WELDING & FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY
STICK. MIG. TIG. FLUX. Join the forefront of today’s most sought-after careers. In this class, you’ll learn the discipline of welding and cutting metal, while exploring techniques of the CNC plasma machine to bring your own unique designs to life. From crafting fire pits and haybale rings to building deer and pig feeders, this hands-on class empowers you to forge a future filled with endless possibilities.
Welding Processes
Welding is a HOT career that takes time to learn and master. There are different processes and methods of welding, several techniques/joints, all which use a variety of metals.
Learning how to choose the correct process, weld type, and metal for the job takes time. We are going to break down the welding processes you will learn in this class.
STICK
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
- Stick welding will be the first process you tackle.
- Why? This process is unlike the others, so it’s good to learn it first. It is a highly skilled process with a long learning curve that requires lots of practice.
- The “stick” serves as the filler metal. This means you manually add more metal as you need it.
- It doesn’t require shielding, so it’s an environmentally friendly process that can be used on anything even rusty dirty surfaces.
- If you want to go off the grid, this is the welding process for you.
FLUX
Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
- Similar to MIG – wire metal filler is fed through a cable gun system.
- FCAW wire has a core of flux inside the wire.
- Good for thicker and heavier metals.
- Welders enjoy this type of welding since it can be done faster and gets hotter than the others.
- The concepts you manually used in stick welding are handled automatically through the machine.
- This type of welding is increasingly becoming in high-demand with high-wages.
MIG
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
- Good for new welders.
- Filler metal is delivered by a spool is continuously fed through the MIG gun at a set speed.
- Shielding gas is expelled around the weld puddle which helps form and protect the weld.
- Versatile to weld many different metal types and thicknesses.
TIG
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
- Uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode, so it is possible to fuse metals together without filler materials.
- One of the few processes that can be done using only the two metals being welded together.
- A nonflammable shielding gas is necessary for weld protection.
- Performs better indoors as you weld on clean machines. It’s the cleanest welding process. If you want to weld and stay clean, this is the job for you.
- Difficult type of weld – best for experienced welders.
“I’m glad I took advantage of the welding program at Central Tech in Sapulpa. I came across some good people and a GREAT professor, the man, the myth, the legend, Jeff Vandever. Thanks for teaching the youth a great trade, not all of us are meant for college!”
Daniel Pinta, Student
COMBINATION WELDER
PATHWAY
Details
This program will teach you to do quality welding for a variety of construction and manufacturing jobs using multiple structural welding techniques. Instruction will cover:
- Welding Theory & Safety
- Fabrication
- Layout
- Print Reading
- Symbols
- Math
- Welding Codes
- Metal Characteristics/Properties
- Oxy-Fuel Cutting
You will learn to perform high quality welds in accordance with welding procedure specifications used in a variety of welding occupations. You will also gain an introduction to pipe welding skills, using SMAW, FCAW GMAW, and GTAW techniques.
Areas of Study
- Fundamentals of Welding & Cutting Processes
- SMAW Welding Processes
- GMAW & GTAW Welding Processes
- FCAW & Welding Specialties
- Workforce Transitions
Potential Career Path
Source: Zippia.com 
Do you like it hot?
For those of you who enjoy physics – or sharing random bits of knowledge not many people know.
Who’s The Hottest?
| Who’s the HOTTEST? | Degrees in Fahrenheit |
|---|---|
| Average Body Temperature | 98.6 |
| Bonfire Wood | 1,112 |
| Lava | 2,000 |
| Charcoal | 2,012 |
| Magma | 2,200 |
| Sun’s Surface | 9,941 |
| Welding Temperatures | 10,000+ |
| Lightning Bolt | 50,000 |
| Sun’s Core | 27,000,032 |
WHAT TYPE OF PROJECTS DO STUDENTS DO?
Here are examples of student projects.
- Remanufactured light poles for schools,
- handrails for a house,
- trailers,
- the handle on the gas tank for the car museum in Sapulpa,
- campus projects with maintenance staff
- community action projects benefitting St. Jude’s
- built smokers, and
- firepits.
