The mission of the Welding Technology Program is to provide the regional workforce with credentialed, skilled, and competent welders and to be responsive to emerging workforce needs. The Welding Technology Program prepares students to operate and troubleshoot a variety of welding power sources and related equipment. The program prepares students to solve problems using computational skills and other problem-solving techniques essential to welding and steel fabrication. It also encourages the development of the teamwork and interpersonal skills required on the job.<br><br>Welding students develop skills in six different welding processes: oxyacetylene (OAW), shielded metal arc (SMAW), gas metal arc (GMAW), flux core arc, (FCAW), submerged arc (SAW), and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). Students also develop additional skills, such as blueprint reading and layout, metallurgy, and gain an understanding of how heating and cooling cycles affect the properties of metals. Students also study the design of jigs and fixtures and how to incorporate these into an automated welding system.