Welding Technology American River College Program Review Presentation 2009-2010 Presenter: Frank Ramos Welding Technology Instructor

Program Description We offer: AS Degree Welding Technology -Requirements for the Degree 37 Units - 24 units are transferable to CSU Fresno towards a BSIT degree - The Welding Technology degree provides skills and knowledge in manual and semi-automatic welding processes used in the metal fabrication and construction industries. Instruction covers materials, equipment, procedures, testing techniques, as well as, safety, blueprint reading and shop math. Competencies include techniques of joining ferrous and non-ferrous metals by the use of Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Flux Cored Arc Welding gas shield and self shield (FCAW), and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), and welding procedures to AWS standards.

Program Strengths Our program is nationally recognize by the American Welding Society SENSE program (School Excelling through National Skills Education), AWS national standard. The curriculum prepares students for employment in the welding industry. We offer competitive training and a degree that can be transferred to a 4 year college. ARC Welding program meets all the requirements of the AWS QC4 standards for Accreditation of Test Facilities for their Certified Welder Program Success rate of graduating students is high. Most students are finding employment. Graduating students may find positions in oil refineries, nuclear power plants, aerospace, structural buildings, bridge construction, auto industry, and small commercial fabricating shops. Many students are returning to upgrade their skills.

Program Challenges Keeping up with new technology to maximize high quality standards Utilize the square footage of our facility Our shop is maxed out on power we need to expand without the high cost of PGE by investing on Inverters (Green Technology) We have more sections than our budget can sustain The greatest challenge is finding our own lecture room where we could set up mockups for display

Planning Implications 2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 Female 69 54 61 124 85 Male 786 692 771 880 943 Not Indic. 6 22 12 25 13 Planning Implications Continue to upgrade curriculum to meet new technology standards The quality of instruction will be enhanced by updating instructional material, teaching methodology, upgrading equipment, and utilizing laboratory space. Invest in new equipment that are energy efficient Solicit donations from manufactures Set priorities of sections being offered and cut-back on some sections We will utilize our advisory committee, seminars and technical trade shows as they become available. Utilize advertising to recruit more women and minorities