HOW HAS TECHNOLOGY CHANGED WELDING?
Through the years advanced technology has been incorporated into the welding machines that aids in hand-eye coordination.
IS THERE MATH IN WELDING?
Have you sat through a math class wondering why you need to learn fractions or formulas? If you are interested in welding, it’s important to know the melting point of metals, and with that – a little more math. Don’t let it scare you, the great thing is, everything becomes relevant. As you learn the math formulas you understand how they are used, why, and when to use them.
IS THERE AN INDUSTRY RECOGNIZED WELDING CERTIFICATION?
The American Welding Society (AWS) welding program allows you to test your skills based on the structural steel, sheet metal, chemical refinery, and petroleum pipeline welding industries. However, even with an AWS certification, shops will require you to take and pass their welding test before employment is offered.
Welding isn’t done exactly the same in every shop. Each company has a specific way they want to see a weld. At the end of the day, yes…it’s the same weld – but there are many ways to get there.
#CentralTechWeldFab
Our morning Medical Assisting, Welding, and Facilities Maintenance on the Drumright campus spent their day with the children at Head Start as part of their Easter community service project. 🐰
#centraltechMA #centraltechWeldFab #centraltechFacilitiesMaintenance
Power your future with a career in energy! 🔌
Learn more: centraltech.edu/classes
🔹 Electrical Trades
🔹 Welding/Fabrication Technology
🔹 Lineman Technology
🔹 Pipeline Technology
🔹 And more...
#centraltechElectrical #centraltechWeldFab #centraltechLineman #centraltechPipe #CareersInEnergyWeek
Spark your interest? 💥
Learn more about our welding classes: centraltech.edu/classes
🔹 Welding/Fabrication Technology
🔹 Evening Welding
🔹 Welding/Plasma Cutting
#centraltechWeldFab
Our Diesel and Welding classes are gearing up for their @skillsusa state competition by extending a helping hand. Our Medical Assisting, Cosmetology, and Digital Media students were given assistance last week, and this week they are extending help to members of our community. ⚙️
Keep an eye out for the competition results!
#centraltechDiesel #centraltechWeldFab
You`re in luck on the first day of National Welding Month. 🍀 We offer daytime and evening classes, interested?
Learn more about Welding: centraltech.edu/classes
#centraltechWeldFab #NationalWeldingMonth
We had the opportunity to host SkillsUSA Regionals for Automotive and Welding. Congratulations to all who competed and shoutout to the judges! 🥳
#centraltechAUTO #centraltechWeldFab
Did you know that welding temperatures are 10,000+ degrees? For comparisons sake, lava is 2,000 while a lightning bolt is 50,000 ⚡️
Welding applications are now open > centraltech.info/weld
#centraltechWeldFab
Diesel and welding students, Colt Robertson and Zachary Riley, train cosmetology students in car maintenance and beginner welding techniques, as part of a community action project, “Helping Hand.” These students won 1st in Community Action Project at @skillsusa.oklahoma State Contest and will be competing at Nationals. Congratulations and good luck at Nationals.
LEARN MORE – https://www.drumrightgusher.com/news/helping-hand
@skillsusa #centraltechedu #centraltechCosmo #centraltechDiesel #centraltechWeldFab #SkillsUSA
Ty Morrow, an adult student from Yale, made this welding sculpture. He competed at the @skillsusa.oklahoma State Competition with this sculpture.
#centraltechedu #centraltechWeldFab #SkillsUSA
Welding students are a part of today’s hottest careers! They learn basic and advanced techniques in welding and cutting metal as well as learn to program and cut out designs using the CNC plasma machine. Student projects have included: smokers, fire pits, deer stands, and deer feeders.
LEARN MORE > https://bit.ly/3ckTuQ5
#centraltechedu #centraltechWeldFab
We love hearing how Central Tech students are doing after graduation. Congratulations Evan, welding graduate, on your success!
