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Welding

  • Diploma
  • 65 credits
  • 2 Years
  • Delivery Method: On-Campus

Why Study Welding at 91ɬÂþ?

The Welding Diploma is a two-year program designed to provide an advanced career pathway in manufacturing, specific to the field of Welding. This 65-credit diploma is designed to prepare the student for employment as an intermediate to advanced welder or fabricator. This program allows students to gain the information and to develop skills used in the welding industry. This program covers GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, SMAW. Instruction includes classroom lectures and demonstrations, as well as hands-on projects in a lab setting. Students will have the opportunity to achieve industry level credentials.

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91ɬÂþ is my TOP CHOICEfor Welding
I loved the Lake Superior College welding program. It’s a great program, very hands-on. Nicole Okstad
Alum, Welding

Career Information

Below you will find the Career Field and Career Cluster that this program is related to. Learn more about if this career area fits your interests!

Is Manufacturing right for you?

Manufacturing workers work with products and equipment. You might design a new product, decide how the product will be made, or make the product. You might work on cars, computers, appliances, airplanes, or electronic devices.

$58K

$27/hr

Median annual salary/wage for
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
in Minnesota

Details

39K

Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders are currently employed

Details

This data is delivered by an API from CareerOneStop, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Find more information including data update schedules at CareerOneStop's Data Sources (). Full list of datasources.

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Median Annual Salary/Wage Earnings for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

the United States

$47K
$22/hr

$36K - $66K

$17/hr - $31/hr

Minnesota

$58K
$27/hr

$47K - $83K

$22/hr - $39/hr

The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas; national occupational estimates for specific industries are also available.

Salary data are from U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program (). Current as of May 2024.

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Employment Numbers for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

the United States

Estimated Employment:

38,900

Minnesota

Estimated Employment:

450

My Next Move provides career outlook designations that include Bright, Average, or Below Average. Bright Outlook occupations are expected to grow rapidly in the next several years, will have large numbers of job openings, or are new and emerging occupations.

Occupation outlook data come from O*NET Bright Outlook occupations () and My Next Move career outlook designations (). Note this information is only available at a national level, so even if you selected a state, you’ll see this information for the whole country. Current as of November 2024.

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Alternative Job Titles for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

  • Braze Operator
  • Certified Welder
  • Fabricator
  • Finishing Technician (Finishing Tech)
  • Laser Operator
  • Machine Operator
  • Mig Welder
  • Spot Welder
  • Weld Technician (Weld Tech)
  • Welding Operator

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Job Tasks and Activities for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

