believes that he/she cannot meet one or more of a program’s essential functions without accommodations, the student is encouraged to disclose this to Disability Services as soon as possible.

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