Courses
Welding Technology Program
The Omaha Welding Institute Welding Technology Program is designed to prepare students for careers in a wide range of industries requiring skilled and technically trained welders.
Our program combines hands-on welding experience with practical, real-world instruction, giving students the opportunity to develop the skills and techniques employers expect in today’s welding industry.
Students receive training in multiple welding processes and positions while developing an understanding of welding safety, equipment operation, blueprint and weld symbol interpretation, material preparation, welding procedures, and quality workmanship.
The program also prepares students for the opportunity to complete industry-recognized welder qualification and certification testing, including testing performed to applicable American Welding Society (AWS) codes and standards.
Whether a student is beginning a new career, expanding their current welding abilities, or pursuing additional qualifications, our focus is on developing safe, skilled, productive, and employable welders who are prepared for the demands of the workplace.
Program Options
The Welding Technology Program is available in three formats, allowing students to select the training path that best fits their experience, career goals, and desired skill level:
What you need to know before taking the course...
Safety & Required Equipment
At Omaha Welding Institute, safety comes first. Safety is emphasized every day in the welding lab just as it is on every professional jobsite. Developing good safety habits is an important part of becoming a professional welder.
Before beginning hands-on welding, students must have the proper clothing and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Required for Class
Students should come prepared with:
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Safety glasses
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Appropriate welding gloves
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Welding hood
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Long-sleeve work shirt or welding shirt
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Denim jeans or other appropriate work pants
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Leather work boots that provide adequate ankle protection
Steel-toe or safety-toe boots are recommended but not required for class. Keep in mind that many employers and jobsites require safety-toe footwear, so investing in a quality pair now can help prepare you for the workplace.
OWI Provides
To help you get started, Omaha Welding Institute will provide your first pair of safety glasses and welding gloves. These items are included in your tuition.
Additional PPE, welding supplies, and select basic tools will also be available for purchase at the shop. Students are welcome to purchase their own equipment from any welding supply store.
We recommend Matheson for welding supplies and equipment. They carry most of the PPE and tools you'll need, including one of the most important pieces of equipment you'll purchase—your welding hood.
As you purchase your equipment, remember that these aren't just supplies for school.
You're investing in the tools, equipment, and safety gear you'll use to build your future career.
Intermediate Welding
SMAW – Shielded Metal Arc Welding (Stick)
The Intermediate Welding course is designed for students who are ready to build on their basic welding skills and develop proficiency in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), commonly known as Stick welding.
This course focuses heavily on hands-on welding, proper technique, structural steel applications, and preparation for welder qualification testing. Students will learn the skills commonly used in construction, structural steel, industrial maintenance, heavy equipment, and field welding.
Students will receive instruction in proper machine setup, electrode selection, welding parameters, joint preparation, and techniques for producing quality welds in multiple positions.
Course instruction will include:
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SMAW (Stick) welding equipment and operation
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Welding safety and proper PPE
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Machine setup, amperage, polarity, and welding variables
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Electrode identification, selection, and storage
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E6010/E6011 and E7018 electrode applications
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Arc starting and control
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Travel speed, work angle, and electrode manipulation
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Fillet and groove welds
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Plate and structural steel welding
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Welding in flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions
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Single- and multi-pass welds
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Joint preparation, fit-up, and backing
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Open-root welding fundamentals
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Weld defects, causes, and corrective techniques
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Visual inspection and weld quality
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Introduction to welding symbols and drawings
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Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS)
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Welder qualification requirements
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Preparation for applicable code-based welder qualification testing
A major emphasis of the course is repetition and hands-on shop time. Students will work to develop the consistency, electrode control, puddle recognition, and technique necessary to produce quality SMAW welds in all positions.
As skills progress, students will be introduced to more challenging structural welding exercises designed to prepare them for the expectations of construction and industrial welding environments.
This course is an excellent next step for students who have completed Introduction to Welding or already have basic welding experience and want to advance their skills before moving into Advanced TIG or Pipe Welding.
Build Your Skills. Master Stick Welding. Prepare for the Field.