  • Add chemicals or materials to workpieces or machines to facilitate bonding or to cool workpieces.
  • Adjust equipment controls to regulate gas flow.
  • Adjust flow of electricity to tools or production equipment.
  • Align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly.
  • Anneal finished workpieces to relieve internal stress.
  • Apply lubricants or coolants to workpieces.
  • Apply solutions to production equipment.
  • Assemble machine tools, parts, or fixtures.
  • Assemble metal or plastic parts or products.
  • Assemble, align, and clamp workpieces into holding fixtures to bond, heat-treat, or solder fabricated metal components.
  • Calculate specific material, equipment, or labor requirements for production.
  • Clean production equipment.
  • Clean, lubricate, maintain, and adjust equipment to maintain efficient operation, using air hoses, cleaning fluids, and hand tools.
  • Compute and record settings for new work, applying knowledge of metal properties, principles of welding, and shop mathematics.
  • Conduct test runs of production equipment.
  • Conduct trial runs before welding, soldering, or brazing, and make necessary adjustments to equipment.
  • Correct problems by adjusting controls or by stopping machines and opening holding devices.
  • Design tools, fixtures, or other devices for production equipment.
  • Devise or build fixtures or jigs used to hold parts in place during welding, brazing, or soldering.
  • Direct operational or production activities.
  • Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
  • Dress electrodes, using tip dressers, files, emery cloths, or dressing wheels.
  • Enter commands, instructions, or specifications into equipment.
  • Feed materials or products into or through equipment.
  • Fill hoppers and position spouts to direct flow of flux or manually brush flux onto seams of workpieces.
  • Give directions to other workers regarding machine set-up and use.
  • Heat material or workpieces to prepare for or complete production.
  • Immerse completed workpieces into water or acid baths to cool and clean components.
  • Immerse objects or workpieces in cleaning or coating solutions.
  • Inspect, measure, or test completed metal workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using measuring and testing devices.
  • Lay out parts to prepare for assembly.
  • Lay out, fit, or connect parts to be bonded, calculating production measurements, as necessary.
  • Load materials into production equipment.
  • Load or feed workpieces into welding machines to join or bond components.
  • Lubricate production equipment.
  • Maintain production or processing equipment.
  • Mark weld points and positions of components on workpieces, using rules, squares, templates, or scribes.
  • Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
  • Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
  • Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
  • Move products, materials, or equipment between work areas.
  • Observe meters, gauges, or machine operations to ensure that soldering or brazing processes meet specifications.
  • Operate cutting equipment.
  • Operate grinding equipment.
  • Operate welding equipment.
  • Prepare metal surfaces or workpieces, using hand-operated equipment, such as grinders, cutters, or drills.
  • Read blueprints, work orders, or production schedules to determine product or job instructions or specifications.
  • Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
  • Record operational information on specified production reports.
  • Record operational or production data.
  • Remove completed workpieces or parts from machinery, using hand tools.
  • Remove products or workpieces from production equipment.
  • Reshape metal workpieces to established specifications.
  • Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
  • Select production equipment according to product specifications.
  • Select torch tips, alloys, flux, coil, tubing, or wire, according to metal types or thicknesses, data charts, or records.
  • Select, position, align, and bolt jigs, holding fixtures, guides, or stops onto machines, using measuring instruments and hand tools.
  • Set dials and timing controls to regulate electrical current, gas flow pressure, heating or cooling cycles, or shut-off.
  • Set up, operate, or tend welding machines that join or bond components to fabricate metal products or assemblies.
  • Solder parts or workpieces.
  • Start, monitor, and adjust robotic welding production lines.
  • Tend auxiliary equipment used in welding processes.
  • Transfer components, metal products, or assemblies, using moving equipment.
  • Turn and press knobs and buttons or enter operating instructions into computers to adjust and start welding machines.

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Interests for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

  • Realistic
    Designing, building, or repairing equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors.
  • Conventional
    Following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting.

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Skills for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

In order of importance

  • Operations Monitoring
    Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working.
    Importance: 60/100
  • Operation and Control
    Using equipment or systems.
    Importance: 56/100
  • Critical Thinking
    Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Reading Comprehension
    Reading work-related information.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Complex Problem Solving
    Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Monitoring
    Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Active Listening
    Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Speaking
    Talking to others.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Judgment and Decision Making
    Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one.
    Importance: 44/100
  • Time Management
    Managing your time and the time of other people.
    Importance: 41/100
  • Active Learning
    Figuring out how to use new ideas or things.
    Importance: 41/100
  • Coordination
    Changing what is done based on other people's actions.
    Importance: 41/100
  • Equipment Maintenance
    Planning and doing the basic maintenance on equipment.
    Importance: 35/100
  • Social Perceptiveness
    Understanding people's reactions.
    Importance: 35/100
  • Quality Control Analysis
    Testing how well a product or service works.
    Importance: 31/100
  • Writing
    Writing things for co-workers or customers.
    Importance: 31/100
  • Troubleshooting
    Figuring out what is causing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs to not work.
    Importance: 31/100
  • Repairing
    Repairing machines or systems using the right tools.
    Importance: 31/100
  • Systems Evaluation
    Measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it.
    Importance: 28/100
  • Management of Personnel Resources
    Selecting and managing the best workers for a job.
    Importance: 28/100
  • Systems Analysis
    Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it.
    Importance: 28/100
  • Instructing
    Teaching people how to do something.
    Importance: 28/100
  • Mathematics
    Using math to solve problems.
    Importance: 28/100
  • Equipment Selection
    Deciding what kind of tools and equipment are needed to do a job.
    Importance: 28/100
  • Negotiation
    Bringing people together to solve differences.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Service Orientation
    Looking for ways to help people.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Learning Strategies
    Using the best training or teaching strategies for learning new things.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Management of Material Resources
    Managing equipment and materials.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Persuasion
    Talking people into changing their minds or their behavior.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Operations Analysis
    Figuring out what a product or service needs to be able to do.
    Importance: 22/100
  • Science
    Using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems.
    Importance: 19/100
  • Technology Design
    Making equipment and technology useful for customers.
    Importance: 16/100
  • Management of Financial Resources
    Making spending decisions and keeping track of what is spent.
    Importance: 16/100
  • Installation
    Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs.
    Importance: 3/100
  • Programming
    Writing computer programs.
    Importance: 3/100

