The Welding Technology program prepares students for entry-level employment in the metal and construction trades. Today, welders use automated as well as manual methods of joining metal parts through a process of heating the metal pieces and then melting and fusing them together to form a permanent bond. Frequently, they plan their work based upon drawings and speculation figures. The modern welder is knowledgeable about workplace safety, metallurgy, blueprint reading, power sources, layout and fitting techniques, as well as tools and materials. Welders may find employment in places such as manufacturing and repair shops, shipbuilding yards, the aerospace industry, construction of buildings, bridges and other structures; also joining pipes for pipelines, power plants, refineries and the high tech sector using CNC controlled equipment. Graduates of SVC's program will be qualified to work as entry-level welders, fitters, burners, layout persons or metal fabricators.