PHCC Offers High Tech Tools in Welding Program

Welders are now in high demand as the industry deals with an aging workforce. Instructors from the Patrick Henry Community College (PHCC) in Martinsville, Virginia are looking for ways to increase the technology they use in the classroom and provide more options for their students.

PHCC has added virtual welding as well as robotic welding to their welding shop. Randy Smith, one of the instructors at Patrick Henry Community College, said that virtual welding provides students with another tool in the workshop that makes them successful in the field.

Students still wear all the gear including the helmet but the welding is made through a computer simulation program. Students are able to hear sound as if they are really doing the actual welding. The best part about using the tool is that students will not be burned in the process.

Virtual welding will help students hone their skills without the danger of burning themselves. If a student is struggling with a type of weld, then the person can use the virtual welder and sort out one’s problems without wasting metal and other materials. It is a useful tool that allows students to cope with the learning curve. The virtual welding tool will tell students their problems with weld, such as the improper speed or arc length.

Robotic welding will give students experience in programming automated welding processes. This is the latest technology in the industry and PHCC students are now able to practice with it. PHCC said that the two technologies help improve an already successful welding program. Ypu can see more details here: http://www.ph.vccs.edu/

In the previous academic year, 48 students passed 96 welding certification programs. 60 percent of the students are now full time welders with an average starting salary of $17.25 per hour and receive benefits. Some of the top students are hired by Deere Hitachi that provides $20 an hour with good benefits for welders.