Welding Classes

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Beginner Welding Class – Course Breakdown

Course Overview

This beginner welding class is designed for individuals with little to no prior welding experience. Students will learn the fundamentals of welding safety, equipment operation, and basic welding techniques through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on practice. The course focuses on building confidence, proper technique, and safe work habits.

1. Welding Safety & Shop Orientation

Students begin with a strong foundation in welding safety, including:

  • Personal protective equipment (PPE)

  • Fire prevention and shop safety rules

  • Proper ventilation and fume awareness

  • Safe handling of tools, gas cylinders, and materials
    This section ensures students understand how to work safely in a welding environment before striking an arc.

2. Introduction to Welding Equipment

Students are introduced to common welding tools and machines, including:

  • Welders (MIG, Stick, and/or TIG depending on class focus)

  • Power settings and machine controls

  • Electrodes, wire, and filler materials

  • Ground clamps and leads
    Students learn how to set up and shut down equipment correctly.

3. Basic Welding Processes

The class covers one or more entry-level welding processes, typically:

  • MIG welding for ease of learning and clean welds

  • Stick welding for understanding arc control and versatility
    Instruction includes how each process works and where it is commonly used.

4. Metal Preparation & Joint Types

Students learn how proper preparation affects weld quality, including:

  • Cleaning and prepping metal surfaces

  • Identifying different metals and thicknesses

  • Understanding joint types (butt, lap, T-joint, corner)

  • Proper fit-up and positioning

5. Hands-On Welding Practice

The majority of the course focuses on hands-on learning:

  • Striking and maintaining an arc

  • Controlling weld puddle and bead appearance

  • Practicing straight beads and basic joints

  • Learning correct body position and torch/electrode angle
    Instructor guidance is provided throughout practice time.

6. Weld Inspection & Troubleshooting

Students are taught how to:

  • Visually inspect welds for common defects

  • Identify issues such as porosity, undercut, and lack of fusion

  • Understand what causes defects and how to correct them
    This helps students improve consistency and quality.

7. Introduction to Welding Projects

As skills develop, students may complete simple projects such as:

  • Small frames

  • Brackets

  • Practice plates or beginner fabrication pieces
    Projects reinforce learned techniques and build confidence.

8. Career & Skill Development Basics (Optional)

The class may include an introduction to:

  • Welding career paths and certifications

  • Shop etiquette and real-world expectations

  • Continuing education and next-level welding courses

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the class, students will be able to:

  • Work safely in a welding shop

  • Set up basic welding equipment

  • Perform simple welds with proper technique

  • Understand fundamental welding terminology

  • Identify and correct basic welding mistakes