Humboldt County Office of Education: Welding & Metal Fabrication | CTE at South Fork High

South Fork High Welding & Metal Fabrication

This three-year, sequential program is designed for students in grades 9-12 who are interested in the principles and practices of welding and metal fabrication. Students will progress through a comprehensive curriculum that combines hands-on skill development with an understanding of industry standards, safety protocols, and design. The program is aligned with the California Career Technical Education (CTE) Model Curriculum Standards for the Manufacturing and Product Development sector, and provides a foundation for careers in welding, fabrication, manufacturing, construction, and related skilled trades.

Year 1: Introduction to Welding & Metal Fabrication Fundamentals (Grades 9-12)

Focus: Safety, tool proficiency, and foundational welding techniques.

Key Topics:

• Shop Safety: Comprehensive training on all welding equipment, plasma cutters, grinders, and hand tools. Students will be required to pass a safety certification test before using any equipment.
• Welding Theory: Introduction to the principles of electricity, heat, and metallurgy as they relate to welding.
• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW): Hands-on practice with the fundamental “stick” welding process, focusing on proper electrode selection and basic joint types.
• Oxy-Acetylene Cutting & Welding: Learning to safely use oxy-fuel equipment for cutting, brazing, and welding light-gauge metals.
• Blueprint Reading & Measurement: Developing precision skills using various measuring tools and understanding basic technical drawings and welding symbols.
• Project-Based Learning: Students will complete a series of small, skill-building projects, culminating in the construction of their first functional metal object, such as a simple stool or a small frame.

Year 2: Intermediate Welding & Fabrication Techniques (Grades 10-12)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Year 1 with a grade of C or higher.

Focus: Advanced welding processes, joint types, and fabrication methods.

Key Topics

• Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW): Mastering the “MIG” welding process on various materials, including carbon steel and aluminum. Emphasis on understanding wire feed speed, voltage, and gas settings.
• Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW): Introduction to “flux-core” welding, its applications, and techniques.
• Advanced Joints: Practicing a variety of complex joint configurations, including T-joints, lap joints, and butt joints in multiple positions (flat, horizontal, vertical).
• Metal Forming & Shaping: Using tools such as a sheet metal brake, shear, and rollers to manipulate metal.
• Introduction to Plasma Cutting: Learning to use a plasma cutter for precise and intricate cuts.
• Project-Based Learning: Students will design and build a more complex project, such as a workbench, a small trailer, or a custom metal sign, applying skills learned in both years.

Year 3: Advanced Fabrication, Layout & Career Preparation (Grades 11-12)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Year 2 with a grade of C or higher.

Focus: Large-scale projects, custom fabrication, and career readiness.

Key Topics

• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW): Introduction to the “TIG” welding process, a highly precise method for welding a variety of metals, including stainless steel and aluminum.
• Structural Fabrication: Designing and building projects that require structural integrity, such as gates, railings, or larger shop equipment.
• Precision Layout & Planning: Mastering advanced layout techniques for complex projects, including triangulation and development.
• Professional Practices: Exploring career pathways, creating a portfolio of their work, and learning about business fundamentals, including estimating, bidding, and material acquisition.
• Capstone Project: Students will conceive, design, and fabricate a significant, professional-quality project. This may include a custom bumper for a vehicle, a utility trailer, or a sculptural metal artwork. This project will serve as the cornerstone of their professional portfolio.

Goals & Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a high level of proficiency and safety with a wide range of welding and fabrication equipment.
• Read and interpret complex blueprints and welding symbols.
• Weld with multiple processes (SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and introductory GTAW) on various materials.
• Design and fabricate projects from initial concept to final assembly.
• Be prepared for entry-level employment or further education in a variety of welding and manufacturing fields.

This course is an excellent pathway for students interested in developing practical skills, fostering creativity, and preparing for a rewarding career in the skilled trades.