A Comprehensive Look at Mr. Moody’s Welding Class
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Launch the media gallery 1 player - media #7Mr. Moody’s Welding & Fabrication class at Indian Valley Vocational Center is a hands-on learning experience offered to junior and senior students. In the class, students are taught necessary welding and fabrication skills relevant to the field. The students gain classroom and shop experience, being taught everything from safety to life skills.
We start out with learning our shop safety with the angle grinders, belt sanders, and any other machines and welders in the shop. First-year students will also take an online ten-hour class, called OSHA-10, in which they learn about proper workplace health and safety. OSHA-10 is a nationally accredited certification that will benefit us in the future workplace.
Throughout the first year in Mr. Moody's class, students learn about many different welding processes such as stick, MIG, TIG, torch cutting, and gas welding. First-year students also learn about proper welding techniques and different positions such as 1F-4F, which teaches us how to become more comfortable and create consistent beads that simulate real life scenarios such as vertical and overhead welding.
Second-year students take what they have previously learned a step further as they learn how to weld aluminum and stainless steel with the TIG process. They also sharpen their stick welding skills by using more difficult rods, such as 6010 in an open root. Second-year students test their knowledge and skills by completing 1-6G weld tests, also known as bend tests. The students challenge themselves in numerous welding processes by bending their completed welds and examining them for problems, diagnosing the defects, then learning what they must fix in order to create a full penetration weld. Students will also complete resume writing along with mock interview opportunities, and conversations and connections with local businesses.
Throughout the year, students are able to create sculptures, pumpkins, Christmas projects, waterboxes, roses, and other keepsakes to give to family and friends. This helps us build our confidence and display our skills to family and friends.
We took a field trip at the beginning of this school year to FabTech at McCormick Place in Chicago. At the convention, there were many different hands-on activities such as stud welding, virtual welding simulators, and MIG and TIG booths. There were also many exhibits to see all the latest welding and machine technology, such as submerged arc welding, and robotic welding.
Students are also invited to expand their knowledge and skills through SkillsUSA. Students who want to and are eligible participate in building sculptures and/or team projects to bring to the SkillsUSA convention. First and second-year students are both invited to join and compete against one another. The SkillsUSA team also runs fundraisers and charity drives to raise money and help support their Skills Chapter.
Overall, this class is a great experience for those interested in gaining life and work skills and even a career in welding. Mr. Moody will help assist you during class and is an excellent instructor. Mr. Moody is not only invested in your time while at IVVC, but also cares about preparing us for our futures no matter what career path we choose.