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Knowledge for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

In order of importance

  • Production and Processing
    Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
    Importance: 70/100
  • Administration and Management
    Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
    Importance: 63/100
  • Design
    Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
    Importance: 53/100
  • Public Safety and Security
    Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
    Importance: 48/100
  • Mechanical
    Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
    Importance: 46/100
  • English Language
    Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
    Importance: 46/100
  • Customer and Personal Service
    Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
    Importance: 42/100
  • Engineering and Technology
    Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
    Importance: 42/100
  • Mathematics
    Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
    Importance: 40/100
  • Education and Training
    Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
    Importance: 37/100
  • Administrative
    Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
    Importance: 35/100
  • Personnel and Human Resources
    Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
    Importance: 34/100
  • Computers and Electronics
    Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
    Importance: 30/100
  • Building and Construction
    Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
    Importance: 27/100
  • Physics
    Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
    Importance: 26/100
  • Sales and Marketing
    Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
    Importance: 23/100
  • Chemistry
    Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
    Importance: 17/100
  • Transportation
    Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
    Importance: 16/100
  • Law and Government
    Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
    Importance: 16/100
  • Economics and Accounting
    Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
    Importance: 15/100
  • Communications and Media
    Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
    Importance: 12/100
  • Foreign Language
    Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
    Importance: 11/100
  • Telecommunications
    Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
    Importance: 8/100
  • Medicine and Dentistry
    Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
    Importance: 7/100
  • Food Production
    Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
    Importance: 5/100
  • History and Archeology
    Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
    Importance: 5/100
  • Geography
    Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
    Importance: 4/100
  • Biology
    Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
    Importance: 3/100
  • Therapy and Counseling
    Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
    Importance: 3/100
  • Psychology
    Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
    Importance: 2/100
  • Philosophy and Theology
    Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
    Importance: 2/100
  • Fine Arts
    Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
    Importance: 1/100
  • Sociology and Anthropology
    Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
    Importance: 1/100

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Physical Abilities for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

