Metal Fabrication / Welding

Course Description

Welding and metal fabrication is a two year or three year courses beginning in the 10th and 11th grade and is designed to teach the basic skills of metal fabrication welding with the major emphasis on welding. Students will learn how to join metals by the use of electric arc, tungsten arc welding, semiautomatic and gas welders according to the layouts blueprints and specifications. Students will cut metal to a given shape and size using gas cutting equipment. Basic elements of the course include the recognition of welding symbols, familiarity with melting and welding characteristics of various types of metals, making different welds from all angles, selecting the proper materials and equipment for the proper and safe operation , and blueprint reading. Students are requires to take the National Occupational Competency Test for welding. if passed, the student will receive a certificate from the State of Pennsylvania for entry level welding, enabling them to make a choice of areas for future employment. Students are taught to make layouts, draft patterns, cut and form parts, weld and fabricate items according to specifications. Power shears, power brakes and bar folders aid the student in learning fabrication procedures. Excess metal is ground away using pedestal grinders.


The number of welding and metal related jobs is expected to increase resulting jobs for those students who have the basic skills needed in the welding and metal fabrication areas.


Units of Study

Some Units of Study are Blueprint reading, Oxy-acetylene welding and cutting, Metal arc welding, TIG welding MIG welding, Resistance welding, Metal forming and layout, Conversion and use of metric system, Layout of templates.


Grading Procedures

Approximately six to nine hours of theory shop work per week. Students earn 1 credit of math each year in grades 10 & 11.

Student Requirements

Attend on a regular basis, Wear a shop uniform - Dark blue 100% cotton overalls, or regular welding clothes. Wear leather work shoes, 8 ft. tape measure, and have safety approved Z-87 safety glasses.


Suggested Related Courses

Basic Math, Mechanic Drawing, Industrial Arts course in Junior High.


Student Costs

Work uniform-long pants/shirts, or regular welding cloths, must be 100% cotton. Work Shoes, 8-foot steel tape, and Safety Glasses.


Some Related Occupations

Some related occupations are, Arc Welder, Acetylene Welder, Burner, Welding machine operator, Pipe welder, Welder fitter, Layout person, Welding inspector, Metal forming equipment operator.


Some Skills You Will Learn

Some skills you will learn are, Use and safely operate welding equipment, Weld plate, Weld in the overhead, vertical, and horizontal positions, Fabricate items, Operate a power shear, Weld pipe, Operate a spot welder, Use a tensile tester, Layout a template, Interpret lines, symbols and views Weld using steel, aluminum, and stainless steel, Weld a 90% intersection Apply the A.W.S. bend test, Make a double level butt joint.


For More Information

Contact your home school counselor Contact CWCTC counselor at 925-3532 Attend the CWCTC assemblies Attend the CWCTC tours for interested students Attend CWCTC open house