Framework for Learning

 
 
 
 
 
 

Framework for LEARNING

Senior Years Technology Program

Course Code

8487

Course Credit

1

Print Version (PDF document 1.1 MB)

Grade 12A Advanced GMAW (MIG) Procedures

Course Overview

In this course, learners will deepen their understanding of semi-automatic wire feed welding and quality inspection, building on the knowledge gained in the fundamental course. Learners will continue to expand their expertise in the welding profession, including safety practices, tools and equipment, and the selection and use of materials and consumables. This advanced course emphasizes more complex procedures and advanced positional semi-automatic wire feed welding and quality inspection.

This course focuses on the following units in the Apprenticeship Manitoba Level 1 technical training:

  • A8 Weld Process and Quality Inspection I
  • A12 Semi-Automatic Wire Feed Welding I

The learning outcomes in this course may not follow a fixed sequence, as they are organized to align with Apprenticeship Manitoba standards. Only the outcomes relevant to this course are included. A complete list of learning outcomes can be found in the primary learning outcomes resource.

Guiding Principles for the Design of Learning Experiences and Assessment Practices

The Guiding Principles for the Design of Learning Experiences and Assessment Practices provide guidance to all Manitoba educators as they design learning experiences and classroom assessments to strengthen, extend, and expand student learning.

Please note, this website continues to evolve, so please visit regularly to keep current with what’s new in the Learning Experiences and Assessment Practices section.

Guiding Principles for the Evaluation and Communication of Student Learning

The Guiding Principles for the Evaluation and Communication of Student Learning build shared understandings of what is needed to ensure equity, reliability, validity, and transparency in judgment and communication of student learning.

Please note, this website continues to evolve, so please visit regularly to keep current with what’s new in the Evaluation and Communication of Student Learning section.

General Learning Outcomes

With teacher guidance, learners can achieve the following learning outcomes.

WEL-12A-A2 Recognize, explain, and demonstrate personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements and standards in the workplace.

  • WEL-12A-A2-1 Recognize various personal protective equipment (PPE), including

    • eye protection
    • face protection
    • hearing protection
    • foot protection
    • head protection
    • hand protection
    • skin protection
    • respiratory protection
    • protective clothing
    • fall protection (trade-specific)
  • WEL-12A-A2-2 Explain various personal protective equipment (PPE), including

    • selection of the appropriate PPE
    • characteristics and key features
    • application (i.e., role or utility in specific scenarios)
    • limitations in scope or performance
  • WEL-12A-A2-3 Demonstrate how to use the required personal protective equipment (PPE), ensuring

    • a proper fit
    • a proper seal
    • it is worn properly
    • an understanding of the procedures for reporting any damage or malfunctions

WEL-12A-A5 Recognize and explain injury prevention.

  • WEL-12A-A5-1 Recognize, explain, and demonstrate the SAFE acronym.

    • Spot the hazard
    • Assess the risk
    • Find a safer way
    • Every day
  • WEL-12A-A5-12 Demonstrate knowledge of the locations of various fire emergency safety equipment and evacuation safety measures, including

    • fire extinguisher
    • alarm pull stations
    • emergency exits
    • muster points

WEL-12A-A6 Recognize and explain injury response.

  • WEL-12A-A6-2 Explain how to report an injury, including to

    • a teacher or supervisor
    • Workers Compensation Board of Mantioba (WCB)
  • WEL-12A-A6-3 Demonstrate knowledge of the locations of emergency safety equipment, including

    • first aid kit
    • automated external defibrillator (AED)
    • eyewash station

WEL-12A-B1 Explain the structure and scope of the welding trade.

  • WEL-12A-B1-1 Explain opportunities and future career paths in a trade, including

    • becoming a specialist
    • moving into leadership
    • working in different locations
    • growing with new technology

WEL-12A-B2 Explain the levels of workplace competency.

  • WEL-12A-B2-1 Explain job competencies workers and learners need to know related to workplace culture, including

    • understanding tools and materials
    • using the right skills to do the job well
  • WEL-12A-B2-2 Explain the social competencies workers and learners need to know related to workplace culture, including

    • working well with others
    • using appropriate language
    • respecting different beliefs
    • understanding workplace rules
    • supporting fairness and inclusion

WEL-12A-C1 Explain and demonstrate techniques for effective verbal and non-verbal communication.

