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Welding and Metal Fabrication

Welding and Metal Fabrication

Program Description

Students enrolled in the CTECS welding & metal fabrication program are given instruction in and demonstrate skills on the basics of safety and sanitation, as well as equipment identification and use. Students learn about the variety of careers available in the welding and metal fabrication industry. Students advance by learning a wide variety of common welding practice all taught by AWS certified welding instructors. In grades 11 and 12 students prepare and practice for national welding certification tests. Students continue to receive instruction in safety requirements and demonstrate sound safety practices.

Students will demonstrate the ability to complete a job application, a practice interview and have entry-level job readiness and trade skills. Students will perform in-school welding projects for customers. Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, blueprint reading and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.

  • Students receive 540 hours of instruction in the career/technical program each year.
  • Students are eligible to participate in work-based learning (WBL) in grades 11 & 12. This program allows companies to hire students during the school day to work on the manufacturing floor. Students will get credit for their work experience and it is an important pipeline for getting our students into industry.

For more information about our programs please view CTECS Program of Studies.

    • Identify and implement general shop safety rules.
    • Explain proper use and location of Material Safety Data Sheets.
    • Identify the proper use of fire protection equipment.
    • Demonstrate proper use of protective clothing and equipment.
    • Demonstrate safe and proper use of general hand and power tools.
    • Demonstrate safe and proper use of metalworking machinery.
    • Demonstrate proper set up and use of Oxy-Fuel equipment.
    • Demonstrate proper set up and use of SMAW equipment.
    • Demonstrate proper set up and use of GMAW and FCAW equipment.
    • Demonstrate proper set up and use of GTAW equipment.
    • Demonstrate proper set up and use of PAC equipment.
    • Demonstrate ability to interpret and fabricate weldments from a blueprint.
    • Demonstrate proper use of measuring, layout and fabrication tools.
    • Understand the basic principles and techniques used in pipe welding.
    • Demonstrate proper work ethics, habits, and attitude for success in the workplace.

    • OSHA – General Industry
    • American Welding Society

    • Assembler / Fabricator
    • Sheet Metal Worker
    • Welding Inspector
    • Pipefitter / Steamfitter
    • Shipbuilding
    • Deep Water Welding

    • Weld Inspector/Engineer

Welding at Grasso Tech

  • Student must have a Welding shop shirt (tucked in), proper fitting pants with a belt (if pants are too baggy, won’t stay at an appropriate height or not durable enough they can create a safety hazard and are not permitted), safety toe work boots (no hiking boots or sneakers) and safety glasses to participate in shop activities. 

  • The grading for CTE (Career and Technical Education) programs will be structured as follows:

    • Assignments: 20% of the semester grade Includes homework, classwork, participation, and other daily activities.

    • Assessments: 30% of the semester grade Includes quizzes, tests, mid-term exams, and other formal evaluations.

    • Production/Projects: 50% of the semester grade Includes hands-on projects, lab work, practical exercises, and other major tasks related to the technical and practical aspects of the course. 

    WELDING DAILY GRADE OUTSTANDING (100-90)

    • Act as a leader by helping others and organizing your team
    • Follow all safety protocol
    • Show respect to all shop members and communicate appropriately  
    • Complete work in a timely manner to a professional quality (no errors)
    • Complete work without teacher direction
    • Have all required theory and shop equipment  

    GOOD (89-80)

    • Follow all safety protocol  
    • Show respect to all shop members and communicate appropriately  
    • Complete work in a timely manner to a good quality (minimal errors)
    • Complete work with little teacher direction  
    • Missing 1 required pieces of theory or shop equipment

    AVERAGE (79-70)

    • Make minor safety errors
    • Attitude and communication could use some improvement
    • Complete assigned work slowly to a below average quality (frequent errors)  
    • Show little initiative by putting forth no extra effort and having trouble staying on task
    • No judgment on your part as to how to carry out assigned work
    • Missing 2-3 required pieces of theory or shop equipment

    BELOW AVERAGE (69-60)

    • Make frequent safety errors
    • Poor attitude or communication
    • Constantly distracted, fooling around and off task
    • Complete work very slowly to a poor quality (lots of errors/must be redone)
    • Show no initiative by putting forth little to no effort
    • Missing 4 or more required pieces of theory or shop equipment

    UNACCEPTABLE (59-0)

    • Discipline problem (safety, behavior, attitude and incomplete work)
    • Shows little to no participation
    • Frequent absences  
    • Taking tools or material from shop without permission  

  • There will be two District Summative Assessments (DSAs) during the academic year. Each DSA will contribute 10% to the final year (Y1) grade, making up 20% of the total grade.