In order of importance

  • Near Vision
    Seeing details up close.
    Importance: 69/100
  • Control Precision
    Quickly changing the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
    Importance: 66/100
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness
    Keeping your arm or hand steady.
    Importance: 56/100
  • Manual Dexterity
    Holding or moving items with your hands.
    Importance: 56/100
  • Visualization
    Imagining how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
    Importance: 56/100
  • Information Ordering
    Ordering or arranging things.
    Importance: 53/100
  • Selective Attention
    Paying attention to something without being distracted.
    Importance: 53/100
  • Multilimb Coordination
    Using your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down.
    Importance: 53/100
  • Problem Sensitivity
    Noticing when problems happen.
    Importance: 53/100
  • Inductive Reasoning
    Making general rules or coming up with answers from lots of detailed information.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Perceptual Speed
    Quickly comparing groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Finger Dexterity
    Putting together small parts with your fingers.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Extent Flexibility
    Bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching with your body, arms, and/or legs.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Speech Recognition
    Recognizing spoken words.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Category Flexibility
    Grouping things in different ways.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Speech Clarity
    Speaking clearly.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Reaction Time
    Quickly moving your hand, finger, or foot based on a sound, light, picture or other command.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Rate Control
    Changing when and how fast you move based on how something else is moving.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Far Vision
    Seeing details that are far away.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Deductive Reasoning
    Using rules to solve problems.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Trunk Strength
    Using your lower back and stomach.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Oral Expression
    Communicating by speaking.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Static Strength
    Lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying.
    Importance: 47/100
  • Written Comprehension
    Reading and understanding what is written.
    Importance: 47/100
  • Auditory Attention
    Paying attention to one sound while there are other distracting sounds.
    Importance: 47/100
  • Flexibility of Closure
    Seeing hidden patterns.
    Importance: 47/100
  • Oral Comprehension
    Listening and understanding what people say.
    Importance: 47/100
  • Depth Perception
    Deciding which thing is closer or farther away from you, or deciding how far away it is from you.
    Importance: 44/100
  • Hearing Sensitivity
    Telling the difference between sounds.
    Importance: 41/100
  • Dynamic Strength
    Exercising for a long time without your muscles getting tired.
    Importance: 38/100
  • Written Expression
    Communicating by writing.
    Importance: 38/100
  • Visual Color Discrimination
    Noticing the difference between colors, including shades and brightness.
    Importance: 31/100
  • Response Orientation
    Quickly deciding if you should move your hand, foot, or other body part.
    Importance: 31/100
  • Time Sharing
    Doing two or more things at the same time.
    Importance: 28/100
  • Glare Sensitivity
    Seeing something even if there is a glare or very bright light.
    Importance: 28/100
  • Speed of Closure
    Quickly knowing what you are looking at.
    Importance: 28/100
  • Explosive Strength
    Jumping, sprinting, or throwing something.
    Importance: 28/100
  • Fluency of Ideas
    Coming up with lots of ideas.
    Importance: 28/100
  • Gross Body Equilibrium
    Keeping your balance or staying upright.
    Importance: 28/100
  • Stamina
    Exercising for a long time without getting out of breath.
    Importance: 28/100
  • Originality
    Creating new and original ideas.
    Importance: 28/100
  • Gross Body Coordination
    Moving your arms, legs, and mid-section together while your whole body is moving.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Number Facility
    Adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Memorization
    Remembering words, numbers, pictures, or steps.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Mathematical Reasoning
    Choosing the right type of math to solve a problem.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Peripheral Vision
    Seeing something to your side when your are looking ahead.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Wrist-Finger Speed
    Making fast, simple, repeated movements of your fingers, hands, and wrists.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Night Vision
    Seeing at night or under low light.
    Importance: 22/100
  • Spatial Orientation
    Knowing where things are around you.
    Importance: 22/100
  • Sound Localization
    Noticing the direction that a sound came from.
    Importance: 19/100
  • Speed of Limb Movement
    Quickly moving your arms and legs.
    Importance: 16/100
  • Dynamic Flexibility
    Quickly and repeatedly bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
    Importance: 10/100

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Tools and Technology used by Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

  • Spot welding machine
  • Calipers
  • Welding robots
  • Welding or brazing tip cleaner file
  • Welding electrode
  • Mill saw file
  • Micrometers
  • Tape measures
  • Welding or cutting tip
  • Induction heaters
  • Hoists
  • Blow torch
  • Facial shields
  • Cleaning scrapers
  • Welding masks
  • Squares
  • Slip or groove joint pliers
  • Electron beam welding EBW machine
  • Thickness measuring devices
  • Protective gloves
  • Lifts
  • Goggles
  • Hydraulic truck cranes
  • Laser welding machine
  • Punches or nail sets or drifts
  • Laser cutting machine
  • Loading equipment
  • Demolition hammers
  • Locking pliers
  • Cold pressure or contact welding machine
  • Ball peen hammer
  • Welding tip dresser or accessories
  • Tungsten inert gas welding machine
  • Automatic soldering machine
  • Gas welding or brazing or cutting apparatus
  • End cut pliers
  • Braze welding machine
  • Winches
  • Positioning jig
  • Claw hammer
  • Shielded metal arc welding or stick welding machine
  • C clamps
  • Bench vises
  • Hand clamps
  • Magnifiers
  • Tongs
  • Rulers
  • Power grinders
  • Adjustable widemouth pliers
  • Desktop computers
  • Wire brushes
  • Operating system software
    • Linux
    • Microsoft Windows
    • Microsoft operating system
  • Presentation software
    • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Electronic mail software
    • Email software
    • Microsoft Outlook
  • Spreadsheet software
    • Microsoft Excel
    • Spreadsheet software
  • Enterprise resource planning ERP software
    • Enterprise resource planning ERP software
    • SAP software
  • Office suite software
    • Microsoft Office software
  • Word processing software
    • Microsoft Word
    • Word processing software
  • Industrial control software
    • Tool center point TCP setting software

