WHAT is the Welding Technology program?

Welding Technology provides skill training in welding technologies using hi-tech equipment to prepare students for successful careers in manufacturing, construction, engineering, aviation, and auto industries. Students are trained in metal knowledge, blueprint reading, and set-up techniques using modern equipment.

WHY should I take the Welding Technology program?

Classes at the Saginaw Career Complex are different than those offered at your home high school. You learn by doing - not just reading, listening, and memorizing. And you learn out in the real world, on-the-job, with real people.

Welders and welding machine operators use many different types of welding equipment in a variety of positions, such as flat, vertical, horizontal, and overhead. They may perform manual welding, in which the work is entirely controlled by the welder, or semi-automatic welding, in which the welder uses machinery, such as a wire feeder, to help perform welding tasks. It pays to have these experiences during high school.

These experiences help to earn a competency certificate in Welding Technology from the Saginaw Career Complex, which says you've learned actual job skills at high standards set by business and industry. Your parents will love it, so will colleges and employers.

WHAT will I learn in the Welding Technology program?

You will learn about:
• Safety
• Electrical Fundamentals
• Print Reading (Drawing and weld symbol interpretation)
• Shielded Metal Arc Welding
• Oxyfuel Gas Cutting Principles and Practices
• Oxyfuel Welding Principles and Practices
• Oxyfuel Brazing and Braze Welding Operations
• Arc Cutting Principles and Practices
• Plasma Arc Cutting
• Gas Metal Arc Welding
• Flux Cored Arc Welding
• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
• Visual Weld Testing
• Destructive Testing
• Metallurgy
• Leadership Competencies

You will learn and apply these principles in a state of the art Welding/Manufacturing lab. You will also learn and practice skills in real work environments.

For more specific areas of study click here to see more about the curriculum.

WHAT are my job prospects?

Job prospects should be excellent for welders with the right skills, as many employers report difficulties in finding qualified applicants. Employment of welders, cutters, and welding machine operators is expected to grow for all occupations through 2008, reflecting rising automation and productivity in many of the industries that employ these workers. The major factor affecting employment of welders is the health of the industries in which they work. Because almost every manufacturing industry uses welding at some stage of manufacturing or in the repair and maintenance of equipment, a strong economy will keep demand for welders high.

WHERE can I go after completing the program?

Your training in Welding Technology gives you exciting options:

• Entry-level employment - Students might begin their careers at fabrication shops and other welding service facilities.
• Continued Education - Students can continue their education with the advantage of articulating college credits at the same time students are earning their high school diploma, and they don't have to pay for it! After successfully completing the program, students may articulate credits at Delta College and Ferris State Univeristy. The articulation process will give students a head start on their post-secondary education, as well as saving them a considerable sum of money. In addition, students are also ready to enter industry/employer-sponsored training programs.

WHO is the teacher?

Due to a change in staffing, information about the current instructor is not available at this time.

WHAT are the admission requirements?

Students admitted to the Welding Technology program at the Saginaw Career Complex must:

• Have a career interest in the Technical and Engineering Systems career pathway.
• Be a high school junior or senior.
• Be on track for high school graduation.
• Have good attendance habits.
• Be willing to attend the Saginaw Career Complex for half the school day and participate in work-based learning experiences.

WHAT does it cost?

Nothing! Eligible high school students may attend free of charge.

HOW do I enroll?

You can enroll by completing just a few easy steps. Click here to get started:

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