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Welding is the most common way of permanently joining metal parts. In this process, heat is applied to metal pieces, melting and fusing them to form a permanent bond. Because of its strength, welding is used in shipbuilding, automobile manufacturing and repair, aerospace applications, and thousands of other manufactured products. Welding is also used to join beams when constructing buildings, bridges, and other structures, and to join pipes in pipelines, power plants, and refineries.
Welders and welding machine operators use many 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. Skilled welders generally plan work from drawings or specifications or by using their knowledge of welding and metals to analyze damaged metal parts. These workers then select and set up welding equipment and examine welds, to insure they meet standards or specifications. Some welders have more limited duties, however. They perform routine jobs that have already been planned and laid out and do not require extensive knowledge of welding techniques.
Welding skills can also lead to other careers, such as Farm Mechanics, or even Metallurgical Engineering. Most metallurgical engineers work in one of the three main branches of metallurgy: extractive or chemical, physical, and mechanical or process. Extractive metallurgists are concerned with removing metals from ores and refining and alloying them to obtain useful metal. Physical metallurgists study the nature, structure, and physical properties of metals and their alloys, and methods of processing them into final products. Mechanical metallurgists develop and improve metalworking processes such as casting, forging, rolling, and drawing.
Learn more about careers available in Welding
Programs in Welding are offered at Kofa High School, Parker High School, and Yuma High School.
Your high school welding program provides you with a solid base for several career paths, depending on your career goals. Talk with your high school welding instructor for the specific classes you should take to best prepare you for your future.
AWC offers several options for your career path including certificate programs, two-year career degrees, and two-year transfer degrees for students planning to pursue a four-year degree. Some programs you might consider include:
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Welding Certificate |
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Welding |
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Industrial Technology |
For more information on the programs at AWC check out their Program Finder
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