Welding & Manufacturing

Program Expansion Proposal

Presented to the South Dakota

State Board of Education
March 2017
For Implementation
Fall 2017

Mitchell Technical Institute

1800 E. Spruce St. • Mitchell, SD 57301
Mitchell Technical Institute
Program Expansion: Welding and Manufacturing
Length of Program: Two-Year Associate Degree
Number of Students: 18
Projected Start Date: Fall of 2017

Executive Summary

Mitchell Technical Institute is proposing an expansion of the Welding and Manufacturing AAS
diploma and degree options to include an additional pathway for progressive welding. This
second year option will allow for two distinct AAS degree paths: the current
machining/manufacturing emphasis, and the proposed progressive welding emphasis.

Students enrolled in the Welding and Manufacturing program have shown an interest in
continuing their education in welding only. Currently, the second year AAS option introduces
students to the machining side of the industry. The additional pathway would allow students to
advance their skills with specialized welding processes that include gas metal arc, gas tungsten
arc, shielded metal arc, and flux core arc. Instructors in the program are certified by the
American Welding Society which allows for students in the proposed pathway to have the
opportunity to test for an American Welding Society certification. The progressive welding
pathway will focus on higher end skill development and hands-on experience in nondestructive
weld testing methods such as visual, die penetrant, magnetic, radiographic, and ultrasound.

Careers in the welding industry are numerous and industry demand for welders is strong. The
proposed progressive welding pathway opens career opportunities in agriculture, construction
or mining. The skills learned in the progressive welding pathway will make graduates more
viable in the job market. Additionally, graduates of either pathway can return for a third year to
earn an additional AAS degree.

Industry partners are in full support of this proposal and have assisted in identifying curriculum
topics that reflect the expected outcomes of the proposed pathway.

Identification and Description of Program Expansion

The current Welding and Manufacturing program at Mitchell Technical Institute offers students
who wish to obtain an Associate of Applied Science degree a curriculum that focuses on
machining. The proposed program expansion will provide the opportunity for students to hone
proper skills to excel in welding, welding inspection and lean manufacturing techniques.
Instruction is AWS (American Welding Society) code-based so that students may sit for welding
certification testing, assuring future employer requirements. Additionally, the proposed
program expansion provides a path to industry leadership. With the knowledge and abilities
gained, graduates will have the training necessary to become certified and help fill the demand
in today’s highly technical manufacturing environment.

The proposed curriculum will cover theory, advanced welding skills, preparation for
certifications specific to advanced welding, and robot operation. Welding is a mix of many
processes including SMAW (stick), GMAW (mig), FCAW (flux core mig), and GTAW (tig).
Manufacturers are able to choose from hundreds of metals, dozens of welding processes, filler
metals and shielding gasses. Progressive welding addresses the growing need for advanced
welding. Additional topics such as lap, butt, and corner joints, basic cutting torch procedures,
and different types of steel and weld ability are included in the curriculum.

Numerous career opportunities, unique to entry-level welding positions, exist for graduates of
the proposed progressive welding pathway. Graduates will be skilled to seek employment as an
Arc or Gas Welder, MIG or TIG Welder, Layout Technician, Specialized Welder, Aerospace
Welder, Oxyacetylene Welder or Robotic Welder.
Objectives and Purpose of the Program

The primary objective of this program expansion is to offer students the experience and overall
education to become a successful advanced welding technician. This program will provide
attention to professionalism and communication skills, as well as the important mastery of
technical skills.

