Welding
Technology
In Indiana, career welders are in high demand across various industries.
The Track Ahead
Potential Careers & Salaries
Welding Technology
Location: Winchester Community High School
1st Year Schedule: 8:22 AM – 9:59 AM
- Enrollment: Juniors (seniors only when there is capacity)
2nd Year Schedule: Two Options
- 2 Credit block for Falcon Industries WBL
- 3 Credit block for Employer WBL experiences
- Enrollment: Open to students completing Year 1
- Concentrator status in 2nd Year
Do you enjoy using your hands, creating solutions, like detailed tasks, and being an important member of a team?
The Welding Technology program equips students with essential skills in various welding techniques such as Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) and safety practices, preparing them for careers in the welding and fabrication industries. Through hands-on training and classroom instruction, students learn to work with different materials and tools, gaining practical experience that enhances their employability.
Learn more about manufacturing careers
Indiana Mean Wage – All career and salary information cited from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Earn Credit, Gain Speed
| HS Courses | HS Credits | Ivy Tech Dual Credit Coursework | Dual Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7110 Principles of Welding Technology | 2 | WELD 100: Welding Fundamentals | 3 |
| WELD 108: Shielded Metal Arc Welding I | 3 | ||
| 7111 Shielded Metal Arc Welding | 2 | WELD 206: Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding | 3 |
| Year 1 Total HS Credits | 4 | Year 1 Total Dual Credits | 9 |
Career Activities
Students participate in field trips to local manufacturing companies to explore careers in welding. Students also gain additional skills development through the operation of Falcon Industries where students work with customers, service providers, suppliers, create quotes and estimates for clients, and manage office duties/tasks.
| HS Courses | HS Credits | Ivy Tech Dual Credit Coursework | Dual Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7101 Gas Welding Processes | 2 | WELD 208: Gas Tungsten Arc (TIG) Welding | 3 |
| 7226 Welding Technology Capstone Parts I and/or III | 2-4 | WELD 273: Advanced Gas Tungsten Arc Welding II | 3 |
| WELD 272: Advanced Gas Metal (MIG) Welding II | 3 | ||
| WELD 207: Gas Metal Arc (MIG) Welding | 3 | ||
| Year 2 Total HS Credits | 4-6 | Year 2 Total Dual Credits | 12 |
Work-Based Learning
Students will have the opportunity to complete a work-based learning experience in Falcon Industries or with an employer in a job position aligned to the Precision Machining Pathway. These may be paid or non-paid positions.
Certificaiton
American Society of Welding
Welding Technology students will have the opportunity to participate in the American Welding Society’s Welding Certification Program titled SENSE (Schools Excelling through National Skills Standards Education). To earn the AWS Level I SENSE Certification:
- Students must complete the required written examinations for all modules and all practical assessments administered by program instructors.
Postsecondary Certification
Ivy Tech Structural Welding Technology Certificate (CT)
The Ivy Tech Welding Technology CT certifies a student has demonstrated proficiency in a variety of welding processes, demonstrated safety procedures, and has a basic understanding of metallurgy. To earn the Ivy Tech Credential:
- Completion of 21 Ivy Tech credits in the Welding Technology program.
Guided By Experience
Meet The Pathway Instructors
RAZ-32 Career and Technical Education Instructors are experienced, credentialed educators who are dedicated to providing high school students with a positive experience as they embark on learning about a career field through hands-on learning, related academics, technical skills attainment, and engagement with local business and industry representatives.
Instructor: Mr. Louis Smith
- Experienced Welder (12 years+)
- Instructor at Hobart Institute of Welding Technology 2015-2022
- 2002-2003 Attended Hobart Institute of Welding Technology 10-Month Pipe Program
Instructor: Mr. Ryan Farling
- Started teaching Welding at WCHS in 2021
- Attended and taught at the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology
- Earned the AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credential
- Employed at Newport News Shipbuilding, contributing to the construction of aircraft carriers and submarines for the United States Navy
Where The Road Leads
When You Finish...
- Meet Graduation requirements
- Ivy Tech Structural Welding Certificate (CT)
- American Welding Society Certification
- Work Ready: MIG Welder, TIG Welder, Stick Welder, Fabrication Technician, Production Welder, Assembly Technician, and more.
- Postsecondary: Enroll in college to complete Ivy Tech long-term certifications, associate’s degree, or enter a four-year university to major in engineering technology or engineering. Many employers offer tuition-assistance to their employees to advance the knowledge and skills of their workforce.
Local & Regional Employers
Use these resources to browse open jobs in the industry:
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