• Welding program participants or entry-level individuals seeking to begin a career in the trades (welding industry or similar field)
• Experienced welding industry professionals looking to transition to a new role within the trades (welding or related industry)
• Individuals looking to re-enter the workforce after an extended period of inactivity

These individuals may belong to one or more of the following categories:

• High-school or technical college students CTE program participants (e.g., Job Corps)
• SENSE program participants (including those in correctional facilities)
• Current tack welders, welders, and welding operators
• Individuals without recent professional experience (Veterans, ex-offenders, former retirees, etc.)

There are no academic or professional prerequisites for taking this course. However, a basic knowledge of standard welding terms and fundamental principles is highly recommended. Students unfamiliar with welding processes and terminology are encouraged to complete the AWS Welding Fundamentals online course before starting this one.

This course teaches students how to:

• Apply academic and critical thinking skills necessary for welding
• Bolster professionalism through the development and refinement of personal qualities and interpersonal skills
• Locate, utilize, and disseminate information in the workplace
• Integrate within the culture and organizational structure of an organization
• Embrace technology in the workplace
• Write an effective resume
• Prepare for a job interview and welding test

Upon completion of the Career Readiness course, students will be able to:

• Apply academic knowledge and critical thinking to jobs in welding
• Show various personal qualities that will improve their standing in the company
• Demonstrate interpersonal skills for problem-solving, working on a team, and showing leadership potential
• Manage time, resources, and finances to better their career
• Find, analyze, and apply information to solve welding-related issues
• Explain the organizational structure at a typical welding shop
• Analyze the appropriate technology for a particular welding task
• Choose an applicable resource to find a welding job
• Create or revise a resume so it is tailored to the industry
• Evaluate strategies for a successful interview and bench test

• MODULE 1 – Course Introduction
• MODULE 2 – Applied Academic Skills
• MODULE 3 – Critical Thinking Skills
• MODULE 4 – Personal Qualities
• MODULE 5 – Interpersonal Skills
• MODULE 6 – Managing Resources
• MODULE 7 – Information Use
• MODULE 8 – Big Picture Thinking
• MODULE 9 – Technology Use
• MODULE 10 – The Job Search
• MODULE 11 – Resume Writing
• MODULE 12 – Interviewing
• MODULE 13 – Getting Started and Getting Ahead