This program is designed to prepare students to pursue employment in the welding and fabrication industry with a full set of basic skills and knowledge, well ahead of most entry-level job applicants with whom they will compete. Students will learn to weld sheet metal, plate, pipe, and tubing in all positions using the Stick-Arc, MIG, and TIG processes, on carbon, stainless steel, and aluminum. Students will learn to design, plan jobs, read drawings, lay out, draft patterns, fit, plasma and oxy-fuel cut, grind, shear, punch, drill, and bend for both class assignments and personal projects. The emphasis throughout the program is on the value of a strong work ethic and working in a safe, organized way. In the second year of the program students further develop their skills and knowledge through more advanced assignments including welding and project work suited to their expressed areas of interest (specialty). For some, this will include preparation and testing for professional American Welding Society (AWS) certification. Through strong outreach to the business community, the instructor assists students seeking employment in their search.