Welding Technician

PURPOSE
This credential documents the essential competencies required for entry-level (Level I) welders. It covers welding safety, thermal cutting procedures using oxyfuel cutting and plasma arc cutting, base metal preparation, assessing welding quality, joint fit-up and alignment, and basic SMAW welding procedures.

AUDIENCE
This credential is appropriate for entry level (Level I) welders seeking positions in manufacturing, residential and commercial construction, specialty trades, repair and maintenance, automotive, shipbuilding, oil and gas, highway and bridge construction, and merchant wholesalers as welders, cutters, brazers, solderers, and metal workers.

JOB/CAREER REQUIREMENTS
The welder typically must have a high school diploma or the equivalent and understand welding safety practices and equipment, basic thermal cutting procedures, base metal preparation, weld quality and inspection, joint fit-up and alignment procedures and assessment, and SMAW welding procedures. In addition to knowledge and skills in each welding area, successful entry-level welders must have excellent communication skills and be able to listen to and effectively communicate with the supervisors and coworkers. They must also understand and comply with the numerous state and federal laws that govern the industry. 

WELDING TECHNICIAN WORKPLACE TASKS:

• Perform all welding tasks in a safe manner using proper personal protective equipment and preventative steps for illness and accidents
• Properly handle all materials and equipment
• Properly and safely use oxyfuel cutting equipment including setup, lighting and adjusting, shut down, disassembly, changing of cylinders, and performing oxyfuel cutting tasks
• Operate a motorized, portable oxyfuel gas cutting machine
• Properly and safely use plasma arc cutting equipment including preparation and setup of equipment, making various types of cuts, storing equipment, and cleaning work area
• Properly clean base metal for welding or cutting
• Mechanically and thermally bevel the edge of a mild steel plate
• Comply with codes governing welding
• Assess the quality of welds using appropriate criteria and testing methods
• Properly set up SMAW welding equipment
• Select the proper electrode for a specified welding task
• Make stringer, weave, and overlapping beads using proper electrodes
• Make fillet welds using proper electrodes in a variety of positions
• Identify and apply job code specifications
• Use fit-up gauges and measuring devices to check joint fit-up
• Fit up joints using plate and pipe fit-up tools
• Check for joint misalignment and poor fit-up before and after welding
• Perform SMAW for V-groove welds with backing in a variety of positions

• Welding Safety, Base Metal Preparation, and Welding Quality : 30 items 
• Thermal Cutting: 20 items 
• SMAW Welding: 50 items 
• Welding Symbols and Reading Welding Drawings: 20 items