Welding

The two-year Welding program at Cass Career Center prepares students for certification with the American Welding Society (AWS) and immediate employment in the welding industry. Emphasis is placed on the four positions of welding techniques (flat, vertical, horizontal and overhead) utilizing Shielded Metal-Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Tungsten-Arc Welding(GTAW), Pulsed Spray Mig(PMIG), Flux Cored Arc Welding(FCAW) and Gas Metal-Arc Welding (GMAW) processes along with Oxy-Fuel Cutting (OFC) and Plasma Arc Cutting (PAC). Students train in welding booths and simulated workplace scenarios, utilizing the welding training tower and mobile welding units. The program emphasizes safety, precision, and craftsmanship, setting high expectations for students to maintain professional conduct throughout their training. 

Welding Technology I is for first-year students (ideally juniors) and provides students with a comprehensive foundation in welding techniques, safety practices, and equipment handling. Students will learn to work with various materials such as steel and aluminum and understand how to read blueprints and interpret welding symbols. Emphasis will be placed on safety protocols, ensuring that students are proficient in using personal protective equipment (PPE) and understanding industry-standard safety procedures. By the end of the course, students will have the skills to perform basic welds and will be prepared for more advanced welding courses.

Advanced Welding Technology is for second-year students (seniors only), who meet attendance requirements and have ideally completed Welding Technology I.  The Advanced Welding course at Cass Career Center is designed for students seeking to enhance their welding skills and knowledge in preparation for a career in the welding industry. Attendance and performance will be closely monitored. 

Students will work with a variety of materials and learn to tackle complex welding projects with precision and efficiency. The curriculum emphasizes the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for success in the industry. Safety remains a top priority, with continued emphasis on proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to industry safety standards.

The course culminates in students sitting for the American Welding Society (SMAW 1G D1.1 AWS) certification exam, a credential recognized nationwide that demonstrates a high level of proficiency and opens doors to numerous career opportunities. Upon completion, students will be well-prepared to enter the workforce as skilled welders or to pursue further specialization within the field.

Eligibility Requirements

Grades: 11-12; interview with the instructor prior to enrollment in the class; minimum 2.5 GPA and 90% attendance record at home high school required. Students must have general math skills and be able to read a tape measure. Students must provide their own personal protective equipment (PPE).