Entry-Level Welder | Kirkwood Community College

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 51-4121.00

Skills

Quality Control AnalysisMonitoring

Knowledge

Production and ProcessingMechanical

Abilities

Arm-Hand SteadinessNear VisionProblem SensitivityFinger DexterityManual DexterityControl PrecisionOral ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningSelective AttentionInductive Reasoning

Tasks

Operate safety equipment and use safe work habits.
Examine workpieces for defects and measure workpieces with straightedges or templates to ensure conf
Weld components in flat, vertical, or overhead positions.

Technology

Enterprise resource planning ERP softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareElectronic mail softwareSpreadsheet software

Tools

Adjustable widemouth pliersAdjustable wrenchesAir chiselsAir drillsAir scalersAngle findersAnvilsArc voltage measurement instrumentsBandsawsBrakesBrazing equipmentBuffersCalipersComealongsComputerized numerical control CNC programmable welding robot controllers

Work Values

SupportWorking ConditionsRelationshipsIndependenceAchievementRecognition

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: high51-4121.00	Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers	title_inference	$51,000 median$75,850 top	+2.16%	990

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: developing (Level 2)(based on Diploma)

Safety equipment and lockout/tagout procedures — apply independently and verify compliance before beginning welding operations on a production line.
Shielded metal arc and gas metal arc welding equipment — set up, adjust, and operate with reduced oversight across routine fabrication assignments.
Weld joints in flat, vertical, and overhead positions — complete to specification on standard structural or sheet-metal components with occasional quality checks.
Straightedges, squares, and weld inspection gauges — use routinely to confirm workpiece conformance to dimensional tolerances on familiar job types.
Torches, torch tips, and filler materials — select and install independently by reading welding procedure specifications for common metal types and thicknesses.
Equipment malfunctions and material defects — diagnose recurring issues, document findings, and notify supervisors with clear written or verbal descriptions.
Job traveler tags and piece-mark systems — complete accurately and consistently to support production tracking on multi-piece fabrication orders.
Welding method selection for common carbon and stainless steel applications — apply working knowledge of geometry and basic metallurgy with limited supervisor input.
Weld quality and bead appearance — monitor in-process using visual inspection and basic destructive test results to catch non-conformances early.
Production schedules and job priorities — interpret and follow using shop floor work orders and, when available, ERP system task lists.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.