Program Description

Metalworkers use their arts and sciences to create useful products ranging from skyscraper office buildings, transportation systems and bridges to fine art sculptures, recreational equipment and ordinary tools for everyday life.

Among the topics covered in the four-year curriculum are safe work practices, welding, OSHA construction safety and health standards, computer programming for shop machinery, the importance of chemistry in welding and cutting processes, precision sheet metal layout, making templates, and using mathematical formulas to calculate material waste, project costs and unit conversions.

• U.S. Department of Labor Statistics
• The manufacturing sector employs the most welding, soldering, and brazing workers.
• Median hourly earnings of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers were $14.72 in May 2004.
• Industries employing the largest numbers of these professionals were motor vehicle parts manufacturing; agriculture, construction and mining machinery manufacturing; architectural and structural metals manufacturing; commercial and industrial machinery and equipment (except automotive and electronic) repair and maintenance; and motor vehicle body and trailer manufacturing.
• (Employment facts from the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/OCO)

Program Placement
Students have worked for Payne Engineering, Commercial Sheetmetal, Ashmont Welding and Welding Craftsman Company, BE Peterson Wardco, and Draper Industries.