Welding Technology
Most of the objects around us including buildings, bridges, vehicles, computers, and medical devices are welded, brazed, or soldered. Welding is both a science and an art that requires skilled technicians to operate the most basic to high-tech equipment. Job prospects for welders trained in the latest technologies are good nationally and in southern Michigan. Completers of the LISD TECH Center welding program have little difficulty finding work. Successful students are often recruited for employment prior to graduation.
Program Description
This program provides students with an opportunity to explore a wide variety of welding processes, as well as the knowledge, skills, safety, and professional behaviors necessary for competent performance as a welder or welding technician. Students in this program will learn the basic science about metal and the many different ways to weld, cut, solder, or braze metals together, including: shielded metal arc, gas metal arc, gas tungsten arc welding, thermal cutting, and weld inspection. Safety and welding code and procedures for a variety of industrial applications will be emphasized. Students are able to earn Jackson College credit as part of this program.
To Be Successful
Success students are typically creative, enjoy working with their hands, are problem solvers, and have math, science, and reading skills. Welders generally are detail-orientated, have a steady hand, and excellent hand-eye coordination, good physical stamina and strength, and are able to read, understand, and interpret two- and three-dimensional diagrams.
Student Organization
SkillsUSA
Program Success Indicators
Academic
- Add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers
- Work with fractions and measurements
- Foundational knowledge of geometry and trigonometry
- Read ruler to 1/16"
- Read and comprehend material
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office
Interpersonal
- Demonstrate a good work ethic and attendance
- Demonstrate a positive attitude and interest in the program
- Meet deadlines and prioritize tasks
- Follow directions and safety protocols
- Demonstrate personal organizational skills and time management
- Accept constructive criticism
- Persevere until skill is attained, which may take weeks at a time
- Learn from mistakes
Program Specific
- Lift 50 lbs.
- 20/20 vision (corrected)
- Stay on task/self-directed
- Enjoy physical hands-on work
- Tolerate continuous noise
- Tolerate exposure to a hot working environment
Related Careers
Note: Additional education may be required.
- Welding
- Engineering
- Artist
- Manufacturing
- Collision Repair
- Pipe fitter
- Boilermaker
High School Credit*
*The LISD TECH Center recommends the academic credit listed. Credit can only be awarded by local districts. The academic credit listed below is for completion of 2 years.
- 1.0 3rd Science (in lieu of)
- 1.0 4th Math
- 1.0 Visual, Performing, & Applied Arts
- 1.0 World Languages (in lieu of)
- 1.0 Online Learning Experience
College Credit Opportunities*
*College credit can only be awarded by the college or university. Certain requirements must be met outside of completing the program.
- Baker College
- Davenport University
- Jackson College
- Siena Heights University
- Washtenaw Community College
Certification Opportunities
- 10-hour OSHA certificate
- American Welding Society (AWS) D1.1 structural steel welding certification
- American Petroleum Institute API-1104
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Section IX
Instructor
Justin Schmidt graduated from Gaylord High School in Gaylord, Michigan and obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Welding Engineering from Ferris State University. He has 16 years professional experience including working as a welding engineer at L & W Engineering and as a welding professor at Monroe County Community College.
Teacher Assistant
Tony Miller is a graduate of Tecumseh High School and the Vo-Tech Culinary Arts program. After working 15 years in the culinary industry, he decided he wanted to try something different. Tony enrolled in a basic welding course at Washtenaw Community College, which led to a newfound passion for welding and fabrication and an associate’s degree. He began his welding career as a lab tech in the WCC welding lab and later worked for GT Fab and Welding in Westland, MI, which was owned by one of his college instructors. Tony worked there for seven years specializing in aluminum and stainless steel welding and fabrication. To expand his knowledge in the field, he acquired a job at Swanton Welding in their heavy fabrication facility in Wauseon, OH, where he fabricated and welded large dredge ships and heavy specialty trailers.
