Welder technicians use a variety of welding techniques, including arc, soldering, plasma cutting and oxyfuel cutting processes. They use math to determine tolerances, read blueprints and configure physical designs from engineering concepts. They must be familiar with the properties of metals, including both ferrous metals like steel and iron and non-ferrous metals like aluminum, copper, lead, nickel, tin, titanium and zinc. Welder technicians work with powerful equipment, so safety procedures and practices are very important. Finally, welder technicians often work in teams on loud, sometimes dangerous jobs. Therefore, listening and collaboration skills are crucial.

Although some state and local governments have license or certification requirements, welding is generally considered a very mobile career. Excellent welders are known as elite trades practitioners who can find work almost anywhere.

This course is designed as an accelerated training package that will give you the concepts and skills you need to get started in a welding career. These include math, inspection, safety, materials, quality, metal cutting, grinding, forming, robotics, rigging, and welding.