Welding is the process of joining two separate metals with electricity and/or heat. Welding classes at Enoree cover the principles of welding, cutting, and basic procedures for safety in using welding equipment. Students receive training in blueprint reading, the meaning of lines, views, dimensions, and structural shapes. Welding symbols and assembly drawings used in fabrication work are also included in the training. Creativity and artistry are also fostered and encouraged.
Welding is part of the South Carolina Manufacturing Career Cluster. Students enrolled in this program earn two high school credits each semester and can earn a combined total of eight credits upon completing the two-year program. Credits earned will count as electives needed for the SC high school graduation requirements. One of the credits earned may fulfill the CATE/Foreign Language requirement for SC high school graduation.
If you are interested in meeting Mr. Walden and taking a tour of our Welding lab, we invite you to request a program tour. After-school program tours are available to prospective students and their parents in December, January, and February. We would welcome a chance to give you a tour of our programs.
In this course, students learn Shielded Metal Arc Welding (stick), Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG), and Oxy-Fuel Cutting (OFC) processes. Along with safety, OSHA-10 is a required level 1 industry certification. Students will apply knowledge of the two welding processes for use in the structural steel industry using fillet welds. SMAW (stick) is used for heavy plate, while GMAW (MIG) is used for general maintenance, auto body, and smaller repairs. Base metal preparation and oxy-fuel cutting (OFC) are also crucial skills covered in level one.
During the second semester, students will be able to identify the different steels and metals and their respective properties. Emphasis is placed on procedures to help avoid or minimize difficulties in successfully welding alloy steels and non-ferrous metals. The Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG) process is added during the last portion of the semester. GTAW (TIG) is used in fine detail, carbon, stainless, and aluminum welds.
Students will weld Shielded Metal Arc Plate (stick) in all four positions: flat, flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead. They will have the opportunity to take the American Welding Society (AWS) standard D1.1 certification. Students will continue working with three types of metals: carbon, stainless steel, and aluminum.
This course serves as the capstone for the Welding program. Students continue advanced welding in GTAW and GMAW with more opportunities for certification, and projects Students are expected to be able to apply each of the skills learned over the last three semesters across a variety of scenarios and situations. Students who excel in their program may participate in work-based learning. The WBL experience combines classroom-based education with on-the-job training experiences to help students prepare for and explore career objectives. A work-based experience must be planned and supervised by the school and employers so that it contributes to a student’s education and employability. Students must have access to reliable transportation.
A typical welder fabricator is tasked with constructing a variety of metal objects. Metal construction often requires more than just welding. Welder fabricators may also be responsible for machining fabrication materials and components
Salary - $36,148 per year on average, or $17.38 per hour
The responsibilities of a pipe welder consist of assembling, installing, and repairing pipe components and systems according to specifications; inspecting materials, equipment, and tools; maintaining supplies, equipment, and tools; and preparing working materials by clamping, cutting, or applying chemical solutions to piping.
Salary - $62,111 per year on average, or $29.86 per hour
An American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) is responsible for inspecting weld quality, workmanship, and conformance to specifications. Since welding is a vital aspect of building construction, vehicle manufacturing, infrastructure, and much more, Certified Welding Inspectors help ensure the general public's safety.
Salary - $90,783 per year on average, or $43.65 per hour
Each skill and trade requires a specific skill set to master the content and job tasks. Below are a few critical skills and requirements needed to succeed in the program and throughout a career in this field.
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NOTE: Credits earned will count as electives needed for the SC high school graduation requirements. One of the credits earned may fulfill the CATE/Foreign Language requirement for SC high school graduation. Most 4-year colleges will NOT accept career center courses as a substitute for the foreign language college admissions requirement.