  • WEL-12A-C1-1 Explain how to communicate clearly and respectfully with different people at school and/or work, using both words and body language.

  • WEL-12A-C1-2 Demonstrate how to communicate clearly and respectfully with different people at school and/or work, using both words and body language.


WEL-12A-C2 Recognize workplace behaviours and communication that constitute bullying, as defined by the Canadian Human Rights Act and jurisdictional human rights laws.

  • WEL-12A-C2-1 Recognize what respectful workplace values look like and what kinds of behaviour are considered bullying, harassment, or discrimination under Canadian law.


WEL-12A-C3 Demonstrate effective communication skills, and practise active listening and response.

  • WEL-12A-C3-1 Demonstrate effective communication and active listening, including

    • listening carefully
    • responding clearly
    • using appropriate body language
    • asking questions
    • being open to feedback

WEL-12A-D1 Use mathematical properties to solve problems involving whole, fractional, decimal, and percentage numbers, with an emphasis on trade-related problems.

  • WEL-12A-D1-1 Demonstrate how to solve math problems with both positive and negative numbers, indicating how the signs (+ or –) affect the answer, when

    • adding
    • subtracting
    • multiplying
    • dividing
  • WEL-12A-D1-2 Recognize various types of fractions, including

    • proper fractions
    • improper fractions
    • mixed fractions
  • WEL-12A-D1-3 Explain various types of fractions, including

    • a proper fraction has a smaller number on top (like 3/4)
    • an improper fraction has a bigger number on top (like 5/3)
    • a mixed fraction combines a whole number and a fraction (like 1 2/3)
  • WEL-12A-D1-4 Demonstrate how to add and subtract fractions.

  • WEL-12A-D1-5 Demonstrate how to multiply, divide, simplify (reduce), and expand fractions.

  • WEL-12A-D1-6 Demonstrate how to change a fraction into a decimal and a decimal into a fraction.


WEL-12A-D2 Demonstrate how to communicate measurements.

  • WEL-12A-D2-1 Demonstrate how to measure.

  • WEL-12A-D2-2 Demonstrate how to measure, using both metric and customary (imperial) measurement systems, such as when

    • measuring length
    • measuring materials
  • WEL-12A-D2-3 Demonstrate how to provide measurements, including how much the measurements can vary (e.g., bead width).

WEL-12A-E1 Recognize, explain, and demonstrate an understanding of terminology associated with tools and equipment.

  • WEL-12A-E1-1 Recognize key terms and names of various tools and equipment.

  • WEL-12A-E1-2 Explain the names and purposes of various tools and equipment.

  • WEL-12A-E1-3 Demonstrate an understanding of the names and purposes of various tools and equipment.


WEL-12A-E2 Recognize the various hazards associated with tools and equipment, and describe and demonstrate the related safe work practices.

  • WEL-12A-E2-1 Recognize various hazards of tools and equipment, including

    • harmful noise levels
    • lacerations caused by sharp tools or materials
    • crush injury hazards
    • moving parts on machines that can catch and trap hands or garments
    • flying debris hazards
  • WEL-12A-E2-2 Explain safe work practices for various tools and equipment, including

    • wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
    • inspecting tools and equipment before use
    • using the correct tool for the job
    • keeping the work area clean and organized
    • following manufacturer instructions and safety guidelines
    • disconnecting power tools when not in use or during maintenance
    • reporting and removing damaged tools from service
    • staying alert and avoiding distractions while working
    • using guards and safety devices as intended
    • storing tools properly after use
  • WEL-12A-E2-3 Demonstrate safe work practices related to tools and equipment.


WEL-12A-E3 Demonstrate how to safely and properly use various tools and equipment.

  • WEL-12A-E3-1 Demonstrate how to safely and properly use various tools and equipment.

WEL-12A-F1 Share and discuss Indigenous perspectives and environmental impacts.

  • WEL-12A-F1-1 Share and discuss an Indigenous perspective on material selection, emphasizing sustainability, respect for natural resources, and cultural significance, such as

    • principles of the honourable harvest
    • four sacred elements (earth, wind, water, fire)
    • inviting an Elder to teach sustainability
  • WEL-12A-F1-2 Share and discuss the environmental impact of selecting and disposing of various materials.


WEL-12A-F2 Recognize the various hazards associated with consumables and materials, and describe and demonstrate the related safe work practices.

