Contact Person: Chad Vollmers • Technical Center 105F • 224-2546 Chad.Vollmers@bismarckstate.edu The welding program provides students with the basic welding skills needed for entry-level jobs and apprenticeship programs. Wage scales are average to above average for qualified people depending on experience.
The class uses the textbook "Arc Welding" for theory, along with workbooks in weld symbols and blueprint reading. Students spend a majority of their hours in school working in a modern, well-equipped laboratory. Shop time is divided between the practice of the different welding processes. In oxyacetylene welding, students develop skills in all positions of welding, brazing and the use of the oxyacetylene cutting torch and cutting machines.
In shielded metal arc welding, students learn to weld in all positions with a variety of electrodes developing skills needed to pass the welder's certification test of the American Welding Society. Students also receive instruction in arc air cutting.
Gas tungsten arc welding, known as heliarc, is practiced on aluminum and steel. Students practice gas metal arc welding (wire feed welding), and flux cored arc welding on light and heavy metals. One of the most modern techniques, it is being used more and more in manufacturing and the construction industry.
Students are taught non-destructive testing. Students will learn the different tests used in the welding field. Radiographic testing will be done by the students on their own welding coupons.
A third semester of advanced welding courses is available to interested students.
Enrollment: Students are enrolled two times a year on a space available basis during the months of August and January. Summer session is optional depending on demand. A doctor's examination and approval is required after acceptance into this program. View the application process and limited enrollment program information under Admission to BSC in the BSC Catalog. View general education and graduation requirements under Programs & Policies in the BSC Catalog.
Required placement scores: ACT Math - 15 or higher COMPASS Math - (pre-algebra) 31 or higher ACT Reading - 15 or higher COMPASS Reading - 68 or higher Students who do not meet the above requirements should arrange an interview with a welding instructor.
Background in these areas helpful: • Basic math (addition, subtraction, division) • Metrics (conversion of) • Geometry (areas, volume, circumference) • Basic trigonometry (SIN, COSIN, TANG) • Basic knowledge of drafting
