Welding
The Welding program at GIFT provides the opportunity for students to develop the skills necessary to enter the welding trades. Students who complete our program will be prepared to handle welding and cutting tools, will understand the differences in and uses for various metals, and may even develop the supervisory skills needed to become a shop manager.
What Do Welding Graduates Do?
A welder fuses materials such as steel and aluminum together to create mechanisms or to fix things that are broken. They often use CADD software to create or manipulate plans and commonly use equipment such as stick welders and cutting torches. Some jobs require past experience, while others offer on-the-job training for entry-level welders. Math skills, manual dexterity, and the ability to use hand and power tools is needed. Attention to detail and self-motivation is also necessary.
Class Offerings
We proudly offer the following courses from Eastern Arizona College. For additional information about individual courses, please review the EAC’s academic catalog or speak with your guidance counselor. (Most course info is on pages 126 and 177.)
Welding Year 1
- Welding 101 (WLD101)
An introduction to arc and oxyacetylene welding, flame cutting, and brazing in two and three credits - Introduction to Fab Lab Technology (AMT110)
Successful completers of this course will qualify to work in the Fab Lab with supervision. this course introduces participants to concepts and tools used in a Fab Lab environment. Students learn proper safety procedures, machine setup, and operation of key Fab Lab equipment. Participants will work collectively to keep the lab safe, organized, and clean.
Spring Semester
- Welding and Metal Fab (WLD108)
Basic welding and machine fabrication that stresses theory and application of fundamental welding and soldering techniques. Students will receive exposure to stick ARC and MIG welding, sheet metal layout, and the use of a plasma cutter in this two to three credit course. - Fundamentals of Machining (AMT101)
This course teaches the principals of machining and metal cutting using modern machine tools, hand tools, and precision measuring tools. Students will learn to use an engine lathe, milling machine, and hand drill, identical to MSP 101.
Welding Year 2
Fall Semester
- Technical Welding (WLD270)
This three-credit course covers welding processes and techniques used in modern industry with the intention of preparing students to complete the AWS certification test. - Machining and Fabrication (AMT104)
A three-credit class that focuses on understanding the machine tool industry and the processes used in producing metal products. Includes work with the lathe, mill and surface grinders, and hand tooling.
Spring Semester
- Flux Cored Arc and Gas Metal Arc Welding (WLD260)
This three-credit class demonstrates arc welding principles and techniques, including metal prep, equipment setup, and metal-specific techniques and positions. Prepares students for entry-level certifications with the AWS. - Advanced Manufacturing Methods (AMT220)
Advanced work with manual tools, mills, the lathe, surface grinders, and CNC machines to produce prototype parts from industry drawings. This four-credit course also explores work opportunities related to the field of manufacturing. - Welding Certification (WLD290)
This course is for those students wishing to become a certified welder. (fees apply)