This hands-on technical course is designed for all levels — whether you’re brand new to welding, looking to sharpen your skills, or simply want access to a fully equipped welding shop.
For those with little or no experience, instruction will cover welding of carbon steel using:
You’ll also be introduced to Oxy-Fuel and Plasma Cutting techniques. Participants will have the opportunity to complete a small personal project during the course. All equipment and consumable materials are included in the registration fee.
For those with prior experience, instruction can be tailored to individual goals, including welding of stainless steel and aluminum, or time to work independently on personal projects during open studio hours.
All levels are welcome to use the welding shop as an open studio with supervision for personal projects or to receive individualized instruction to build skills and confidence.
Requirements & Recommendations: Participants must wear safety-toe leather boots, cotton pants, and long-sleeved cotton shirts (turtlenecks are recommended). Clothing should be free of holes or frays.
Students are encouraged to bring their own PPE (safety glasses, ear plugs, welder’s cap). PPE can be purchased locally at Haun Welding Supply or Airgas in Williston, VT—mention you’re taking an ACCESS class for 10% off!
(CVU’s shop has loaner PPE available, though fit and condition may vary.)
Minimum Age: 16+
"The welding class was terrific, and the instructor Wes was truly passionate about his craft. I went into the session knowing nothing, and walked out five courses later having learned four different welding styles, and I even completed a couple of projects on my own. I'll definitely be continuing this adventure."
"Wes was very detailed in his explanation and demonstration of welding techniques. By the second class we were all practicing welding with one on one instruction from Wes. I feel confident enough to tackle a welding job after taking this course."- Brian
Wes McEntee is a 2018 graduate of Vermont Tech where he got his degrees in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Technology. Wes is currently an Equipment Engineer for Global Foundries. Previously he spent three years as a machinist and a welder for Hayward Tyler Inc. and as the Adjunct Professor of Welding at Vermont Tech. Wes has been welding and fabricating since his first Metal Fabrication course at CVU during his freshman year of high school in 2010. He continued his passion for welding, while at Vermont Tech, taking their offered welding courses as well as founding and running the Vermont Tech Fabrication Club, and achieving his American Welding Society D1.1 Structural Steel qualification. Wes also competed at the national level of SkillsUSA for Job Skill Demonstration, where he gave a lecture on Welder Safety & PPE. During his time teaching at Vermont Tech, Wes took on additional roles as the Faculty Advisor for Fabrication Club and the SkillsUSA Welding Fabrication team. When working at Hayward Tyler, Wes became qualified to weld carbon and stainless steels in nuclear applications for the company, while also being a machine operator and programmer. In his spare time, Wes loves to weld, fabricate and tinker in his shop at home. Wes has also designed and fabricated his own log-forwarding trailer, and can be found at his happiest out in the woods running his chainsaws and forestry equipment.
Bob Otty is a UVM graduate, with a Master’s degree in Biomedical Technology. For much of his work life, Bob has managed a service team for a local medical device company. Bob started welding early, with a father who was (and still is) a hobbyist fabricator. When presented with a problem, a motto in his house was, “We’ll weld something up!”. MIG welding was the most common process used in his father’s shop when Bob was growing up, while a beautiful TIG welder sat in the corner gathering dust. Years later, and with a shop of his own, Bob decided someone in his family should learn to TIG weld, and he acquired a machine of his own. Today, Bob and his wife have a small sheep farm, which offers an endless list of metal (and wood) working projects that have helped him hone his skills and occupy his weekends and evenings.
Wesley McEntee , Robert Otty
No Class Nov 24
Fewer than 5 spots left