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Employment Industries for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

  • Machinery manufacturing (3331,2,4,9)
    4,800 employed
  • Motor vehicle parts manufacturing
    4,700 employed
  • Fabricated metal product manufacturing (3323,4)
    4,000 employed
  • Fabricated metal product manufacturing (3321,2,5,6,9)
    2,900 employed
  • Motor vehicle manufacturing
    2,600 employed
  • Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing
    2,400 employed
  • Temporary help services
    1,300 employed
  • Machine shops
    1,200 employed
  • Merchant wholesalers, durable goods (4232,3,5,6,7,9)
    1,000 employed

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Career Information Datasources for Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

  • Wages by occupation

    The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas; national occupational estimates for specific industries are also available. Current as of May 2024.
  • Education and training assignments

    BLS provides information about education and training requirements for hundreds of occupations. In the education and training system, each of the occupations for which the office publishes projections data is assigned separate categories for education, work experience, and on-the-job training. Current as of September 2024.
  • Occupation data

    The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements. Current as of October 2024.
  • Occupation outlook

    My Next Move provides career outlook designations that include Bright, Average, or Below Average. Bright Outlook occupations are expected to grow rapidly in the next several years, will have large numbers of job openings, or are new and emerging occupations. Current as of November 2024.
  • Career videos

    Explore our collection of videos on hundreds of different careers. Career videos are organized into 16 clusters, or related types of work. Select a category to view a list of videos related to that cluster. Videos include career details such as tasks, work settings, education needed, and more. Current as of rolling.
  • Educational attainment, typical education of current workers

    BLS provides information about education and training requirements for hundreds of occupations. Educational attainment data for each occupation show the level of education achieved by current workers. Current as of September 2024.

Plan Your Education

The Welding Program Guide is a tool to help you map out how to successfully get your degree at 91ɬÂþ

View approximate total tuition and fees for MN residents to complete this degree.

This program may be completed in 2 years if prerequisites are complete.

Paying for College

Lake Superior College$5,93191ɬÂþ IceHawks Logo 
Minnesota State Colleges$6,444 
Minnesota State Universities$10,643 
University of Minnesota$14,928 
Minnesota Private Colleges and Universities$44,928
*Based on average 2025-26 tuition and fees. For the exact costs, contact the institution that interests you. Does not include room and board.

Program Participation Requirements

Pre-program Requirements

Successful entry into this program requires a specific level of skill in the areas of English/reading and mathematics. Program entry will depend, in part, on meeting the prerequisites listed below:

English/Reading:

  • Eligible for ENGL/READ 0955 – Read/Write College Prep: Advanced, or
  • Completion of ENGL/READ 0950 or 0955 (or equivalent course or higher). ENGL/READ 0950 may be taken concurrently with Semester I coursework.

Mathematics:

  • A score of 250 or higher on the Arithmetic portion of the Accuplacer.

There are other ways to qualify. Visit Course Placement to find out more.

Course Title Credits
Semester 1
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CADE 1468 Solidworks I

This course covers the basic areas of Computer Aided Design using SolidWorks three-dimensional design software. Students will design and draw model components and subassemblies of mechanical and industrial products in animation. SolidWorks has become wid

CADE 1468*
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CADE 1468 Solidworks I

This course covers the basic areas of Computer Aided Design using SolidWorks three-dimensional design software. Students will design and draw model components and subassemblies of mechanical and industrial products in animation. SolidWorks has become wid

Solidworks I
3
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INMG 1400 Introduction to Manufacturing Technology

This course covers the beginning introduction use of tools used in manufacturing such as saws, drill press, engine lathes, and milling machines. (Prerequisites: None) (2 hrs lec/4 hrs lab/0 hrs OJT)

INMG 1400
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INMG 1400 Introduction to Manufacturing Technology

