Skills and Benefits

Welding Processes Learned

• SMAW - Shielded Metal Arc Welding
• GMAW - Gas Metal Arc Welding
• GTAW - Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
• FCAW - Flux Cored Arc Welding
• Welding Alloys
• Metal Shearing and Bending
• Oxy-Fuel torch cutting
• Plasma cutting
• Blueprint reading
• Metal fabrication
• CNC Plasma Cutting

Good Habits Developed

• Good safety practices
• Consideration for others
• Prompt and consistent attendance
• Active participation in all phases of the program
• Continuous progress towards program completion

Interpersonal and Teamwork Skills Developed

Work as a team on...

• Individual welding projects
• American Welding Society events and activities
• Welding lab group projects
• Community service projects

Social and Professional Skills Enhanced

• Community Service Projects
• Join the American Welding Society
• Improve time management skills
• At AWS meetings - Interact with future employers in a social/professional setting
• Job application - Resume - Interview techniques

Job Acquisition Skills Learned

• Learn how to interview and evaluate prospective employers
• Learn to track employment opportunities
• Interviewing tips and techniques
• Locate and maintain industry contacts

Welding Program Benefits

• Job skills in just NINE months!
• Scholarship opportunities
• AWS welding certifications
• Start in September, finish in June
• Job placement

Learning Environment

• Classroom time - Related to lab work
• Shop Time – many hours of hands-on training
• Industry specific projects
• Industry tours
• Professional and Student association meetings and activities (AWS)
• Individual attention and counseling

Weld Shop Organized and Equipped to Meet Local Industry Standards

• Equipped for local industry needs and constantly being upgraded
• Looks more like a metal fabrication shop than a classroom
• Students actively involved in shop construction and maintenance
• Shop, curriculum and equipment guided by Advisory Committee

National Skill Standards and Certification

• Train to national skill standards developed by American Welding Society
• Specific training for local industries
• Certification to AWS codes and standards
• Earn Welder Certification and be placed on the AWS National Registry

American Welding Society (AWS)

• ...is the international organization for the welding profession
• ...Stated goal "To advance the science, technology and application of welding and allied processes, including joining, brazing, soldering, cutting and thermal spraying."
• ...provides scholarships, learning materials and personal assistance
• ...is an integral part of the Mt. Hood Community College's Welding Program

Adult Students in the Program

Working welders are integrated into the program throughout the year. Industry sends employees for skill upgrading in specific techniques and processes. Companies also send promising applicants for training and testing.

Benefits From Adult Student Involvement

Adult welding students receive training to pass "code welding" tests and obtain better jobs and higher pay. Younger students are exposed to the example of working welders upgrading their own skills.

Special Learning Opportunities

• Students can become AWS members and attend monthly professional meetings

Results on the Job

• Job placement for program completers into welding related jobs
• Starting wages Are $12.00+ and Even more with work experience.

Graduates Are Working in the Metals Industry

• Heavy metal fabricators; Many in Portland
• Underwater - U.S. Navy
• Sales - Equipment and gas suppliers
• Fabrication – A variety of job shops
• Structural - Building and bridges
• Pipe - Energy generation, piping systems
• Aerospace - NASA

Instructor Contact Information

Rick Walters 503-491-7209
Email: Richard.Walters@mhcc.edu
Steve Davis 503-491-7629
Email: Steve.Davis@mhcc.edu