According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the job outlook for the Welding field should grow by 5%. The 2015 average national pay was an annual salary of $38,150. Skilled welders with up-to-date training should have good job opportunities.

Students completing the Welding Technology program may earn the OSHA10 industry certification. The welding program is taught accordingto the American Welding Society (AWS) objectives and participates in the Schools Excelling through National Skills Standards Education (SENSE). Students completing their second year in the program may take for the AWS Structural Welding Test.

FREE Training
High School students completing a program at FTC receive FREE tuition and training materials. Students also take their program certification test at no cost to them.

Embedded Credit
Students completing a program at FTC have the opportunity to earn academic credits along with their program training. Students in Joplin High School, Sarcoxie High School, and Webb City High school participate in the embedded credit option. In Welding Technology you can earn a full credit for Technical Math and Applied Communications upon completion of the two-year program and successful completion of assignments for the embedded credit courses. Students earn a grade in the courses and they are transcripted.

Going a step further in rounding out their education, FTC students are encouraged to join a national student organization, SkillsUSA. The members of this organization practice teamwork, leadership and problem-solving. Members have an opportunity to hold office and participate in local, district, state, and national contests.

The Dual Credit Program allows high school students to enroll in and receive both high school and college credit during normal class hours. Participation in the dual credit program enables students to get a “head start” on their college career as well as prepare for the challenges of college courses. Credits earned under these programs will be applied towards a degree at Crowder College and are generally transferable to other colleges and universities. Students must meet eligibility requirements to participate in the program.