Welding Program

    • Course Description

      This competitive program teaches students to design, engineer, build, and troubleshoot complex metal fabrication challenges. Through high-level training and challenging competitions, students perfect modern welding processes while earning welding certifications.

    • Prerequisites at the Time of Junior Year Enrollment

      Minimum of 7 core credits (1.5 must be English); on track to graduate

    • Credits & Certifications Offered

      High School Credit
      • 3 CTE Year One
      • 3 CTE Year Two

      College Credit
      • Ranken Technical College and State Technical College - college credit opportunities exist through credit for prior learning or credit by assessment

      Certifications
      • American Welding Society (AWS) – multiple entry-level welding certifications available
      • S/P2 Safety Certification
       
      *College credit and certification are not guaranteed. Their attainment is dependent on student performance in both the course and on external industry assessments. All certifications are through external agencies and the accommodations permitted will vary from assessment to assessment. Additionally, students must participate in the full two years of the program to be potentially eligible for all certifications listed.

    • How Will My Time Be Spent? 

      Program Year Classroom Time Lab Time
      CTE Year One 26%-50% 26%-50%
      CTE Year Two 25% or less 76% or more

    • Tech is Real World Learning

      Students in this program learn through the use of a variety of industry grade tools and equipment and texts. Their real world labs also require uniforms and personal protective equipment.

      Tools & Equipment

      • Personal protective equipment
      • Welders
      • Hand grinders
      • Various chemicals and gas fuels
      • Files
      • Oxy Fuel torch
      • Plasma cutter
      • Power shear
      • Bandsaw

      Academic Materials

      • Welding Principles and Applications

      Uniform Requirements

      • Long sleeve, FR-rated, cotton denim shirt with pocket flaps
      • Jeans with no holes or frays
      • Steel toe work boots
      • No synthetic undergarments

    • Essential Skills Needed for Success

      Students learn the entry level skills necessary to prepare for post-secondary education and the highly competitive world of work. Traditionally, successful students have mastered the processing and/or physical skills listed below prior to enrollment.

      Core Essential Skills

      • Understand and use basic math computations; including percentages, fractions, decimals, rulers and standard units of measurement

      • Concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted

      • Have an awareness of personal safety in the shop, adhere to safety procedures and assume personal responsibility

      • Have knowledge of basic hand tools

      • Keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position

      • Make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects

      • Able to climb, lift and carry objects of 50 pounds or more, and handle taxing physical activity

      • Stand for long periods of time

      • Tolerate a welding environment which includes high places, small spaces, extreme temperatures, dirty spaces, loud noises, and a variety of welding-related smells

      For a complete list of essential skills please review the Course Overview Guide.

    Program Information

    • Jim Sheppard Jim Sheppard
      Welding
      314.989.7429
      Send an Email

      Mr. Jim Sheppard has worked in the Advanced Manufacturing field for many years. Before joining the South Tech team, Mr. Sheppard began his teaching career at North Tech. He also owned and operated Machine Company, which specialized in building custom machinery. Employees were skilled in machining, welding, and fabricating.