The WCTS program trains students in the practical skills necessary to become a welding apprentice. The industry has evolved from high rise construction into the development and fabrication of space shuttles and nuclear submarines. The green industries are looking for welders to fabricate wind towers and solar panel arrays. The companies on the west coast currently have a two year backlog on these orders. Welding design and production of art projects will require an understanding of computer-aided design (CAD). Mathematics and language skills are also necessary to advance into a technical or management position. Students will gain experience through collaboration with our Automotive Technology program by auto-body welding and other related skills.
Warren County Technical School offers a comprehensive training program in welding. Students will be able to complete tasks at their level of learning as per qualification and certification as an entry-level welder by the American Welding Society. Students will acquire the necessary welding skills to be an apprentice iron worker, welder, or carpenter.
Welding I prerequisite - none 10 credits
Initial instruction offers theoretical and hands-on training in safety procedures, the identification of welding processes, welding shop orientation, blueprint reading, and the uses of equipment and tools. Students receive training in oxyacetylene welding and cutting processes and shielded metal arc welding.
Welding II prerequisite - Welding I 10 credits
Initial instruction provides theoretical, hands-on training focusing on safety procedures, training in oxyacetylene welding and cutting processes, and shielded metal arc welding. In addition to this, students will be introduced to MIG welding techniques. Principles of lathe utilization and grinding are layered throughout the year’s curriculum.
Welding III prerequisite - Welding II 15 credits
Advanced training concentrates on developing skills in arc welding, metallurgy, and welding inspection and testing principles. In this year students will become familiar with the practices and principles of TIG welding
Welding IV prerequisite - Welding III 15 credits
The students who attain adequate levels of competency can obtain a Welding related job through the Cooperative Industrial Education Coordinator as an option, or the students can concentrate on advanced training in all the areas of the Welding program. Also, students are required to complete an individualized fabrication of a project according to blueprint specifications.
Proposed Sequence of Courses
Algebra I Geometry Applied Math Business Management I
Welding I Phys. Ed/ Driver Ed Welding III Phys. Ed/ Health
Biology English 12
Construction I U.S. History I Intro to CAD
English 9 English 10 English 11
Spanish I Welding II Environmental Science Automotive Technology I
Physical Science Construction Trades II Welding IV
Phys. Ed/ Health Electrician-Residential/Commercial Phys. Ed/ Health
World History U.S. History II
Graduation Requirements
The following are high school graduation requirements as established through state law/regulations or Board policy.
Satisfactory completion of a Board of Education approved program consisting of:
4 years of English
4 years of Health/Physical Education
3 years of Social Studies (World History, U.S. History I, and U.S. History II)
3 years of Mathematics and 3 years of Science
1 year of Fine, Practical, or Performing Arts
1 year of Business Management
Senior Year Research Paper
1 year of a World Language (2 years for college prep)
Other minimum requirements are listed by shop specialty
A senior must take and complete a national or state-validated test in their vocational area. Students must take a class every period. There are NO STUDY HALLS. It is anticipated that students, on average, will graduate with 170 credits, inclusive of state-mandated and CTE requirements. Students must pass the HSPA in Reading, Mathematics, and Writing in order to receive a diploma unless exempt through the I.E.P. process.
Students who fail their Career Major/Academy Program or three or more courses for the entire year will not be re-admitted to WCTS for the following year.
Each course of study required for graduation shall include a statement of the required proficiencies to be mastered by the students enrolled in the course. Credit for each required course will be awarded upon the successful completion of the program assigned and satisfaction of the proficiencies identified. Students shall be given every reasonable opportunity to remediate and satisfy failed proficiencies.
Successful completion of remedial courses in HSPA English or HSPA Mathematics will count toward the total number of credits required for graduation. However, those courses will not satisfy the curriculum requirement for high school English or Mathematics.
