What is Welding? Welding is the art of heating metal to the melting point and then allowing parts of the metal and filler metal to flow together. Welding is a diverse technology, and there are 94 welding and allied processes. 

What is a welder?  A weldor is the person who operates the welding machine that is used to join metal.

What are some typical tasks that a welder would do? Welding, Fitting, Layout, Cutting

What will I learn in the Welding Technology Program? 

• Welding in the flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead position
• Weld using the Sheielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) processes
• Weld using the Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) process
• Weld using the Flux Cored Arc Welding Self Shielded (FCAW-SS) processes
• Weld using the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) processes
• Weld and cut using Oxyacetylene
• Weld on plate, tubing, and pipe
• You will gain knowledge on what is safe to do and what is not safe in the welding industry. 

• What is Welding?
• What is a welder?
• What are some typical tasks?
• What will I learn?
• What skills, traits or preparatory classes would be helpful?
• Is there a demand for welders?
• Working conditions
• What is the pay?

What skills, traits, or preparatory classes would be helpful for the Welding Technology Program?

A positive attitude Good reading, writing, math skills Ability to work accurately

Ability to evaluate, make decisions Mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity Basic computer skills

Is there a demand for Welders? Yes, an article in the Wall Street Journal has stated there is a shortage of Welders; the average age of welders is currently 54 and climbing. The American Welding Society predicts that by 2010 demand for skilled welders may outstrip supply by about 200,000.

What are the typical work conditions for Welders?  Welders will find a lot of different worlking conditions:

• Hours might vary from 40 to 70 hours a week.
• Some Welders might work in a shop, others will travel the country or world.
• The conditions of some jobs vary from very dirty to a sterile, clean room setting. 

How well are Welders paid? Mohave County wages range from $8.00 to $31.50 per hour. Students are also earning $13.00 to $31.50 per hour. Two students performing underwater welding are receiving $118.00 per hour plus $1.00 for every 22 feet they dive, and $1.00 for every foot they go inside something (pipe). They are paid a minimum of four hours per dive, and are also paid $37.00 per hour when traveling to the job site. The Bureau of Labor Statistics show the median weekly earnings for welders from 2000 to 2004 were $600.00 and $596.00 in 2005. Highly skilled welders and welding engineers can earn $60,000 a year.

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