This course covers the beginning introduction use of tools used in manufacturing such as saws, drill press, engine lathes, and milling machines. (Prerequisites: None) (2 hrs lec/4 hrs lab/0 hrs OJT)

Introduction to Manufacturing Technology
4
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INMG 1410 Mechanical Print Reading

This course covers mechanical print reading principles. Topics included are sketching, lines, views, multiview drawings, scaling, dimensioning, tolerancing, and symbols. (Prerequisites: (ENGL0950 or ENGL0955 or READ0950 or READ0955, or equivalent, or 78

INMG 1410*
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INMG 1410 Mechanical Print Reading

This course covers mechanical print reading principles. Topics included are sketching, lines, views, multiview drawings, scaling, dimensioning, tolerancing, and symbols. (Prerequisites: (ENGL0950 or ENGL0955 or READ0950 or READ0955, or equivalent, or 78

Mechanical Print Reading
3
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INMG 1420 Design Application Concepts I

This course covers the design and production of a complex assembly using manual and CNC machines. A team approach will be used to design and manufacture the product. Industrial and Engineering standards will be utilized in the design process. (Prerequisi

INMG 1420
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INMG 1420 Design Application Concepts I

This course covers the design and production of a complex assembly using manual and CNC machines. A team approach will be used to design and manufacture the product. Industrial and Engineering standards will be utilized in the design process. (Prerequisi

Design Application Concepts I
3
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WLDG 1560 Gas Metal Arc Welding I

This course introduces students to the gas metal arc welding process including equipment, terms, and safety procedures. Students will learn how to setup, adjust, and shut down gas metal arc welding equipment. Students will be able to deposit surface wel

WLDG 1560
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WLDG 1560 Gas Metal Arc Welding I

This course introduces students to the gas metal arc welding process including equipment, terms, and safety procedures. Students will learn how to setup, adjust, and shut down gas metal arc welding equipment. Students will be able to deposit surface wel

Gas Metal Arc Welding I
3
Semester 2
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INMG 1422 Design Application Concepts II

This course covers the design and production of a complex assembly using manual and CNC machines. Geometric Design and Tolerance (GD&T) principles will be incorporated into the design and inspection of the part. A team approach will be used to design and

INMG 1422*
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INMG 1422 Design Application Concepts II

This course covers the design and production of a complex assembly using manual and CNC machines. Geometric Design and Tolerance (GD&T) principles will be incorporated into the design and inspection of the part. A team approach will be used to design and

Design Application Concepts II
3
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WLDG 1500 Blueprint Reading for Welders

This course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify welding symbols and manipulate fractions, decimals, and metric units. Students will be able to convert measurements and determine weld specifications from engineering drawi

WLDG 1500*
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WLDG 1500 Blueprint Reading for Welders

This course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify welding symbols and manipulate fractions, decimals, and metric units. Students will be able to convert measurements and determine weld specifications from engineering drawi

Blueprint Reading for Welders
3
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WLDG 1520 Gas Tungsten Arc Welding I

This course introduces students to the gas tungsten arc welding process including equipment, terms, and safety procedures. Students will learn how to setup, adjust, and shut down gas tungsten arc welding equipment. Students will be able to deposit strin

WLDG 1520
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WLDG 1520 Gas Tungsten Arc Welding I

This course introduces students to the gas tungsten arc welding process including equipment, terms, and safety procedures. Students will learn how to setup, adjust, and shut down gas tungsten arc welding equipment. Students will be able to deposit strin

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding I
3
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WLDG 1540 Shielded Metal Arc Welding I

This course introduces students to the shielded metal arc welding process, including equipment, terms, and safety procedures. Students will learn how to strike and control the welding arc to produce quality welds. Students will learn how to produce a pad

WLDG 1540
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WLDG 1540 Shielded Metal Arc Welding I

This course introduces students to the shielded metal arc welding process, including equipment, terms, and safety procedures. Students will learn how to strike and control the welding arc to produce quality welds. Students will learn how to produce a pad

Shielded Metal Arc Welding I
3
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WLDG 1570 Flux Cored Arc Welding I