General program expansion objectives:

• Set-up and operate a welding power source

• Weld on various types and thicknesses of materials
• Weld in all positions
• Weld with various non-traditional welding processes
• Build products, from shop drawings, acceptable to industry standards
• Fabricate and repair parts using thermal cutting equipment
• Determine costs of welding
• Analyze best practice of weld design
• Understand electrical safety and theory as it relates to the welding industry
• Write welding procedures
• Qualify weld tests
• Write weld test reports
• Understand the metallurgy of welding
• Develop a working knowledge of welding alloys
• Program a robotic arc welding cell
• Robot Qualification with possible Certification
• Operation and understanding of ultrasonic inspection
• Operation and understanding of magnetic particle inspection
• Operation and understanding of radiographic interpretation inspection
• Interpret the AWS/ASME code book
• Perform unique weld fit ups
• Master competencies that lead to AWS welding certification
The proposed progressive welding pathway provides hands-on training and a curriculum
supported by industry standards. Students will be prepared to meet the competencies required
for employment in a variety of industries.

Methods of Attaining the Objectives of the Program

Pending approval, MTI will develop marketing materials and recruit students. Current
instructors in the Welding and Manufacturing program and, with assistance from an advisory
committee, will finalize course syllabi, purchase equipment and supplies, arrange classrooms,
develop schedules, and secure resource materials. MTI provides assurance that it possesses the
resources and staff necessary to:

• Develop marketing materials and recruit students

• Assess the abilities of students for good program and course placement
• Provide tutoring for students needing extra academic help
• Develop and administer budgets
• Make available textbooks and other instructional resources
• Provide career and personal counseling to students
• Evaluate programs and staff
• Assist students in finding jobs
• Secure input from industry through advisory committees
• Maintain membership in professional organizations
• Provide financial aid and scholarships
• Provide a typical two-year technical institute climate
• Assist students with housing and provide daytime food service
• Provide services to disabled and nontraditional students
• Provide classrooms and laboratories

• Provide general education courses to meet associate of applied science degree

requirements
Graduation Requirements

Graduates of the program must complete all prescribed coursework, earn a cumulative GPA of
2.0 and not have a failing grade in program courses.

Description of the Needs Based on Labor Market Demand

According to Ray Shook, the executive director of the American Welding Society, for the past
few years, the metal fabrication and construction industries have faced a challenge in finding
skilled welders. With approximately 500,000 welders in the workforce, the average welder
today is in his or her mid-50s and nearing retirement. With welders retiring at twice the pace of
new welders coming into the field, it’s anticipated that in the years to come, we will have a
significant shortfall of qualified welders. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics, the American
Welding Society (AWS) estimates a welder shortage of 372,000 in the U.S. by 2026.

Since welding is the most common way to join metals—which is critical to manufacturing,
construction, energy and infrastructure—it is vital to rebuild our welding workforce. Job
prospects will vary with welder’s skill level. Mitchell Technical Institute has placed over 90% of
graduates of the current Welding and Manufacturing program. The proposed progressive
welding pathway meets current industry need for welders with advanced skills in addition to
continuing to provide opportunities for basic welders and machinists.

2014 2024
Welders, Cutters, Solderers & Brazens Estimated Projected Employment Percent
Employment Employment Change Change
United States 397,900 412,300 12,850 +4%

South Dakota 3,250 3,660 130 +13%

Source: https://www.careerinfonet.org/occ_rep.asp?next=occ_rep&Level=&optstatus=011000000&id=1&nodeid=2&stfips=46&
jobfam=51&soccode=514121
Population Served by the Program

Specific to the progressive welding pathway, the intended audience will be from current MTI
students, past graduates, industry workers and the nontraditional student. A recent survey of
current students indicates that 50% of students seeking an AAS degree prefer the proposed
progressive welding pathway. The other 50% of students seeking an AAS degree will enroll in
the manufacturing pathway. The option to complete two AAS degrees in three years is
appealing to many current students.

Admissions Requirements

The program is available to any applicant who has successfully completed the admission
requirements set by MTI. Mitchell Technical Institute does not discriminate in its educational
programs on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, disability, national origin or
ancestry. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age or older, provide proof of US legal
residency, have a high school diploma or GED, and complete entrance examinations.

Projected Three Year Budget

Costs for the expansion of the existing Welding and Manufacturing program will be
manageable. Current instructors have the experience, education, and credentials to teach the
new courses. There will be some supplies and equipment purchases as projected below.

