Welding Technology

No matter how sophisticated technology becomes, one thing remains constant in the construction, fabrication, and industrial maintenance world: metal must be joined to metal, and only skilled, qualified Welding Technicians can do this vital job.

Butler Tech Welding Technology offers the student a great opportunity to explore the vast possibilities in the Welding Industry. We offer in­depth training using the latest welding and metal fabrication technology being used in today’s industry. Skilled welders are in high demand in the industry.

Students will learn and get hands­ on experience in:

  • Basic metallurgy
  • Blueprint reading
  • Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW)
  • Fundamentals of metal fabrication
  • Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
  • Gas Tungsten
  • Arc Welding (GTAW)
  • Materials science inspection and testing
  • OSHA safety regulations
  • Oxy­fuel and Plasma cutting
  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
  • Welding symbols interpretation

College Tech Prep

Butler Tech Welding Technology is a College Tech Prep program. Students can earn up to 18 college semester hours while still in high school. Students may also enter apprenticeship training programs with local companies. Welding Technology combines college­like instruction with hands­on activities to prepare students for the technical occupations of the future and to provide a pathway to an associate degree or beyond.

Industry-Recognized Credentials

Students have the opportunity to earn:

  • American Welding Society (AWS) certification
  • National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) certification

Enrollment

Butler Tech Welding Technology is a full time program for high school juniors and seniors. Students will apply during their sophomore year.

For information about adult welding programs at Butler Tech, CLICK HERE.

Student Organization

SkillsUSA

Program Costs

SkillsUSA Fee:  $25

Tools (approximate):  $100

Career Outlook

After graduation, students can pursue one of the following options:

  • Entering the workplace
  • Attending a traditional two- or four-year college
  • Attending a trade school, such as The Hobart Institute of Welding Technology or The Elite Welding Academy
  • Entering an industry-approved apprenticeship training program.

The Pipe Fitters and the Iron Workers unions are examples of on-the-job training opportunities. Apprentices work during the day and attend classes in the evenings during their training, which usually last for four to five years. Apprentices are paid during this on-the-job training, and some programs are accredited by local community colleges, which means that apprentices can earn college credit for the training.

Some of the career opportunities in the welding industry include:

  • Fabricators
  • Iron workers
  • Metallurgists
  • Pipe welders
  • Welders
  • Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) (after five years industry experience).