  • WEL-12A-F2-1 Recognize various hazards for welding consumables and materials, including

    • burns
    • lifting
    • flux dust
  • WEL-12A-F2-2 Explain various safe work practices for consumables and material, including

    • wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
    • inspecting consumables and materials before use
    • using the correct consumables and materials for the job
    • keeping the work area clean and organized
    • following manufacturer instructions and safety guidelines
    • reporting and removing damaged consumables and materials from service
    • staying alert and avoiding distractions while working
    • storing consumables and materials properly after use
  • WEL-12A-F2-3 Demonstrate safe work practices related to consumables and materials.

WEL-12A-G1 Recognize, define, and demonstrate terminology associated with material handling.

  • WEL-12A-G1-1 Recognize the key terms and names of different material handling.

  • WEL-12A-G1-2 Explain the names and purposes of different material handling.

  • WEL-12A-G1-3 Demonstrate an understanding of the names and purposes of different material handling.

WEL-12A-I1 Recognize, explain, and demonstrate an understanding of terminology associated with weld processes and quality inspection.

  • WEL-12A-I1-1 Recognize the key terms and names of various weld processes, and of quality inspection.

  • WEL-12A-I1-2 Explain the names and purposes of various weld processes, and of quality inspection.

  • WEL-12A-I1-3 Demonstrate an understanding of the names and purposes of various weld processes, and of quality inspection.


WEL-12A-I2 Recognize the various hazards associated with weld processes and quality inspection, and describe and demonstrate the related safe work practices.

  • WEL-12A-I2-1 Recognize various gas cylinder hazards, including

    • explosions
    • displacement of oxygen (asphyxiation)
  • WEL-12A-I2-2 Explain the safe work practices for gas cylinder hazards, including safety data sheets (SDS).

  • WEL-12A-I2-3 Recognize various final product hazards, including

    • cuts
    • particulate projection/sparks
    • dust particulate inhalation
    • toxic chemicals
  • WEL-12A-I2-4 Explain safe work practices related to final product hazards.

  • WEL-12A-I2-5 Recognize various hazards related to controlling temperature of weldments, including

    • electrical shock
    • burns
  • WEL-12A-I2-6 Explain safe work practices related to controlling temperature of weldments.

  • WEL-12A-I2-7 Demonstrate safe work practices related to weld processes and quality inspection.


WEL-12A-I3 Interpret jurisdictional codes, regulations, and job specifications pertaining to weld processes and quality inspection.

  • WEL-12A-I3-1 Understand and apply the rules and job requirements that relate to how welding is done and how its quality is checked, based on the laws and standards in a specific area.


WEL-12A-I4 Recognize and explain welding consumables and gas cylinders, including their characteristics, applications, and storage.

  • WEL-12A-I4-1 Recognize various welding consumables, including

    • electrodes
    • welding wires
    • welding fluxes
  • WEL-12A-I4-2 Explain various welding consumables, including

    • selection of the appropriate welding consumable
    • characteristics and key features
    • application (i.e., role or utility in specific scenarios)
    • limitations in scope or performance
    • procedures for conducting a thorough inspection
    • procedures for regular maintenance
    • guidelines for proper storage
  • WEL-12A-I4-3 Recognize various gas cylinder product types and identification, including

    • fuel gas
    • oxygen gas
    • inert gas
    • active gas
  • WEL-12A-I4-4 Explain various gas cylinder product types and identification, including

    • selection of the appropriate gas cylinder product type
    • characteristics and key features
    • application (i.e., role or utility in specific scenarios)
    • limitations in scope or performance procedures for conducting a thorough inspection
    • procedures for regular maintenance
    • guidelines for proper storage

WEL-12A-I5 Demonstrate how to safely and properly use welding consumables and gas cylinders.

  • WEL-12A-I5-1 Demonstrate how to safely and properly use welding consumables and gas cylinders.


WEL-12A-I6 Recognize and explain welding processes, including their selection, characteristics, and applications.