2017-18 2018-19 2019-20

Salaries/Benefits N/A N/A N/A

Equipment $4300 $6000 $6000

Supplies $5000 $5000 $5000

Travel $5000 $5000 $5000

Instructional Materials $5000 $5000 $5000

Marketing $1000 $1000 $1000

Total $20,300 $22,000 $22,000

Program Competencies and Entry and Exit Points

The entry and exit points are for that of a traditional two-year AAS degree. Students will be
accepted each fall beginning in 2017. The exit point will be at the completion of all coursework
and graduates will have an accumulated GPA of 2.0 or higher. The curriculum will have defined
and assessed learning outcomes in accordance with the guidelines set by the Higher Learning
Commission. These outcomes will be reviewed and approved by a program advisory board and
evaluated annually.

Statement of Non-duplication

Welding programs designed to train entry-level welders and fabricators are offered at all four
technical institutes in South Dakota. The proposed progressive welding pathway focuses on
skills needed for the administration of the American Welding Society certifications. With the
rapid growth of career opportunities in advanced welding, the progressive welding pathway will
fill industry demands.

Proposed Curriculum Expansion Design:

Fall Semester Semester Credits
WMT 201 Quality & Productivity Improvement 2
WMT 230 Welding Robotic Lab 3
WMT 232 Weld Testing Methods (NDT/DT) 3
WMT 262 Advanced Welding Lab 4
Social Science Elective 3

Spring Semester Semester Credits

WMT 242 Welding Code 3
WMT 252 Mechanical Workmanship Lab 4
WMT 271 AWS Robot Certification 2
WMT 272 AWS Welder Certification 2
Behavioral Science Elective 3

Course Descriptions

WMT 201
Quality & Productivity Improvement (2 credits)
Quality and productivity improvement. Will appeal to everyone concerned with enhancing
productivity in the Welding workplace. Reviews management systems for welding supervisors,
requirements of welds, welding instruction, and application of welding standards, welding
inspection, health, safety, work reports, and records.
WMT 230
Welding Robotic Lab (3 credits)
Introduction to welding robotics. Goal is to help students develop the necessary skills to thrive
in an advanced manufacturing environment with the use of Weldpro FANUC robot. Students
will assume responsibility for complete part make-up from programming to weldment.

WMT 232
Weld Testing Methods (3 credits)
Discovering code related testing methods and practice of various nondestructive and
destructive applications to weldments in order to comply to code testing requirements.
Methods include: Visual, Die Penetrant, Magnetic, Radiographic and Ultrasound.

WMT 242 (3 credits)

Welding Code
Designed to address manufacturing needs. Allows students to evaluate code books published
from the American Welding Society, American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the
American Petroleum Institute.

WMT 252
Mechanical Workmanship Lab (4 credits)
Students will work in teams to complete a large fabrication project. Example student projects
include a 20-foot (16' long with 4' stationary deck) tilt utility trailer. During this lab the students
will apply the cumulative skills they have developed in the WMT program and use them to
fabricate the final project.

WMT 262
Advanced Welding Lab (4 credits)
Advanced skills involving various welding processes that include gas metal arc, gas tungsten arc,
shielded metal arc, and flux core arc. Difficult joint configurations along with various structure
and pipe practices. Students are introduced to different welding gasses and application of
different welding wires and processes. Specialty steels require specialty filler metals and gasses.

WMT 271
AWS Robot Certification (2 credits)
Designed to help prepare students to accomplish American Welding Society welding robot
operator certification. Various practice assignments will help the student acquire the skill level
to accomplish most scenarios in a manufacturing environment.

