Chattanooga, TN --- A grant provided by the National Science Foundation (NSF) recently sponsored an Advanced Technological Education (ATE) workshop for area faculty members at Chattanooga State Community College. The workshop focused on faculty development for technician education in welding, materials joining and non-destructive testing areas, topics that are addressed in the WELD-1060 course at Chattanooga State. Fifteen instructors from area community colleges and high schools attended the weeklong session.

WELD-1060 provides an emphasis on three prevalent welding processes: Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). Power sources, electrode identification, weldability of metals, joint design, and oxyacetylene cutting are covered.

Hands-on lab activities included practice in all welding processes, and the application of visual, liquid penetrant, and magnetic particle nondestructive examinations. Participants later had the chance to tour the Alstom Metallurgical Laboratories. Participants were provided with their own visual inspection tool kit to use at their institution.

According to Engineering Technology Assistant Professor, Jacqueline Smith, “This workshop provided valuable networking opportunities for area welding and mechatronics instructors. Participants can use their materials provided at the workshop to instruct their students in WELD-1060 at their own school. If their students successfully complete an end-of-term assignment (both written and practical), they can earn college credit for this course – at no cost!”

For more information about Engineering Technology programs, please call 423.697.4434.