Read Evan`s story (link in bio): https://bit.ly/3CWzI8V
#centraltechedu #centraltechWeldFab
Congratulations to Welding students Evan R. and Noah S. and Cosmetology students Abigail S. and Emily W. for their 1st place @skillsusa state wins. Good luck at Nationals in June!
#centraltechedu #centraltechWeldFab #centraltechCosmo #SkillsUSA #NLSC21
Happy National Welding month to our welding instructors, students, and alumni! Check out these awesome projects from past Skills USA competitions.
#centraltechedu #centraltechWeldFab #NationalWeldingMonth #NWM2021
THROWBACK THURSDAY 2007 - Expanded Welding to Sapulpa and created new Employability Center #centraltechweldfab
Constantly impressed by the quality of work our students produce - check out this INCREDIBLE 1st Place Welding Sculpture by Tyler Merriman from Cleveland High School. Tyler will be advancing to SkillsUSA Nationals in June. #centraltechweldfab
Celebrating 50 Years in 50 Words - "When I was blessed enough to land my current position here at Central Tech, I didn’t know how fortunate I really was. I did not know that I would have co-workers that immediately turned into family. Our administration is top notch and the students are given every opportunity to succeed." Troy Elliot, 2013, Welding/Fabrication Instructor #centraltechweldfab
Welding fabricated this awesome sign for Oilton Baseball! Learn how to create signs like this and so much more - tap link in bio. #centraltechweldfab
Remember WAY back in November when we showed you some behind the scenes action of our Pride in the Hustle Campaign? Check out one of the photos now being used by the entire Oklahoma CareerTech System. Looking good Central Tech Welding! #centraltechweldfab
Behind the scenes of @oklahomacareertech "Pride in the Hustle" campaign produced by the creative minds at @icgadv. #centraltechweldfab
Students in the welding class at Central Tech can learn on a virtual welder. Area 8th graders got to try it out at the Career Connections in Sapulpa. #centraltechweldfab
More Information
Job Demand & Pay
Welders & Fabricators
Read MoreMost companies require two to three years of welding experience even for entry-level positions. Central Tech’s full-time program is 1,010 clock hours and is usually accepted as two-years of experience.
- Assemblers and Fabricators
- Boilermakers
- Certified Welding Inspectors
- Jeweler or Metal Art
- Machinist, Tool, and Die Makers
- Metal and Plastic Machine Workers
- Pipelines
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
- Sheet Metal Workers
More than 50% of the products in the United States require welding and welding jobs are on the rise.
Available Certifications/License
May require additional fees.
Read More- American Welding Society – AWS Certification (Optional)
- OSHA 10
- Forklift (must be 18 or older) & Fire Extinguisher Certifications
- WorkKeys
Quick Facts
Students, Campus, Times
Read More- Students: Adult & High School
- Campus: Drumright, Sapulpa
- Times: Morning, Afternoon, Full Day
- School Year: August-May
Related Classes
Similar Programs
Read More- Automotive Technology
- Basic Machining (Short-Term)
- Construction Trades
- Computer Aided Drafting (CAD)
- Facilities Maintenance
- Evening Welding (Short-Term)
- Women in Welding (Short-Term)
What’s Next?
You May Also Like:
Cosmetology Students Learn Valuable Lessons
As part of a state competition diesel mechanic and welding students, Colt Robertson and Zachary Riley, trained cosmetology students in car maintenance and beginner welding techniques. The community action project named “Helping Hand” took place at the Central Tech campus in Drumright last Friday, April 8.
When ElectroMechanical Systems and Curiosity Collide
Blake graduated from the ElectroMechanical Systems course at Central Tech almost three years ago. With a strong work ethic and the drive to keep learning, he has already been promoted to Maintenance Manager at Webco Industries.
INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE CERTIFICATION
Classes include DC Electricity & Electronics, AC Electricity & Electronics, Industrial Motor Control, Programmable Control, Variable Frequency Drives, Hydraulics & Pneumatics, and Bearings, Pumps, & Lubes.