  • WEL-12A-I6-1 Recognize various welding processes, including

    • flux-cored arc welding (FCAW)
    • metal-cored arc welding (MCAW)
    • gas metal arc welding (GMAW)
  • WEL-12A-I6-2 Explain various welding processes, including

    • selection of the appropriate welding process
    • characteristics and key features
    • application (i.e., role or utility in specific scenarios)
    • limitations in scope or performance
  • WEL-12A-I6-3 Recognize various welding power sources, such as

    • transformer
    • transformer-rectifier
    • inverter
    • engine-driven
  • WEL-12A-I6-4 Explain various welding power sources, such as

    • selection of the appropriate welding power source
    • characteristics and key features
    • application (i.e., role or utility in specific scenarios)
    • limitations in scope or performance
  • WEL-12A-I6-5 Recognize various welding polarities, such as

    • direct current electrode negative (DCEN)
    • direct current electrode positive (DCEP)
    • alternating current (AC)
  • WEL-12A-I6-6 Explain various welding polarities, such as

    • selection of the appropriate welding polarity
    • characteristics and key features
    • application (i.e., role or utility in specific scenarios)
    • limitations in scope or performance

WEL-12A-I7 Recognize and explain marking welds and material types, including their characteristics and applications.

  • WEL-12A-I7-1 Recognize various material types, including

    • ferrous
    • non-ferrous
  • WEL-12A-I7-2 Explain various material types, including

    • selection of the appropriate material type
    • characteristics and key features
    • application (i.e., role or utility in specific scenarios)
    • limitations in scope or performance
    • procedures for conducting a thorough inspection
    • procedures for regular maintenance
    • guidelines for proper storage
  • WEL-12A-I7-3 Recognize various identification markings, including

    • heat numbers
    • grain direction
    • lot and job numbers
    • material grade
  • WEL-12A-I7-4 Explain various identification markings, including

    • selection of the appropriate identification markings
    • characteristics and key features
    • application (i.e., role or utility in specific scenarios)
    • limitations in scope or performance
  • WEL-12A-I7-5 Recognize various marking devices, such as

    • paint markers
    • soapstone
    • chalk
    • steel stamps
    • tagging systems
    • laser markers
  • WEL-12A-I7-6 Explain various marking devices, including

    • selection of the appropriate marking device
    • characteristics and key features
    • application (i.e., role or utility in specific scenarios)
    • limitations in scope or performance
    • procedures for conducting a thorough inspection
    • procedures for regular maintenance
    • guidelines for proper storage
  • WEL-12A-I7-7 Recognize various personalized welder identifications, including

    • initials
    • numbers
  • WEL-12A-I7-8 Explain various personalized welder identifications, including

    • selection of the appropriate personalized welder identifications
    • characteristics and key features
    • application (i.e., role or utility in specific scenarios)
    • limitations in scope or performance

WEL-12A-I9 Recognize and explain final product finishing, including its characteristics and applications.

  • WEL-12A-I9-1 Recognize various tools and equipment related to final product finishing, including

    • grinders
    • wire wheels
    • buffers
  • WEL-12A-I9-2 Explain various tools and equipment related to final product finishing, including

    • selection of the appropriate finishing tools and equipment
    • characteristics and key features
    • application (i.e., role or utility in specific scenarios)
    • limitations in scope or performance
    • procedures for conducting a thorough inspection
    • procedures for regular maintenance
    • guidelines for proper storage
  • WEL-12A-I9-3 Recognize various weld discontinuities related to final product finishing, including

    • porosity
    • undercut
    • cold lap
    • excess or incomplete penetration
  • WEL-12A-I9-4 Explain various weld discontinuities related to final product finishing, including

    • their identification
    • their characteristics
    • their effects on the final product
    • correction of weld discontinuities on the final product finishing
  • WEL-12A-I9-5 Recognize various undesirable materials related to final product finishing, including

    • oils
    • oxides
  • WEL-12A-I9-6 Explain various undesirable materials related to final product finishing, including

    • their identification
    • their characteristics
    • their effects on the final product
    • correction of undesirable materials on the final product finishing
  • WEL-12A-I9-7 Recognize various surface imperfections related to final product finishing, including

    • welding spatter
    • gouges
    • stray arc strikes
    • sharp edges
    • plate clamp gouges
    • miscellaneous defects
  • WEL-12A-I9-8 Explain various surface imperfections related to final product finishing, including

    • their identification
    • their characteristics
    • their effects on the final product
    • correction of surface imperfections on the final product finishing
  • WEL-12A-I9-9 Recognize various specific finishes related to final product finishing, including

    • coatings
    • pickling
    • machining
    • blasting
  • WEL-12A-I9-10 Explain various specific finishes related to final product finishing, including

    • selection of the appropriate product finish
    • characteristics and key features
    • application (i.e., role or utility in specific scenarios)
    • limitations in scope or performance

WEL-12A-I10 Recognize and explain quality inspections, including their characteristics and applications.