    • DSA 1: 10% of the final grade

    • DSA 2: 10% of the final gradeIncludes quizzes, tests, mid-term exams, and other formal evaluations. Includes hands-on projects, lab work, practical exercises, and other major tasks related to the technical and practical aspects of the course.

    I can’t stress enough that if students don’t have safety equipment, tools or are not present they cannot participate and will receive a zero for shop participation. 

  • Students will have three days to complete missed assignments that are written on their timecards to receive credit. All make up quizzes/tests or quiz/test retakes must be done after school with instructor’s approval. Daily participation make-up will be discussed with instructor. 

  • Students will be required to construct several projects as part of the program curriculum. Students can purchase their own material and weld wire for personal projects.  

  • Students are responsible for all assigned books and should cover them. Any lost or damaged books will have to be paid for.  

    1. All school rules and procedures apply in the shop and outside production. (see school handbook for a list of rules and procedures)
    2. Uniforms must be worn at all times in shop and outside production (see shop expectations for uniform descriptions)
    3. Safety glasses must be worn at all times during any hands-on work.
    4. Loose clothing and jewelry must be removed and long hair must be tied back to prevent any safety risks and injuries.  
    5. Cellphones and earbuds are not allowed in shop they must be put away in a locker or book bag.  
    6.  All accidents, injuries and tool damage must be reported to the instructor immediately.
    7. Before students can use any tools or material they must have instructor approval and must have passed any safety requirements. While using any equipment or tools all safety procedures must be adhered to.
    8. All equipment and tools used, should be inspected daily; any concerns should be brought to the instructor’s attention.
    9. Consumption of food or drink is prohibited in the shop or theory room.
    10. Students must stay in their assigned area unless given permission to leave.
    11. Students must act professional at all times including using appropriate language and not fooling around.
    12. Students should not vandalize or misbehave on the production bus, and should not enter the bus without an instructor present. These rules and expectations were created to keep everyone safe and to maximize learning, any deviation from what’s listed will constitute an appropriate discipline and a lowered daily grade. 

  • The following are required tools and supplies for this shop: Note: starred items are needed to start other items later

    • *Welding helmet #10 shade or auto dark  

    • *Slag Pick • *Hand Wire Brush

    • *Welding Jacket  • *Heavy Duty Welding Gloves  

    • *Work gloves(Leather)      

    • *3 Sets of Safety Glasses

    • Tig Welding Gloves

    • Tungsten 3/32Part Number RAD64002263

    • Collet Part Number-RAD64005449

    • *Mig welding gloves        

    • Collet Body Part Number RAD64005456

    • Cutting Googles w shade 5    

    • * 12” compound square    

    • 2 magnetic squares  

    • Tape Measure  

    • Notebook and Pencil

    • *Paint Pen yellow or white  

     • Hammer  

    • *Soap Stone and Holder      

    • pointed punch  • med. size ball peen                                            

    • 12” adjustable Wrench    

    • * grinding wheels as needed* (2 to start) 

    • * 41/2” angle grinder  

    • Small tool bag      

    • Locking Pliers

    • *Mig Pliers(Welpers)        

    •  striker w/ flints    

    • Torch tip cleaner   

  • In response to a growing number of students having their cell/smart phone in class the Welding Department is instituting the following Cell phone policy in shop this year. While cell phones can be an integral to the educational process, often they are merely a distraction in class. Employers have also expressed growing concern over the distraction they provide during work hours. In an effort to keep in align with the future of the student’s careers, the following policy will be adhered to:

    • Upon entry into class before the morning bell, students will silence their phone (preferably shut it off) and place it into their backpacks.  

    • The phone will remain there until lunch, at which time the student is free to take it with them to the cafeteria.

    • Upon returning to class it will be returned to their backpack (preferably shut off).  

    • Their phone may be retrieved and taken with them when they leave the shop.

    Violation of the above policy will consist of the following:

    1. A verbal warning will be issued once, and the student will be asked to adhere to the policy.

    2. A second violation will result in a detention and the student will be asked to place their phone in their assigned shop locker.

    3. Any further violations will be referred to administration for discipline.   

    Both Mr. Gregoire and Mr. Deming recognizes that there are some circumstances in which parents or guardians need to get in touch with their children. If the need arises please contact the main office at (860)- 448-0220 or the shop directly.