Course Description
The Welding course is designed to cover the theory, fundamentals, and basic processes, along with the practical application that builds skills and techniques for welders. Students are prepared to enter entry-level employment or to continue their education leading toward journeyman level. A welding technologist uses hand-held or stand alone welding equipment and torches to join or cut metal or plastics. They may fuse together plastic sheets, weld metal parts, or trim metal from objects as well as follow blueprints and work orders. Specialized training is also available for the skilled welder who wants specialized training in the area of MIG, TIG and plasma cutting. The welding training is geared to the realities of the job market in the surrounding area. Students interested in related careers can learn the foundations in this program. The curriculum is designed to be taught as a two-year program for high school students or as a one-year program for adults who attend as full-time students.

Personal Skills
Personal skills include making judgments and decisions and meeting strict standards.

Physical Skills
Physical activities include lifting, carrying, stooping, reaching, using hands and fingers, seeing clearly up close, judging depth and distance.

Suggested Related H.S. Coursework and Activities
Art, Business Information Applications/Technology, Applied Math, Algebra, Language Arts, Social Studies, Sciences, Technical Education, Manufacturing/Material Processing, Basic Metals, Welding, Principles of Technology, Basic Drafting, Machine Shop, Work-Based Training (Co-op/Internship), Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA)

Continuing Education
1-2 years college or trade/technical school are recommended. Training for welders can range from a few weeks of school or on-the-job training for low skilled positions to several years of combined school and on-the-job training for highly skilled jobs.

Salary Range
The average salary for entry-level welders in Missouri is $22,520 ($10.83/hr) to an average of $37,900 ($18.22/hr) for experienced workers. The average hourly wage in Missouri is $15.75.

Related Post-Secondary
Welder, Welding Technologist, Iron Worker Apprenticeship, Military

Related Occupations
Welder, Arc Welder, Gas Welder, Welder Fitter, Combination Welder, Production Line Welder, Arc Cutter, Iron Worker, Machinist, Boiler Maker

Missouri Job Outlook
Employment is projected to change from 10,220 in 2006 to 11,130 in 2016 for a 8.9% increase. It is estimated that 307 job openings will be created each year by growth and persons leaving the labor force. Due to the large number of persons acquiring skills in this area, competition for jobs may be keen.

Placement
The percent of our students who, 6 months after graduation, were continuing their education, employed in the workforce or in the military.

• 2003-100%

• 2004-100%

• 2005-100%

• 2006-100%

• 2007-100%

• 2008-93%

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STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION
Applicants for admission and employment, employees and sources of referral of applicants for admission and employment are hereby notified the Pike-Lincoln Technical Center and Pike R-III School District have assured they do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or handicap in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in their programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning Pike-Lincoln Technical Center and Pike R-III School District compliance with regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, is directed to contact the Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator, Superintendent of Schools, Pike R-III School District, (573-485-2488).