Industrial Welding
Alaskan employers are always looking for highly trained welders–especially for those who are willing to work under occasionally adverse conditions. Graduates of AVTEC’s Industrial Welding program hold jobs in a wide variety of work settings. The goal of the Industrial Welding program is to enable the student to earn nationally recognized industry certifications. To earn the AVTEC Industrial Welding program certificate with the highest level of achievement, students must prepare for and earn the following industry certifications: Structural Certification to AWS Unlimited Thickness, and Pipe Certification to ASME section IX, 6G Pipe. Certified pipe welders continue to be in demand in the petroleum industry. Pipes are used to transport commodities in Alaska, and they are also used to build structures. The different applications of pipe afford pipe welders the opportunity to apply their skills in a variety of work settings.
The Industrial Welding program emphasizes steel welding; however, all students are expected to become knowledgeable of procedures for welding on non-ferrous materials such as aluminum. Primary focus is on stick electrode welding: students train on Sheet Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) stick electrode, Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) wire feed processes, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG), Plasma Arc and Air Arc cutting, Oxyacetylene Welding (OAW), and cutting machines. Destructive tests are performed on groove welds in both the stick and wire feed processes. An introduction to Non-Destructive testing is an integral part of the program.
The AVTEC welding shops are equipped with advanced cutting and welding equipment, including computerized plasma cutting machines for plate and pipe.
The Industrial Welding program offers a blend of classroom instruction, lab, and live work practice. This program is fast-paced and challenging. The small class sizes at AVTEC provide students with the opportunity to experience extensive hands-on training.
The Industrial Welding program prepares students for entry-level employment in the construction industry and all petroleum-related, mining, and heavy equipment industries.
Program offered in: January, August
Training Times: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday
Clock Hours: 1110
Requirements
Information Technology Requirements
Have a basic understanding of how to use a computer and work online.
Employment Requirements
- Most positions require a clean driving record with the ability to earn a valid Alaska driver’s license
- Most positions require the ability to earn a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Demonstrate the ability to show up on time, rested and dressed for work
- Safety-conscious and situationally aware of surroundings
- Understand and willingly enforce industry safety standards
Program Specific Requirements
- Students must arrive on time and attend training daily (Mon–Fri 8:30 am to 3:30 pm)
- Must have good hand-eye coordination and eyesight corrected to 20/20 with excellent depth perception
- Required to wear safety goggles/glasses and hearing protection in shop areas
- Proper prescription safety glasses are recommended for students with prescription lenses
- Demonstrate manual dexterity with fine motor skills
- Will be exposed to and must be comfortable with loud noises, strong smells, and bright lights
- Must have a full range of motion of neck, arms, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees and legs
- Should be comfortable with constant physical activity and be able to stand for most of the training day
- Ability to stand, walk, sit, lift, carry, push, pull, twist, turn, bend, squat, climb, kneel, crouch, crawl and reach continuously
- Must be comfortable wearing a respirator
- No synthetic clothing, unless marked “fire resistant rated”
- Will supply properly fitting work clothes and steel toe or reinforced toe work boots
- Boots must be leather or “fire resistant rated” (no rubber boots)
- The following are minimum level of physical requirements expected to be performed:
- Lift 100 pounds
- Carry 50 pounds
- Push 100 pounds
- Pull 50 pounds
Industry Certifications
- OSHA 10
- First Aid and CPR
The goal of the Industrial Welding program is to enable the student to earn nationally recognized industry certifications. They are available through an independent agency–Alaska Industrial X-Ray. This testing is an additional cost to the student and is performed in Anchorage. It is the student’s responsibility to make transportation arrangements to the testing site. To earn the AVTEC Industrial Welding program certificate with the highest level of achievement, students must prepare for and earn the following industry certifications:
- Structural Certification to AWS Unlimited Thickness
- Pipe Certification to ASME section IX, 6G Pipe
Graduation Achievement Levels
Level 1- Welder’s Helper
Level 2- Structural Welder
Level 3- Structural Welder/Pipe Fitter
Level 4- Certified Structural /Pipe Welder