Welding Technology
Location: West Campus (Leesport)         Instructor: Riley Fusselman & Dustin Trumbore                 CIP Code: 48.0508
Welding is a profession that is needed from on top of the world’s tallest buildings to the depths of the ocean floor. Welding is used in many industries including construction, manufacturing, aerospace, petroleum, agriculture, and the military. Due to this fact, welding is an important part of the U.S. economy and employers have a strong need for skilled welders.
Students in the Welding program learn the welding standards established by the American Welding Society (AWS) using the latest equipment in a state-of-the-art lab. Welding at BCTC is also an AWS SENSE (School Excelling through National skill Standards Education) program.
Students will learn to fabricate or repair metal using electric arc welding. Students also receive training in shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding and gas tungsten arc welding, as well as oxyacetylene cutting/welding. Students will also have hands on experience using pulse welding technology and a CNC controlled plasma table to create projects.
Emphasis is placed on the related skills of blueprint and welding symbol reading, as well as fabrication and layout procedures. Students use AWS blueprints to layout and fabricate modules to achieve an AWS SENSE certification.
Graduates of this program can work in several areas of the welding field. Welding employment opportunities are very diverse and skilled welders may be able to choose from a variety of job prospects both nationally and internationally.
Students may also pursue advanced studies at the post-secondary level in fields such as metallurgy, welding engineering technology, quality control and inspection.
Industry Certifications:
Certified Welder (AWS)
Level I – Entry Welder (AWS)
NCCER Core
OSHA/CareerSafe 10-Hour Certification
Uniforms
Required/Optional Items |
Required Items |
Required Footwear |
Required Safety Gear |
REQUIRED: · One Navy Long Sleeve Tee Shirt with BCTC LogoOPTIONAL: · Charcoal Crewneck Sweatshirt with BCTC Logo |
· Cotton blue jeans, khakis/cargo pants, dress pants – proper fitting and no holes | Steel toed, all-leather work boots, min. of 8″ laced and tied (Measure by placing ruler inside the boot) | · Safety glasses w/side shields provided by BCTC
· All-cotton Welder’s cap |
Textbooks
The link provided for each book title will take you to Amazon.com. Please note that you are NOT required to purchase the books from Amazon. You may purchase the books from any vendor.
Welding Fundamentals  (6th Edition) (Textbook) – by William A. Bowditch, Kevin E. Bowditch, Mark A. Bowditch
ISBN #:Â 978-1645646938
Tool / Supply / Protective Equipment
Quantity Needed | Level 1, 2, or 3 | Approximate Cost | Suggested Vendor | |
Footwear Requirement: Steel toe, all-leather work boots, minimum of 8″ laced and tied. (Measure boot by placing ruler inside the boot) | 1 pair | Levels 1, 2, & 3 | TBD | Any store |
Cutting Goggles | 1 | Level 1 | $10.00 | Airgas |
Welding Jacket – Size L or XXL | 1 | Level 1 | $29.00 (Large), $32.00 (XX-Large) | Airgas |
Welding Helmet (#10 Lens Included) | 1 | Level 1 | $22.00 | Airgas |
Atlas Chipping Hammer – Wire Handle | 1 | Level 1 | $5.00 | Airgas |
Flint Spark Lighter | 1 | Level 1 | $3.00 | Airgas |
Reversible Welders Cap – Cotton | 1 | Level 1 | $8.00 | Airgas |
Tip Cleaners | 1 | Level 1 | $3.00 | Airgas |
Wire Brush | 1 | Level 1 | $2.00 | Airgas |
25′ Tape Measure | 1 | Level 1 | $9.00 | Airgas |
Vise Grips | 1 | Level 1 | $13.00 | Airgas |
Combination Square | 1 | Level 1 | $13.00 | Airgas |
Leather Welding Gloves – Large | 1 | Level 1 | $10.00 | Airgas |
Welpers | 1 | Level 1 | $20.00 | Airgas |
* BCTC will pay for one pair of safety glasses (if required) and may assist with payment for the testing fees or core certification tests (first time only).  Additional safety glasses and testing fees must be paid by the student.
Program Entrance Recommendations:
- Reading at grade level
- Algebra I or Geometry
- Problem solving/troubleshooting skills
- Ability to work independently and in a team
- Hand-eye coordination
- Mechanical aptitude
Career Pathways:
- Structural Metal Fabricator & Fitter
- Welder Fitter
- Production Workers
- Certified Welding Inspector
- Welding Engineer
- Welding Instructor
- Quality Control/Quality Assurance Technician