Wolf Creek Job Corps Welding Two welding students (All photos provided by courtesy of Job Corps center operators under contract to the US Department of Labor.)
Overview: Wolf Creek Job Corps' Welding Program offers students the opportunity to prepare for entry level welding positions.

The program is composed of four separate welding processes. Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. Students begin their training by learning the proper use of the Oxygen/Acetylene cutting torch and how it is applied and used for the purpose of cutting and gouging mild steel. After the Oxy/Acet cutting is mastered the student moves on to one of the four welding processes.

As the student progresses through the welding process their ability to find and retain employment as a welder increases due to the fact that the student will have learned more skills and has more to offer an employer. Completing training in all four welding processes is greatly encouraged. While most of the hands on training is done in the shop there is also some classroom work. In the classroom each student will be given some refresher training in basic math skills, an introduction to blueprint reading, weld symbol identification, weld testing, weld joint identification, and the different welding positions. Students also receive training in the use of the Air Carbon Arc Cutting Torch, the Plasma cutting torch, and various trade related hand and power tools.

Safety is always an issue in this kind of work environment. Therefore, safety training is ongoing all day, every day from the students first day in trade until the day the student leaves. Employability Skills (i.e. arriving to work on time on a daily basis, following both written and verbal instructions, working well with peers, etc.) are also stressed and emphasized as to their importance in the work place.

Instructor: Sid Lilienthal comes to Wolf Creek Job Corps with many years of experience as a Welder/Millwright in the timber industry as well as Welder in the construction industry. He has been a supervisor in production and maintenance for the timber industry and self employed manufacturing outdoor gear. Sid has a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. In addition to being a welder by trade he has a consistent backround in manufacturing and business ownership. His philosophy is business oriented and wants to relate to his students the concerns an employer has in regard to employees.

TARS: TARS, training achievement records, are used to track a student's completion of the specific skills needed to demonstrate proficiency in the duties and tasks used in an area of competency. This is an open entry and exit program where students progress at an individual pace. When a skill is demonstrated the student's level of performance is rated as follows: (1) exposed/not proficient; (2) proficient; and (3) proficient and able to teach others.

Enrollment: There are 24 slots in the welding program.

Tools: Personal protective equipment is issued to students. It is theirs to keep upon completion of the program.
Wolf Creek Job Corps · 2010 Opportunity Lane · Glide, OR 97443 · 1-800-588-9003 · Fax (541) 496-8515