INDUSTRIAL WELDING

Tim Gill, Instructor
tgill@lexington.k12.mo.us

The Industrial Welding program utilizes the American Welding Society curriculums developed to train students in the latest welding technologies and prepares them to meet the challenges of a welding career.

The Level I training program includes welding safety, career orientation, oxy-fuel cutting, plasma arc cutting, air carbon arc cutting, stick welding, gas metal arc welding (MIG), flux cored arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding (TIG), weld inspection and testing, blueprint reading, and project fabrication. This level of instruction includes using mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. The type of material used is predominately plate (flat stock).

The Level II curriculum includes all the above processes and materials but focuses on pipe welding applications. Also included in the Level II curriculum is metallurgy.

A 2-year program offering up to four high school credits per year for Juniors and Seniors. A full-day, one year program for adults.

Things to consider when selecting this course:

• Do I have an inquiring mind?
• Do I like problem solving?
• Can I follow directions?
• Do I like to work with my hands?
• Do I work well with people?
• Do I want a career with possibilities for advancement?

Things I will learn if I select this course.

Level I:
Orientation and Safety	Gas metal arc welding (MIG)
Career Orientation	Flux cored arc welding
Oxy-fuel cutting	Gas tungsten arc welding (TIG)
Plasma arc cutting	Weld Inspection and testing
Air carbon arc cutting	Blueprint reading
Stick welding	Project fabrication
This level uses mild steel, stainless steel and aluminum. The type of material used is predominately plate (flat stock).

Level II:
Includes all of the above processes and materials but focuses on pipe welding application. Also included in the Level II curriculum is metallurgy.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• Welders & Cutters
• Welding Fitter
• Sheet Metal Worker
• Structural Metal Worker
• Welding Machine Operator
• Welding Foreman/Management
• Welding Teacher/Training
• Welding Sales
• Certified Welding Inspector
• Welding Machine Repair
• Welding Engineer

SALARY RANGE

Most entry-level welding positions pay $10.00 to $12.00 per hour with the potential to earn up to approximately $40,000 per year, at the end of the first year of employment. Some employment opportunities offer even more pay depending on ability and the motivation of the individual.

Or, you may want to continue your education. Lex La-Ray Technical Center has an agreement with State Fair Community College of Sedalia. Students attending this college may receive advanced credit for classes already taken at Lex La-Ray.

Additionally, a two-year associate degree is available through an agreement with Wentworth Junior College in Lexington. Students who complete one year of post-secondary education with a B average at Lex La-Ray plus 30 semester hours at Wentworth can earn an Associate in Science degree.