Welding, SMAW Advanced AWS Certification

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As described by the American Welding Society, welding is a very sophisticated and technical science, requiring not only mental application but also hands-on abilities. Welding is the fusing of the surfaces of two workpieces to form one, and is a precise, reliable, cost-effective, and high-tech method for joining materials. Welding today is applied to a wide variety of materials and products using advanced technologies. The program is aligned to the American Welding Society’s SENSE Level 1 skills standards. Instruction focuses on providing a comprehensive education which includes both welding theory and application. The listed sequence of course offerings may be altered. The Welding program offers open-entry and open-exit courses. Students will be allowed to enroll in these open-entry/open-exit courses as long as there is space available.

For more information about the Welding program, please visit our website at www.dmacc.edu/programs/welding.

Locations: Ankeny, Newton, Carroll

Select courses in this program are offered at other locations.

Students may start any semester

Program Entry Requirements

Complete an application for admission.
Satisfy the assessment requirement.
Attend any required information/registration session.
Successful completion of WEL 228 .

Graduation Requirements

To earn a SMAW Advanced AWS Certification certificate, a student must complete all required coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average. Maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA for the following courses: WEL 274 & WEL 275 . Successful completion of certification.

Semester 1

WEL 274 - SMAW 1: SENSE1 Credits: 3
WEL 275 - SMAW II: SENSE1 Credits: 3

Total Credits Required to Complete this Certificate - 6

Fixed Costs

Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$143.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs

	Semester 1
Books	80
Supplies	155

Total approximate costs $1.093*

*Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

AWS weld test processing fee: $185.00

What Kind of Work Will You Do?

Use electric arc or flame process in welding.
Weld steel, steel alloys and other metals. Welds will be performed and tested at an AWS accredited testing facility in accordance with AWS welding codes.
Weld in all positions such as flat, vertical, horizontal and overhead.
Welder may work in various positions-bending, stooping, etc. from drawings, blueprints and other written plans.
Plan and organize work.
Layout and fit by means of flame cutting, shearing, sawing, etc.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?

Demonstrate manual dexterity.
Identify details in objects and drawings.
Lift and carry 50 to 100 pounds.
Read and work from blueprints.
Have adequate vision to see definition in the weld puddle.
Be a self-starter and work independently.
Concentrate for long periods of time.
Perform simple math problems quickly.

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?

Will be working in hot, sweaty conditions, indoors and outdoors.
Welding can be hazardous because of the dusty, smoky environment and electrical dangers.
Many welders are union members, depending on the place of employment.
There is a steady demand for qualified/skilled welders throughout the United States. The current trend in employment is toward highly skilled individuals.

Nondiscrimination Policy

Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in or allow discrimination covered by law. This includes harassment based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and marital status), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability and genetic information. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. For information about the ADA, the Section 504/ADA Coordinator can be contacted at 515-964-6857. For Title IX questions and concerns contact 515-964-6850.