North Carolina's Welding pathway prepares students for high-demand careers in manufacturing, construction, and metal fabrication. The program covers multiple welding processes including SMAW (stick), GMAW (MIG), GTAW (TIG), and flux-cored arc welding, along with cutting techniques, blueprint reading, and metallurgy.
Students develop skills in various welding positions and with different materials, from mild steel to aluminum and stainless steel. Training emphasizes weld quality, inspection procedures, and adherence to American Welding Society (AWS) codes. Many North Carolina programs have students complete actual fabrication projects for schools and community organizations, providing authentic learning experiences.
North Carolina's manufacturing sector—including automotive, aerospace, and furniture industries—creates strong demand for skilled welders. The state's construction boom, particularly in urban areas like Charlotte and Raleigh, further increases employment opportunities for welding graduates.
Welding at a Glance
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Courses
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Credentials
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Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
North Carolina's Welding pathway aligns with American Welding Society (AWS) standards and prepares students for AWS SENSE Level I and Level II certifications. NC DPI has developed Essential Standards that integrate welding theory with hands-on skill development. Programs emphasize safety, quality, and industry code compliance while preparing students for immediate employment or continued education in welding technology programs.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Welding I | TI30 |
| Welding II | TI31 |
| Welding III | TI32 |
| Advanced Welding | TI33 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Certified Welder
Entry LevelSalary range: $44,560 - $60,040
Adjusted for cost of living: $47,334
Pipe Welder
ExperiencedSalary range: $44,560 - $60,040
Adjusted for cost of living: $52,964
Welding Inspector
ExperiencedSalary range: $44,560 - $60,040
Adjusted for cost of living: $52,964
Fabrication Technician
Entry LevelAdjusted for cost of living: $55,874
Welding Supervisor
ExperiencedSalary range: $44,560 - $60,040
Adjusted for cost of living: $52,964
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Cooperative education with fabrication shops and manufacturers. Summer employment with construction companies and metal working businesses. Apprenticeships with union and non-union employers. Projects for community organizations and local businesses.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps North Carolina CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
North Carolina Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with North Carolina's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as North Carolina standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in North Carolina
Automotive Service
North Carolina's automotive service pathway prepares students for careers in vehicle maintenance and repair. Students develop expertise in diagnostic procedures, service maintenance, repairs, and customer relations. Diverse vehicle fleet and strong transportation sector create career opportunities throughout the state. Curriculum covers automotive systems, diagnostic tools, service procedures, maintenance schedules, and customer communication. Students perform maintenance and repairs on actual vehicles. Learning emphasizes diagnostic problem-solving and quality service. Graduates work as service technicians, automotive mechanics, service advisors, and shop managers for dealerships, independent repair shops, and automotive service centers. Many establish independent service businesses.
Supply Chain & TransportationMetals Manufacturing
North Carolina's metals manufacturing pathway prepares students for careers in metal fabrication and manufacturing. Students develop expertise in metal cutting, forming, joining, and finishing operations. Growing manufacturing sector creates opportunities for skilled metals workers throughout the state. Curriculum covers metal properties, cutting and forming processes, welding fundamentals, quality control, and safety procedures. Students operate manufacturing equipment and complete metal fabrication projects. Learning emphasizes precision, safety, and quality standards. Graduates work as metal fabricators, CNC operators, quality control inspectors, and manufacturing technicians for fabrication shops, manufacturing plants, and industrial companies. Many advance to supervisor and technical specialist roles.
Advanced ManufacturingRelated Glossary Terms
CTE Pathways
CTE Pathways are structured sequences of courses within a Career Cluster that prepare students for a specific group of related occupations. Pathways combine academic and technical instruction, providing a clear roadmap from introductory courses through advanced, specialized training aligned with industry standards and postsecondary opportunities.
ProgrammaticWork-Based Learning
Work-Based Learning (WBL) encompasses a range of educational strategies that connect classroom instruction with real workplace experiences. Activities include internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, clinical rotations, and cooperative education, all designed to help CTE students apply technical skills in authentic industry settings.
ProgrammaticIndustry Certifications in CTE
Industry certifications in CTE are credentials issued by industry organizations or third-party bodies that validate a student's mastery of specific technical skills and knowledge. Examples include CompTIA A+, AWS Certified Welder, and ServSafe, which demonstrate career readiness to employers in ways that transcend state and district boundaries.
AssessmentCareer and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs)
Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) are national organizations that provide CTE students with opportunities for leadership development, competitive events, community service, and career preparation. Recognized CTSOs include DECA, FBLA, FFA, HOSA, SkillsUSA, and TSA, each serving students in specific career cluster areas.
ProgrammaticReady to Build Welding Programs at Scale?
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