This course introduces students to the flux cored arc welding process including equipment terms and safety procedures. Students will learn how to setup, adjust, and shut down flux cored arc welding equipment. Students will be able to produce fillet T-jo

WLDG 1570*
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WLDG 1570 Flux Cored Arc Welding I

This course introduces students to the flux cored arc welding process including equipment terms and safety procedures. Students will learn how to setup, adjust, and shut down flux cored arc welding equipment. Students will be able to produce fillet T-jo

Flux Cored Arc Welding I
3
Semester 3
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WLDG 1522 Gas Tungsten Arc Welding II

This course expands on the knowledge and skills learned in GTAW I. This course covers the proper fit-up and welding of fillet and groove welds using stainless steel and aluminum. Students will learn about the welding characteristics of stainless steel and

WLDG 1522*
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WLDG 1522 Gas Tungsten Arc Welding II

This course expands on the knowledge and skills learned in GTAW I. This course covers the proper fit-up and welding of fillet and groove welds using stainless steel and aluminum. Students will learn about the welding characteristics of stainless steel and

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding II
3
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WLDG 1542 Shielded Metal Arc Welding II

his course will teach students how to produce single and multiple pass fillet welds in the vertical up and overhead positions. Students will also learn how to produce square groove welds in the vertical up and overhead positions. Electrode selection, powe

WLDG 1542*
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WLDG 1542 Shielded Metal Arc Welding II

his course will teach students how to produce single and multiple pass fillet welds in the vertical up and overhead positions. Students will also learn how to produce square groove welds in the vertical up and overhead positions. Electrode selection, powe

Shielded Metal Arc Welding II
3
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WLDG 1562 Gas Metal Arc Welding II

Students will learn how to produce square groove and fillet welds in the flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions. Students will also be able to produce single V-groove butt joint welds in the horizontal and vertical position to the Guided Bend

WLDG 1562*
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WLDG 1562 Gas Metal Arc Welding II

Students will learn how to produce square groove and fillet welds in the flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions. Students will also be able to produce single V-groove butt joint welds in the horizontal and vertical position to the Guided Bend

Gas Metal Arc Welding II
3
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WLDG 2402 Introduction to Metallurgy

This course covers the fundamental concepts and terminology of metallurgy. Physical and mechanical properties of ferrous and nonferrous metal will be covered, along with the classifications of the different types of metals. Students will demonstrate an un

WLDG 2402*
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WLDG 2402 Introduction to Metallurgy

This course covers the fundamental concepts and terminology of metallurgy. Physical and mechanical properties of ferrous and nonferrous metal will be covered, along with the classifications of the different types of metals. Students will demonstrate an un

Introduction to Metallurgy
2
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WLDG 1572 Flux Cored Arc Welding II

Students will learn how to produce single-V-groove butt joint welds using gas-shielded tubular electrode wire. Students will also produce fillet weld lap joints and single-V-groove butt joints with metal-cored wire and single-V-groove welds in butt joint

WLDG 1572*
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WLDG 1572 Flux Cored Arc Welding II

Students will learn how to produce single-V-groove butt joint welds using gas-shielded tubular electrode wire. Students will also produce fillet weld lap joints and single-V-groove butt joints with metal-cored wire and single-V-groove welds in butt joint

Flux Cored Arc Welding II
3
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WLDG 1550 CNC Plasma and Cutting Processes

This course introduces students to the plasma cutting and CNC methods. Students will plan, design, and produce parts with hand-controlled and CNC plasma cutters. Students will have the option to further develop their knowledge and skills in CNC programm

WLDG 1550*
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WLDG 1550 CNC Plasma and Cutting Processes

This course introduces students to the plasma cutting and CNC methods. Students will plan, design, and produce parts with hand-controlled and CNC plasma cutters. Students will have the option to further develop their knowledge and skills in CNC programm

CNC Plasma and Cutting Processes
3
Semester 4
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COMM 1601 Interviewing Procedure and Practice

An applications course in the job-seeking process. Students will explore self-confidence and the interviewing process, understand employer expectations, and identify personal and job-related skills. Job-seeking, resume writing and interview skill-buildi

