Welding
This course is designed to provide technical instruction and skill development for the student to become gainfully employed in the welding field. The highly individualized instruction provides for both classroom instruction and practical work experience using hand tools and welding equipment. The major emphasis of the course is placed on electric arc, oxy-acetylene, tig and mig welding. Practical experience is gained by shop practice, projects and repair work using a variety of metals including steel, stainless steel and aluminum along with various other metals and alloys.
Mission
The mission of the program is to provide technical instruction and skill development for the student to become gainfully employed in the welding field.
Nature of the Work
Welding is one of the most common and dependable methods of joining metal parts such as airplanes, autos, household appliances, barges, buildings, storage tanks, and tugs. There are more than ninety-eight different welding processes; however, most of these fall under three major types - gas, arc, and resistance - all of which are manual, semi-automatic, or automatic.
Welders are classified as semi-skilled or skilled. Semi-skilled welders usually perform repetitive work which does not, as a rule, involve critical thinking and strength requirements. The skilled welder is able to plan, layout, and work from drawings or other specifications to meet specified requirements using any one or all of the welding processes. A working knowledge of the welding properties of steel, stainless steel, cast iron, brass, bronze, aluminum, nickel, along with other alloys is necessary. An experienced welder may qualify as a welding technician, supervisor, inspector, or foreman.
Broad Units of Study
- Safety
- Equipment Setup
- Machine and Accessories
- Metal Preparation and Identification
- Selection of Electrodes and Filler Metals
- Fuel and Shielding Gases
- TIG and MIG
- Basic Metallurgy
- Joints and How to Weld Them
- Layout and Fabrication
- Oxy Fuel, Shielded Metal Arc, and Gas Tungsten
- Arc and Gas Metal Welding
- Related Equipment
- Welding Symbols
- Pipe Cutting and Welding
- Code Testing
- Technical Information
- Technology Foundations
- Worker Ethics
Welding Estimated Student Expenses
Programs and Awards
| Title | Est. Hours | Award |
| Gas Metal Arc Welder | 972 | Certificate |
| Shielded Metal Arc Welder | 648 | Certificate |
| Tack Welder | 324 | Certificate |
| Combination Welder | 1296 | Diploma |
Tim Holder - Welding Instructor
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Combination Welder Diploma |
Willie T. Price - Night Shift Welding Instructor
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33 semester hours toward BS Middle Tennessee State University 30+ years experience Willie.Price@ttcshelbyville.edu |
The Tennessee Technology Center at Shelbyville does not offer a student loan program.
The Tennessee Technology Center at Shelbyville does not offer a student loan program.
75% of graduates from this program, who began their studies in 2010, completed it within 10.8 months.



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