A blueprint reading course teaches students to understand and interpret the basic drawings and designs used in the welding trade. Prospective welders learn about sketching and drawing techniques, terminology, welding symbols and dimensions. Applied math is also an important element of this course and includes a review of fractions, percentages, decimals and ratio proportion calculations.
A course in welding fundamentals offers students an opportunity to become competent in basic welding procedures, including shielded metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, core wire welding, gas metal arc welding and oxy-fuel welding.
Students in this course learn about shop safety and general rules in the shop environment. Safety topics cover construction hazards, first aid, fresh air breathing apparatus training, confined spaces and fire protection. The course also provides an overview of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which includes employer and employee rights, job safety standards, and safety and health problems. Opportunities are available for students to learn the proper methods of treating wounds, burns and sudden illnesses.
This course introduces students to pipe welding layouts, tools, techniques, materials and fittings. Students discuss the theory behind pipe welding before getting an opportunity to weld various types of pipes and piping systems. The course allows students to hone their skills on metal plates and then transition to 6'' diameter pipes.
Prospective welders need to learn non-destructive testing methods of various metal objects. Students learn to use X-ray radiology, magnetic particle inspection and ultrasound technology to inspect materials.