  • WEL-12A-I10-1 Recognize various quality inspection tools and equipment, including

    • magnifying lenses
    • inspection mirrors
    • flashlights
  • WEL-12A-I10-2 Explain various quality inspection tools and equipment, including

    • selection of the appropriate quality inspection tools and equipment
    • characteristics and key features
    • application (i.e., role or utility in specific scenarios)
    • limitations in scope or performance
    • procedures for conducting a thorough inspection
    • procedures for regular maintenance
    • guidelines for proper storage
  • WEL-12A-I10-3 Recognize various quality inspection measuring devices, including

    • fillet weld gauge
    • depth gauge
    • hi-lo gauge
    • bridge cam gauge
    • steel rulers
  • WEL-12A-I10-4 Explain various quality inspection measuring devices, including

    • selection of the appropriate quality inspection measuring device
    • characteristics and key features
    • application (i.e., role or utility in specific scenarios)
    • limitations in scope or performance
    • procedures for conducting a thorough inspection
    • procedures for regular maintenance
    • guidelines for proper storage
  • WEL-12A-I10-5 Recognize various quality inspection material defects, including

    • surface irregularities
    • laminations
    • surface contamination
  • WEL-12A-I10-6 Explain various quality inspection material defects, including

    • their identification
    • their characteristics
    • their effects on the final product
    • correction of material defects
  • WEL-12A-I10-7 Recognize various quality inspection fabrication defects, including

    • improper fit-up
    • misalignment
    • distortion
    • incorrect dimensions and orientation
  • WEL-12A-I10-8 Explain various quality inspection fabrication defects, including

    • their identification
    • their characteristics
    • their effects on the final product
    • correction of fabrication defects
  • WEL-12A-I10-9 Recognize various quality inspection weld discontinuities, including

    • porosity
    • undercut
    • cold lap
    • excess or incomplete penetration
  • WEL-12A-I10-10 Explain various quality inspection weld discontinuities, including

    • their identification
    • their characteristics
    • their effects on the final product
    • correction of weld discontinuities on the final product
  • WEL-12A-I10-11 Recognize various quality inspection surface imperfections, including

    • welding spatter
    • gouges
    • stray arc strikes
    • sharp edges
  • WEL-12A-I10-12 Explain various quality inspection surface imperfections, including

    • their identification
    • their characteristics
    • their effects on the final product
    • correction of fabrication defects on the final product

WEL-12A-I11 Demonstrate how to safely and properly use weld processes and quality inspections.

  • WEL-12A-I11-1 Demonstrate how to safely and properly use weld processes and quality inspections.

WEL-12A-K1 Recognize, explain, and demonstrate an understanding of terminology associated with layout and fabrication.

  • WEL-12A-K1-1 Recognize key terms and names associated with layout and fabrication.

  • WEL-12A-K1-2 Explain the names and purposes associated with layout and fabrication.

  • WEL-12A-K1-3 Demonstrate an understanding of the names and purposes associated with layout and fabrication.


WEL-12A-K2 Recognize the various hazards associated with layout and fabrication, and explain and demonstrate the related safe work practices.

  • WEL-12A-K2-1 Recognize layout and fabrication hazards and explain safe work practices, including

    • pinch points
    • debris
    • cuts
    • burns
  • WEL-12A-K2-2 Demonstrate safe work practices related to layout and fabrication.


WEL-12A-K5 Recognize, explain, and demonstrate preparing materials to fabricate components, including their selection, characteristics, applications, and procedures.

  • WEL-12A-K5-1 Recognize various types of base metals for welding.

  • WEL-12A-K5-2 Explain various types of base metals for welding, including

    • selection of the appropriate base metals
    • characteristics and key features
    • application (i.e., role or utility in specific scenarios)
    • limitations in scope or performance
    • procedures for conducting a thorough inspection
    • procedures for regular maintenance
    • guidelines for proper storage
  • WEL-12A-K5-5 Recognize various tacking methods for welding, including presetting.

