Welding Technology Training

A welder cuts metal.

Welding students learn how to cut and permanently join metal. Welding is applied in thousands of manufacturing activities, such as shipbuilding, aerospace applications and automobile repair and manufacturing.

Program Types

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, formal training in welding is available in high schools and after high school at vocational-technical institutes, community colleges and private schools. The U.S. Armed Forces also provide welding education.

Coursework

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, course work includes blueprint reading, mechanical drawing, shop mathematics, physics, mechanical drawing, chemistry and metallurgy.

The College Board, a non-profit that connects students with educational opportunities, says instruction may also include metallurgy, heat treating, safety, design and more.

Technology

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, knowledge of computers is becoming more important, particularly for welding, soldering and brazing machine operators. These workers are becoming more responsible for programming computer-controlled machines, such as robots.

According to the Occupational Information Network, these operators use tools, such as gas welding, brazing or cutting apparatus, hammers, micrometers, welders and welding robots. These workers use software technology, including data entry software, email, tool center point (TCP) setting software, spreadsheet software and word processing software.

References

• Occupational Information Network: Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Welding, Soldering and Brazing Workers
• College Board: Welding

Resources

• Princeton Review: Welding Engineering
• American Welding Society
• Fabricators and Manufacturers Association