Welding/Metal Fabrication
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Anything made of metal, no matter how big or small, can be welded. Examples are everywhere, from vehicles like cars, trucks and motorcycles to rail cars, ships, aircraft, rockets and space stations. Construction is a huge market, and skyscrapers, bridges and highways would be impossible to build without welding, as would oil and natural-gas pipelines, offshore oil platforms, giant wind turbines and solar panels. Credit hours Youwill receive articulated credit to the Missouri two-year institution of their choice in a welding program if you: What you’ll learn. Schedule You’ll take classes at Prerequisites Other requirements You must supply you own protective, cotton clothing (a long-sleeved work shirt, welding cap, above-the-ankle leather work boots, and jeans or coveralls). Expenses for these supplies may range from $100-$160. If you wear glasses it is recommended that you consider purchasing prescription safety glasses. You are responsible to replace any equipment inityiall supplied by the school, such as gloves, helmet, goggles, pliers, etc. If you are seriously considering a career in welding you should plan to purchase your own welding tools during the second year of the program. These items will cost approximately $150. Demand and Pay Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters (career certificate or associate’s degree) Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters (career certificate or associate’s degree) Skills, character and physical traits of successful people in this career: To apply
Welders help install and maintain boilers, antipollution systems and other large structures, as well as piping for industrial, commercial and residential facilities. Welding is even used by artists to create sculptures and decorative items.
With demand for skilled welders rising and the technology of welding becoming more advanced, especially in automation, you have a unique opportunity to have a career that can be shaped around your interests.
You will work in a welding lab to learn basic flame cutting, oxy-fuel welding and shielded metal arc welding of mild steels. Classroom instruction will cover welding theory, terminology, techniques, measuring and mathematics. Safety, work ethic and employability skills are emphasized at all times.
In year two, advanced shielded metal arc welding (structural and pipe), plus gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding and plasma arc cutting on carbon, stainless steel and aluminum are covered. Classroom instruction includes advanced welding theory, blueprint reading, layout and fit-up. Safety, work ethic, employability skills, quality of work and pride in workmanship are a regular part of the class.
Two-year program
Herndon Career Center
11501 E. 350 Highway
Raytown, MO 64138
Minimum 2.0 GPA
90% attendance
Reading, writing and math at 10th-grade level
(Drafting and metal courses recommended)
You must be able to read technical manuals, maps, diagrams and schematics; interpret welding symbols and codes; and
take accurate measurements and work fractions and decimal problems with ease.
Below are wages and expected employment growth according to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration’s O*NET career exploration and job analysis tool.
Median wages: $16.71 hourly, $34,750 annual
Number of people already in the industry: 412,000
Projected job openings (2008-2018): 126,300
Median wages: $16.29 hourly, $33,890 annual
Number of people already in the industry: 114,000
Projected job openings (2008-2018): 24,000
Contact your high school counseling office to complete an application, student contract and student essay of interest.
Your school will determine if you meet the program criteria. If you do not, but your counselor or principal feel you can
be successful in the program, they can recommend you.