  • WEL-12A-K5-6 Explain various tacking methods for welding, including

    • selection of the appropriate tacking method
    • characteristics and key features
    • application (i.e., role or utility in specific scenarios)
    • limitations in scope or performance
  • WEL-12A-K5-7 Recognize various methods to control expansion and contraction for welding, including

    • tacking sequence
    • gussets
    • strongbacks
    • sinks
  • WEL-12A-K5-8 Explain various methods to control expansion and contraction for welding, including

    • selection of the appropriate method to control expansion and contraction
    • characteristics and key features
    • application (i.e., role or utility in specific scenarios)
    • limitations in scope or performance

WEL-12A-K6 Recognize and explain welding component assembly, including their selection, characteristics, applications, and procedures.

  • WEL-12A-K6-1 Recognize various welding tools and equipment, including

    • hi-lo gauge
    • jigs and fixtures
    • clamps
    • wedges
    • alignment tools
  • WEL-12A-K6-2 Explain various welding tools and equipment, including

    • selection of the appropriate welding tools and equipment
    • characteristics and key features
    • application (i.e., role or utility in specific scenarios)
    • limitations in scope or performance
    • procedures for conducting a thorough inspection
    • procedures for regular maintenance
    • guidelines for proper storage
  • WEL-12A-K6-3 Demonstrate how to safely and properly use various welding tools and equipment.

  • WEL-12A-K6-4 Recognize various welding assembly constraints, including

    • building size
    • equipment limitations
  • WEL-12A-K6-5 Explain various welding assembly constraints, including

    • their identification
    • their characteristics
    • their effects on the final product
    • correction of welding assembly constraints
  • WEL-12A-K6-6 Recognize various welding assembly sequences.

  • WEL-12A-K6-7 Explain various welding assembly sequences, including

    • their development and how they are made
    • selection of the appropriate welding assembly sequence
    • characteristics and key features
    • application (i.e., role or utility in specific scenarios)
    • limitations in scope or performance
  • WEL-12A-K6-8 Recognize various welding set gaps and alignments.

  • WEL-12A-K6-9 Explain various welding set gaps and alignments, including

    • selection of appropriate welding set gaps and alignments
    • selection of the appropriate welding assembly sequence
    • characteristics and key features
    • application (i.e., role or utility in specific scenarios)
    • limitations in scope or performance
  • WEL-12A-K6-10 Recognize various welding fits, placements, and adjustment components.

  • WEL-12A-K6-11 Explain various welding fits, placements, and adjustment components.

  • WEL-12A-K6-14 Recognize how to verify assembly throughout all stages.

  • WEL-12A-K6-15 Explain how to verify assembly throughout all stages.


WEL-12A-K7 Demonstrate and perform the procedures used to lay out and prepare components for welding.

  • WEL-12A-K7-1 Demonstrate various procedure used to lay out and prepare components for welding, including paper templates.

  • WEL-12A-K7-2 Demonstrate various procedures used to lay out and prepare materials for welding, including

    • angle iron
    • square tube
  • WEL-12A-K7-4 Demonstrate how to verify assembly throughout all stages.

WEL-12A-M1 Recognize, explain, and demonstrate an understanding of terminology associated with semi-automatic wire feed welding processes.

  • WEL-12A-M1-1 Recognize the key terms and names associated with semi-automatic wire feed welding processes, including

    • flux-cored arc welding (FCAW)
    • metal-cored arc welding (MCAW)
    • gas metal arc welding (GMAW)
  • WEL-12A-M1-2 Explain the names and purposes associated with semi-automatic wire feed welding processes, including

    • flux-cored arc welding (FCAW)
    • metal-cored arc welding (MCAW)
    • gas metal arc welding (GMAW)
  • WEL-12A-M1-3 Demonstrate an understanding of the names and purposes associated with semi-automatic wire feed welding processes, including

    • flux-cored arc welding (FCAW)
    • metal-cored arc welding (MCAW)
    • gas metal arc welding (GMAW)

WEL-12A-M2 Recognize the various hazards associated with semi-automatic wire feed welding, and describe and demonstrate the related safe work practices.

  • WEL-12A-M2-1 Recognize semi-automatic wire feed welding process hazards and describe safe work practices, including

    • burns, electrical burns, and electrical shocks
    • ultraviolet, infrared, and visible light rays
    • asphyxiation, ozone, and phosgene gases
    • pinch points, falling objects, and moving parts
  • WEL-12A-M2-2 Demonstrate safe work practices related to semi-automatic wire feed welding processes.


