This course is structured for students interested in employment as a production welder, in fabrication, or in a repair shop. Students will study welding safety, career opportunities, metallurgy, welding equipment and processes, welding electrical theory, and welding drawing/welding symbol interpretation. Students gain hands-on experience with basic Oxyfuel gas welding and cutting, Plasma Arc cutting, and Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) in the American Welding Society 1G/F, 2G/F, 3G/F, and 4G/F positions on carbon steel. Welding skills will be developed and assessed making SMAW stringer, weave, and overlapping beads, corner welds, fillet welds, V-groove welds, and open-root V-groove welds. This course requires students to wear several items of personal protection equipment. Shop procedures are explained, constantly emphasized, and strictly enforced. Students will have an opportunity to certify as American Welding Society Level I - Entry Welder, SMAW, Plate.