COMM 1601
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COMM 1601 Interviewing Procedure and Practice

An applications course in the job-seeking process. Students will explore self-confidence and the interviewing process, understand employer expectations, and identify personal and job-related skills. Job-seeking, resume writing and interview skill-buildi

Interviewing Procedure and Practice
1
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WLDG 1524 Gas Tungsten Arc Welding III

This course expands on the knowledge and skills learned in GTAW I and II. This course covers fillet welds in T joints and square-groove welds using carbon steel in the vertical and overhead positions. Students will be instructed on how to properly prep an

WLDG 1524*
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WLDG 1524 Gas Tungsten Arc Welding III

This course expands on the knowledge and skills learned in GTAW I and II. This course covers fillet welds in T joints and square-groove welds using carbon steel in the vertical and overhead positions. Students will be instructed on how to properly prep an

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding III
3
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WLDG 1544 Shielded Metal Arc Welding III

This course will teach students how to perform open root V groove welds in the flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions with multiple electrodes. Students will also learn how to perform open root V groove welds on pipe with a 6010 root pass and

WLDG 1544*
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WLDG 1544 Shielded Metal Arc Welding III

This course will teach students how to perform open root V groove welds in the flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions with multiple electrodes. Students will also learn how to perform open root V groove welds on pipe with a 6010 root pass and

Shielded Metal Arc Welding III
3
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WLDG 1564 Gas Metal Arc Welding III

Students will learn to produce single V-groove butt joint welds in the flat, horizontal, vertical up, and overhead positions. Students will utilize spray transfer method to produce a fillet weld in lap joints in the flat and horizontal positions and a sin

WLDG 1564*
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WLDG 1564 Gas Metal Arc Welding III

Students will learn to produce single V-groove butt joint welds in the flat, horizontal, vertical up, and overhead positions. Students will utilize spray transfer method to produce a fillet weld in lap joints in the flat and horizontal positions and a sin

Gas Metal Arc Welding III
3
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WLDG 1580 Welding Fabrication Methods

In this course, students will learn to combine welding skills to fabricate various types of weldments using proper layout procedures. Students will develop complete drawings with welding symbols, bill of materials,and cost estimates.(Prerequisites: Compl

WLDG 1580*
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WLDG 1580 Welding Fabrication Methods

In this course, students will learn to combine welding skills to fabricate various types of weldments using proper layout procedures. Students will develop complete drawings with welding symbols, bill of materials,and cost estimates.(Prerequisites: Compl

Welding Fabrication Methods
4
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WLDG 1590 Introduction to Robotic Welding

This course will involve the introduction to basic robotic welding operations, and programming. This course will also look at the electrical systems, along with the fluid power components of robotic welding. The final component will be the maintenance, an

WLDG 1590*
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WLDG 1590 Introduction to Robotic Welding

This course will involve the introduction to basic robotic welding operations, and programming. This course will also look at the electrical systems, along with the fluid power components of robotic welding. The final component will be the maintenance, an

Introduction to Robotic Welding
2
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WLDG 2502 Weld Qualification

This course offers students opportunity to develop their welding skills through performance qualification tests that align with American Welding Society (AWS) entry level welder certification. Students learn about the AWS qualification process, proper ma

WLDG 2502*
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WLDG 2502 Weld Qualification

This course offers students opportunity to develop their welding skills through performance qualification tests that align with American Welding Society (AWS) entry level welder certification. Students learn about the AWS qualification process, proper ma

Weld Qualification
1
Total: 65

*Requires a prerequisite or a concurrent course.

Program Outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of welding equipment and proper safety
  • Demonstrate an understanding of blueprints and blueprint reading
  • Demonstrate an understanding of proper welding processes
  • Demonstrate an understanding of cutting processes
  • Demonstrate an understanding of different weld transfers
  • Select metals based upon weldability
  • Demonstrate an understanding of TIG welding and setup
  • Demonstrate an understanding of MIG welding and setup
  • Understand MIG wire selection
  • Demonstrate an understanding of proper layout
  • Understand weld symbols
  • Prepare student for welding certification
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