Welding
https://www.linnbenton.edu/future-students/explore-lb/programs/welding.php
Industrial Pipe Trades; Fitting and Welding, AAS and Certificate
The Industrial Pipe Trades; Fitting and Welding Program provides professional-level training for people interested in employment in the industrial pipe trades. The program focuses on students developing employable-level skills in the areas of pipe fitting and pipe welding. The 2-Year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree builds on the first year of training and adds additional pipe welding skill development in the second year with the opportunity to become certified in plate and pipe welding during the second year of the program. Subject matter covered in the AAS degree program includes safety, math and blueprint reading for the pipe trades, ISO drawings, layout, tool usage, material preparation and fit-up, pipe welding practices in the 2G, 5G, and 6G positions with shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), and wire-feed welding processes, field welding, alternative joining methods, pipe codes and guidelines, resume' development and job search skills. Students primarily interested in pipe fitting may consider the fully embedded 1-Year Pipefitting Certificate of Completion.
Welding and Fabrication, AAS and Certificate
Welding and fabrication can lead to a rewarding career for students who enjoy challenges and like to work with their hands. Welding is used in constructing ships, automobiles, bridges, buildings, aircraft equipment, and many other products. In the welding process, heat is used to fuse metal pieces together. Soldering and brazing are similar processes that are used on electronic and other small equipment.
People already employed in welding or a related field may upgrade their skills by enrolling in classes offered by the Welding and Fabrication Technology Department. Welding I, Welding II, and Preparation for Certification classes offer students exposure to welding processes and practices. Advanced coursework to prepare for certification in pipe or plate welding is available with instructor permission. Testing is done by instructors with a CWI or through an independent agency.
It is recommended that students enter the Welding and Fabrication Technology program in Fall Term. Admission may be possible at other times, however, a full credit load cannot be guaranteed. See a Welding faculty advisor for details.
Program Requirements
The Welding and Fabrication Technology Department offers several options to prepare students for entry-level positions in welding, welding repair, welder/fabricator, industrial mechanics and pipefitter/welder; all of them provide training in welding procedures, print reading, fabrication and layout. Students wanting to enter the program should have basic math and high school-level reading skills. Interested students should consider an Associate of Applied Science degree or a One-year Certificate of Completion.
Welding is a good fit for students who possess skills in mechanical ability, preciseness, and creativity. A welder/fabricator must be in good physical condition and be able to stand, stoop, kneel, and bend. Good eyesight, especially depth perception, is necessary. The ability to work as a team is a valuable asset, and a welder/fabricator must also have the initiative to work independently.
As many of the courses run in sequence, it is recommended that students enter the program Fall Term. Students who do not begin Fall Term should work with program faculty to design an education plan based on their point of entry that leads to successful completion within a reasonable timeline.
Facilities
The IA Welding Shop and IC Fabrication Shop large, modern facilities that contain a variety of equipment used by industry professionals. Students learn to weld with SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW on both new and vintage welding equipment. MIG and TIG stations are also available. Shop areas also have modern processing equipment such as plasma arc, plasma cutting, oxy/act cutting, template cutting, bandsaws, shears, beveling equipment, bending, rolling, drilling, and rigging equipment, pipe threading, and other specialized pipe trades tools. Modern fume extraction is present at each welding booth for safety and comfort while welding. Classrooms are conveniently located next to the shops and audiovisual materials are available.