STEM and Skilled Trades

STEM and Skilled Trades

Making the World Run

Are you interested in how things work and working with your hands and mind? In Manufacturing, think critically and then apply your knowledge to the real world. Learn how to fabricate, modify, repair, or maintain mechanical instruments, tools, and industrial machines while applying knowledge in mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, and more.

Discover options for apprenticeships during or after high school, and find out which field you want to pursue—from welding to engineering, you can make the world run better and smarter.

In the first year, you’ll learn basic manufacturing skills that apply to industries across all Washington industrial sectors. This includes the use and safety of shop equipment, precision measuring, material science, print reading, and extensive record-keeping.

Year two focuses on local area industries in advanced manufacturing, leading students to participate in WA State-approved apprenticeships while enrolled in high school. Our apprentice opportunities are growing, and we’re partnering with local businesses so that students like you will have options to go from high school right into a manufacturing career.

Scholarship opportunity:
The Pathways to Perry Program is offering a $1,000 scholarship to Perry Tech if you complete four classes in this program. Please contact the program lead for more information.

Career options & salary range

Machinist, welder, engineer (mechanical, civil, electrical, aerospace), and many more. With a certificate, machinists, welders, and sheet metal workers can earn around $50,000 or more a year, while engineers with the highest level of training can earn $120,000 or more.

Skills learned

  • Set up and operate machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments
  • Learn how to fabricate, modify, repair, or maintain mechanical instruments, tools, and industrial machines
  • Apply knowledge in mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining
Grade
11

You will start this program in 11th grade. See your counselor for more details.

Your Contact

Program of Study Lead

Tim Sorenson

Machining Instructor

(509) 972-5900

sorensont@wvsd208.org

  • Pathways

  • Directly into the workforce

    Welder, machinist, assembler, steel worker, computer controlled operator, CNC operator

  • Two-year options

    After high school, a two-year certificate from technical schools or community colleges prepares you for careers such as machining or welding. You can get jobs without a two-year degree, but not without skillsets. Manufacturing prioritizes skills garnered over degrees. If you attend a reputable program like West Valley while in HS, a two-year degree is not always needed. If you’re not assessing well in West Valley, you should continue on.

  • Four-year options

    You can earn a four-year engineering degree. Become a mechanical, aerospace, civil, electrical, or maritime engineer, plus many more.

Program requirements
Welding 101 0.5
Welding 102 0.5
1.0 credit(s)

Certifications & training

  • Welding – American Welding Society Certification

Courses

Welding 101 ‐ 0.5 Credit(s)

Duration ‐ One semester

Prerequisite ‐ None

Fees and Costs ‐ You are required to purchase coveralls

Course Overview

Welding 101 is a one-semester exploratory course in welding. Students are trained in safe shop and welding practices, the different types of metal, basic metallurgy, blueprint reading, and measurement. Students learn how to properly set up, maintain, and use SMAW, GMAW, and OFW welding equipment. Students are also trained in the proper use of hand and power tools used in a welding shop. Metal cutting processes are also part of this course. Students will complete a series of projects using the skills they have learned throughout the course.

Welding 102 ‐ 0.5 Credit(s)

Duration ‐ One semester .5 credit Career and Technical Education

Prerequisite ‐ "C" or better in Welding 101

Fees and Costs ‐ None

Course Overview

This course is designed to build upon the content and skills students developed in Welding 101 and to go more in-depth into areas and concepts involved in industrial production. Students may earn up to four SENSE Level 1-ENtry Level Certifications (SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW). These certifications are granted once the required modules and the desired welding process module are completed. The SENSE program consists of nine modules. After successfully completing the required modules for each welding method, students earn an AWS certificate for that welding process. This course also provides students with real-world applications through a variety of projects. Students who earn a C or better in Welding 102 are able to take it again in order to earn multiple SENSE certifications.