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As a certified welder you will be among the highest paid of all the skilled trades. As a welder you will join metals by applying intense heat from a gas or electric source to melt metal to form a permanent bond with or without the use of filler metals. You will use welding for joining, surfacing or repairing structures or parts made of metal or other weldable materials. You will plan the sequence of operations and select your equipment according to metals involved and the type of weld needed.
Most welders work in manufacturing industries. Others are employed by construction firms and repair services. A skilled welder may qualify as a technician, supervisor, inspector or owner of a welding business.
You will take classes that familiarize you with saws, drill presses, grinders, power shears, metal brakes and rolls and numerous other hand tools. You will learn to fabricate trailers, frames, racks and swings using steel plates, angle iron, pipes, channel iron and other structural steel. You will learn to weld various kinds of metals, such as mild steel, aluminum, cast iron and stainless steel. You will also learn blueprint reading and flame cutting of metals. Some other topics you will learn are:
Yes! You can earn a Associate in Applied Science degree in Welding Technology or you could earn a Diploma in Combination Welder or one or more of the following certificates:
To see a complete course listing for each credential use the KCTCS Online Course Catalog.
A good place to start is with the Online Advising Manual . You also need to see admission requirement guidelines on how to apply for this program.