Welding

Students in welding will have the opportunity to learn and use Arc Welding, Gas Welding, and TIG and MIG Welding. The class will include instructional welding and small and large project construction.

Welders may work in a variety of industries with about two out of three jobs in this occupation being in manufacturing. The basic skills of welding are the same across industries so welders can easily shift from one industry to another depending on where they are needed the most. Skilled welding, soldering, and brazing workers generally plan work from blueprints or specifications using their knowledge of welding process and base metals to determine how to best join the parts. The nation’s aging infrastructure will require the expertise of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers to help rebuild bridges, highways, and buildings.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the need for welders is expected to grow by 26 percent by 2020. The welding industry offers higher than average starting pay, good benefits and a bright future. Job prospects for welders is good because employers report difficulty finding qualified workers. There are currently 91,000 annual job openings projected each year for the next 10 years. The average wage for a welder is about $40,000 with top 10% of welders making over $57,000 yearly.

COLLEGE CREDIT
Welding students can earn articulated credit from State Fair Community College, Ozark Technical College, and State Technical College .

FROM THE INSTRUCTOR:

"The welding program teaches students skills that will be accepted anywhere they want to go. They have no boundaries." Mr. Marty Mitchell, instructor