Program’s Mission Statement

This program is committed to prepare students for employment or advanced training in a variety of occupations in the welding industry.

Program Content

This course includes specialized classroom and practical experience in the cutting and joining of metal parts through the application of intense heat, using gas and electric welding equipment.  Applications include oxyacetylene welding (OAW), fusion and non-fusion welding, shield metal arc welding (GMAW).  The skills for cutting metal include OAW (flame cutting) equipment and plasma arc cutting equipment.  Related skills include print reading and layout, metal identification and math.  Content also includes use and care of hand tools, power tools, specialized tools and equipment, safe and effective work practices and use of current industry standards, practices and techniques. 

The course/program also provides supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in these occupations.

Entrance Requirements

¹    16 years of age or older and not currently enrolled in another Miami-Dade County Public School

¹    Occupational Interest

Length of Program

The entire program is  1170 hours, but student can earn a certificate at the completion of the following OCP’s:

OCP A (Welder  Helper/Smaw Basic)250 hours

OCP B (Welder, Shielded Metal Arc)250 hours

OCP C (Welder  Gas Metal Arc)125 hours

OCP D (Welder  Flux Cored Arc)100 hours

OCP E (Welder Gas-Tungsten Arc)175 hours

OCP F (Welder, Pipe) 270 hours

Minimum basic-skills grade levels required for awarding a Full Program Completion Certificate are 9^th grade in Math, Reading, and Language on the TABE Test

Employment opportunities:

¹    Welders and flame cutters

¹    Tack welders

¹    Combination welders

¹    Production line welders

Salary

In 2004, the median hourly salary range was from $13.59 to $16.18.