Students will learn how to identify and properly use hand tools, power tools, and general welding shop equipment, how to set up and operate SMAW welding equipment, select electrodes, and weld in various positions. They will learn how to weld a pad of beads, fillet welds, and groove welds in various positions leading to an AWS welding certification. Students will also be introduced to sheet metal fabrication and light structural fabrication through project-based learning. Returning Students: Students returning for a second year will be able to continue learning at a more advanced level in welding and metal fabrication in the program. Additional certification opportunities are available to enhance their Stafford portfolio. Curriculum and lab exercise are more intense preparing students for the workforce. Work study experiences may be available.
What We Do
Students learn to safely use and operate equipment for welding and metal fabrication in the shop. American Welding Society Structural Certification available.
Program Instructor
Tony Bosnich
Tony Bosnich joined Stafford’s Power Mechanics/Welding Program as an instructor in the fall of 2013. Originally from Northern California, his early experience as a welder began with his 4 year enlistment in the United States Navy. After that he was employed for 7 years as a Journeyman/Welder with GKN Aerospace/Chem-tronics in San Diego, CA. Just before coming to Stafford, Tony spent 6 years at Northland Job Corps in Vergennes, VT. as a welding instructor. He is AWS/CWI/CWE Certified, and also teaches welding in Stafford’s Adult and Continuing Education Division.
[email protected]
770-1058
Program Instructor
Eric Diefendorf
Eric graduated from Stafford Technical Center’s Power Mechanics and Welding program in 2016. After graduation, he moved to Ohio to complete the Pipe & Structural Welding program at Hobart Technical Institute of Welding Technology. After graduation, Eric moved to Phoenix, Arizona where he worked at North Star Aerospace as a Precision Tig welder. Tyler says, “I moved back to Vermont in the winter of 2019 and have worked in a variety of jobs in the welding trade, including working as an instructor in the Stafford Adult Education Welding program. I am married with twin daughters and am excited to be joining Stafford in a full-time position.”
Dillon Kennedy, Class of 2014
I came to Stafford because I was looking for a hands on education. It’s nice to be moving around all day instead of being stuck at a desk. If you’re thinking about Stafford go for it. I am currently a student at Eastern Maine Community College Welding program.
Program Advisory Committee
| Name | Business |
|---|---|
| Eric Diefendorf | Adult Continuing Education Instructor |
| T.J. Wessing | Can-Am Bridges |
| Matt Harding | Vermont Metals |
| Taylor Kristiansen | GSK Climate Controll |
Dual Enrollment/College Credits
Articulation agreement with SUNY Dehli
Certifications
First Year: American Welding Society Certification (AWS) SMAW Limited Thickness welding qualification in 1G, 2G, 3G, or 4G positions on 3/8” plate, American Heart Association HeartSaver® First Aid/CPR with AED
Second year: AWS SMAW/FCAW Unlimited Thickness welding qualification in 1G, 2G, 3G, or 4G positions on 1” plate, OSHA 10 hour Construction Certification.
Average Career Salaries
| Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Metal Fabrication | $35,848 |
| Structural Welding | $42,900 |
| Pipe Welder | $50,135 |
| Equipment Operator | $39,056 |
| Large Equipment Repair | $46,585 |
*Average Salaries for Vermont taken from Zip Recruiter (ziprecruiter.com) in October 2020.
Requirements For This Program
Recommended Prerequisites: add, subtract, multiply, divide whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; basic customary and metric measuring skills; ability to perform physical labor on the job site and in classroom; competency with fine and gross motor skills; ability to read and comprehend course materials
Reading Level of course materials: Grade 10-12
Scales for standards assessed in this program