The Metal Fabrication and Joining Technologies student who successfully completes four years of the program will, at a minimum, be able to acquire an understanding of blueprints and calculations along with an understanding of trigonometry and basic engineering. The student will be able to inspect materials and structures for the quality of welds. The student will be able to use both hand-held and power tools, and industry related machinery. Students will have a basic understanding of metallurgy.

Graduates of our Metal Fabrication and Joining Technologies program will graduate with the following skills and competencies:

• The ability to demonstrate health and safety practices specific to Metal Fabrication and Joining Technologies

• The ability to recognize the fundamentals of metal fabrication and joining processes

• The ability to identify and demonstrate proper measurement devices for specific applications

• The ability to read and interpret prints

• The ability to layout materials

• The ability to design metal fabrication parts

• The ability to demonstrate the use of hand tools, according to industry and OSHA standards

• The ability to demonstrate the use of power tools, according to industry and OSHA standards

• The ability to demonstrate fundamental technical skills according to current industry standards

• The ability to demonstrate mechanical cutting operations, according to industry and OSHA standards

• The ability to demonstrate the fundamentals of forming metal, according to industry and OSHA standards

• The ability to demonstrate the oxy-fuel gas cutting process, according to industry and OSHA standards

• The ability to demonstrate the plasma arc cutting process, according to industry and OSHA standards

• The ability to demonstrate the oxy-acetylene welding process, following industry and OSHA standards

• The ability to demonstrate the shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) process

• The ability to demonstrate the gas arc welding (GMAW) process

• The ability to demonstrate the flux core welding process

• The ability to demonstrate the gas tungsten arc welding process

• The ability to demonstrate the spot welding process

• The ability to demonstrate a basic understanding of weld inspection

• The ability to monitor basic equipment and perform machinery maintenance

Our graduates are not limited to entry-level positions in the field of Metal Fabrication and Joining Technologies. Higher level positions are vast and vary in both the general industry as well as specialty areas within the industry. Graduates of our Metal Fabrication and Joining Technologies program, who take post-graduate training and/or industry specialized training, might choose to specialize in one of the following examples of technical career areas:

• Robotic welder programmer (would require the ability to perform precautionary maintenance relative to the performance of specific robots as well as the ability to optimize process and cycle time  and manage the integration of new robotic types)

• Certified nuclear welder (would require the ability to weld pipes and equipment in places with nuclear components along with the ability to obtain a high level security clearance as well as having a current welding certification)

• Certified welding inspector  (would require the ability to ensure that each weld inspected is expertly done, has a high-quality finish, and is up to date with safety regulations)

• Structural design engineer (would require the ability to ensure the architectural integrity of various types of public works while possessing a great knowledge of construction processes, materials, and legal regulations)

• Welding engineer (would require the ability to develop procedures for welders to follow as well as the ability to train other welders on new techniques, processes, or changes in design while also supervising welders, and tweaking a process when necessary to make improvements)

• Aerospace welding engineer (would require the ability to develop welding techniques, procedures, and application of welding equipment to problems involving fabrication of metals, utilizing knowledge of production specifications, properties and characteristics of  metals and metal alloys, and engineering principles all germane to the aerospace industry)

• Metallurgical engineer (would require the ability to work with a variety of metals to design new products, refine the collection process, and create different blends of metal to suit specific needs along with an understanding of earth-friendly techniques for extracting these metals from the earth)

• Metallurgist (would require the ability to specialize in working in metals such as aluminum, copper, steel and iron as well as the ability to work with alloys to create materials with specific desirable properties)

• Underwater welder and hyperbaric welder (would both require the ability to  perform tasks associated with commercial sub-sea work in accordance with the AWS D3.6M Underwater Welding Code using a waterproof electrode or welding at a prevailing pressure in a chamber filled with a gas mixture sealed around the structure being welded)

• Micro welder ( would require the ability to use miniature equipment to perform the welding process while the entire process is performed under a microscope using precise heat levels within a controlled environment )

• Laser Welder (would require the ability to use light energy to rapidly heat the weld zone, and melt the filler rod with the adjacent point of metal joining)

• Certified pipe welder (would require the ability to perform safety audits and bend. alter, and repair metal pipes using both electric and gas welding equipment)

• Artistic welder (would require the ability to work in MIG and TIG welding of stainless steel, inconel, nickel, carbon steel, and aluminum components)

Graduates of our Metal Fabrication and Joining Technologies program have the opportunity to secure the following industry-recognized certifications:

• American Welding Society (AWS) Certification

• OSHA 10-Hour Card and Certificate

• Hot Works Certification

Following are the qualities and skills that are necessary for success in the field of Metal Fabrication and Joining Technologies:

• Communications skills are necessary to relay thoughts and opinions in order to successfully interact with the public and all members of an organization

• Interpersonal skills are necessary to communicate efficiently with multiple people regarding thoughts, ideas and feedback

• Dexterity is essential in performing the many tasks that require steady hands and good eye-hand coordination

• Physical skills are necessary to move equipment and system components

• Problem solving skills are necessary to effectively solve a problem in a timely manner

• Project management skills are necessary in order to multitask, meet deadlines, reach goals, and resolve issues

• Leadership skills are necessary for advancement

Frameworks

The Metal Fabrication and Joining Technologies Frameworks identify the competencies that students will have the opportunity to learn in a four-year time span. 

Articulation Agreements

Local articulation agreements are a uniform and consistent way for students in our Metal Fabrication and Joining Technologies program to be awarded credits for work completed at Chicopee Comprehensive High School.

The Metal Fabrication and Joining Technologies program has a local articulation agreement with Keene State College.

This agreement allows for a seamless continuation of education for our students.