WMT 272
AWS Welder Certification (2 credits)
Students will have the opportunity to sit and test for an American Welding Society certification
exam. Based on previous education and skill, students will have time to practice and select a
qualifying welding procedure specification and complete an exam.
Instructor Credentials:

Instructors for the proposed progressive welding AAS pathway will have a minimum of 6,000
hours of industry experience, complete an approved Career and Technical Education methods
course, participate in a peer mentoring program, and hold at least one American Welding
Society (AWS) certification.

Wage Factor

Pay 2015
Location
Period 10% 25% Median 75% 90%
Hourly $12.47 $15.18 $18.34 $23.01 $28.85
United States
Yearly $25,900 $31,600 $38,100 $47,900 $60,000
Hourly $12.67 $14.43 $16.63 $18.64 $21.91
South Dakota
Yearly $26,400 $30,000 $34,600 $38,800 $45,600
Source: https://www.careerinfonet.org/occ_rep.asp?
next=occ_rep&Level=&optstatus=011000000&id=1&nodeid=2&stfips=46& jobfam=51&soccode=514121

CIP Code

15.0614 – Welding Engineering Technology/Technician. A program that prepares individuals to apply

basic engineering principles and technical skills to the design and engineering of welding and joining
systems and the implementation of welding processes. Includes instruction in materials science;
computer-aided design; welding design; welding processes; welding metallurgy; automation and robotics;
and codes, inspections, testing, and quality assurance.
Letters of Support
 TRAiL KiNG Industries, Inc.
1200 Gehl Drive 2200 S. Ohlman Rd 2130 3•d Ave NW 300 E. Norway Avenue
Yankton, SD 57078 Mitchell, SD 57301-7064 West Fargo, ND 58078 Mitchell, SD 57301-7064
Phone: (605) 665-8415 Phone: (800) 843-3324 Phone: (800) 762-5557 Phone: (800) 843-3324
Fax: (605) 665-0810 Fax: (605) 995-3749 Fax: (701) 282-3039 Fax: (605) 996-4 727

September 29, 2016

Mr. Mark Wilson, President

Mitchell Technical Institute
1800 East Spruce Street
Mitchell, SD 57301

RE: Letter of Support, Progressive Welding Technology Program

Dear Mr. Wilson,

Trail King Industries strongly supports the Progressive Welding Technology Program proposed by Mitchell
Technical Institute. The proposal will enhance and expand welding opportunities for students and will
continue to address the critical welding needs of manufacturing companies like Trail King. The current
Welding and Advanced Manufacturing program does a great job of preparing students and provides them a
general background in manufacturing. These students are flexible, and fit well in the many positions we offer
at Trail King. We have had success with the fourteen graduate students we have hired from the Welding and
Advanced Manufacturing program at Mitchel Technical Institute. But, more needs to be done in providing
students with a higher level of welding skills.

Trail King Industries is the leading open-deck and material handling trailer manufacturer in North America.
We pride ourselves in solving customer problems through our design innovation and manufacturing
expertise. As you know, Trail King provides products that have thousands of inches of weld on them. One of
Trail King's needs is with the student continuing their education in the field specific to welding only. Currently
your second year students are introduced to more of the machining side of education rather than the
traditional welding knowledge. Looking at this avenue as an opportunity to help retain your current students
and continue on the path for quality and growth, your Progressive Welding Technology program provides
different pathways for your student's second year education option. The second year option would allow
them two different paths, one of machining and the other being a progressive welding path. Specific to your
proposed program, MTI could gain audiences from current MTI students, past graduates, industry workers,
career and educational teachers as well as nontraditional students. This would provide companies like Trail
King access to more skilled workers, specific to the highly demanded skill of welding.

Trail King Industries has been a long-time supporter of MTI through our participation on advisory committees
providing input regarding industry needs and curriculum planning. We have worked with MTI to deliver
customized short-term training for our existing employees. We anticipate the proposed Progressive Welding
Technology program will bring additional workers into the manufacturing field, specific to companies like
Trail King that have a high demand for Skilled Welders.

Sincerely,

'B�/J,
Bruce D. Yakley
Trail King Industries
President & CEO