WEL-12A-M3 Interpret jurisdictional codes and regulations pertaining to semiautomatic wire feed welding.

  • WEL-12A-M3-1 Understand and follow the local rules and safety standards that apply to semi-automatic wire feed welding.


WEL-12A-M4 Recognize and explain equipment, components, shielding, and consumables for flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), metal-cored arc welding (MCAW), and gas metal arc welding (GMAW), including their characteristics, applications, and operation.

  • WEL-12A-M4-1 Recognize various equipment power sources for FCAW, MCAW, and GMAW, including

    • constant voltage (CV) capable machines
    • inverters
    • rectifiers
    • generators
  • WEL-12A-M4-2 Explain various equipment power sources for FCAW, MCAW, and GMAW, including

    • selection of the appropriate power sources for FCAW, MCAW, and GMAW
    • characteristics and key features
    • application (i.e., role or utility in specific scenarios)
    • limitations in scope or performance
  • WEL-12A-M4-3 Recognize various equipment components for FCAW, MCAW, and GMAW, including

    • air-cooled guns
    • water-cooled guns
    • nozzles
    • contact tips
    • wire feeders
    • voltage sensing wire feeders
    • drive rolls
    • gas diffusers
    • liners
    • work lead clamps
    • regulators/flow meters
    • shielding gas lines
  • WEL-12A-M4-4 Explain various equipment components for FCAW, MCAW, and GMAW, including

    • selection of the appropriate components for FCAW, MCAW, and GMAW
    • characteristics and key features
    • application (i.e., role or utility in specific scenarios)
    • limitations in scope or performance
    • procedures for conducting a thorough inspection
    • procedures for regular maintenance
    • guidelines for proper storage
  • WEL-12A-M4-5 Recognize various shielding gases for FCAW, MCAW, and GMAW, including

    • mixed gases
    • carbon dioxide (CO2)
    • argon
    • helium
  • WEL-12A-M4-6 Explain various shielding gases for FCAW, MCAW, and GMAW, including

    • selection of the appropriate shielding gas
    • characteristics and key features
    • application (i.e., role or utility in specific scenarios)
    • limitations in scope or performance
  • WEL-12A-M4-7 Recognize various wire types for FCAW, MCAW, and GMAW, including

    • solid
    • tubular wire
    • self-shielded
  • WEL-12A-M4-8 Explain various wire types for FCAW, MCAW, and GMAW, including

    • selection of the appropriate wire type for FCAW, MCAW, and GMAW
    • characteristics and key features
    • application (i.e., role or utility in specific scenarios)
    • limitations in scope or performance
    • procedures for conducting a thorough inspection
    • procedures for regular maintenance
    • guidelines for proper storage
  • WEL-12A-M4-9 Recognize various modes of transfer for FCAW, MCAW, and GMAW, including

    • short circuit
    • globular
    • spray
    • pulse spray
  • WEL-12A-M4-10 Explain various modes of transfer for FCAW, MCAW, and GMAW, including

    • selection of the appropriate mode of transfer for FCAW, MCAW, and GMAW
    • characteristics and key features
    • application (i.e., role or utility in specific scenarios)
    • limitations in scope or performance
    • procedures for conducting a thorough inspection
    • procedures for regular maintenance
    • guidelines for proper storage

WEL-12A-M5 Explain and demonstrate the procedures to weld using flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), metal-cored arc welding (MCAW), and GMAW processes for horizontal groove (2G) and horizontal fillet (2F) applications.

  • WEL-12A-M5-1 Explain various FCAW, MCAW, and GMAW equipment and components, and demonstrate the procedures to follow before operating, including

    • recognizing damage and defects
    • required maintenance
  • WEL-12A-M5-2 Explain how to set up FCAW, MCAW, and GMAW equipment and demonstrate the procedures to follow, including

    • adjusting machine settings
    • setting polarity
    • assembling gun components and connecting to wire feeder
    • connecting regulator to gas supply and gas hose to wire feeder
    • installing wire roll in wire feeder
    • feeding wire through drive rolls, liner, and gun
    • clipping end of wire for stick-out
    • adjusting wire drive roll tension
    • attaching work lead clamp to base metal
    • verifying setup
  • WEL-12A-M5-3 Explain how to set up FCAW, MCAW, and GMAW operating parameters, and demonstrate the procedures to follow, including

    • determining parameters
    • setting wire feed speed and voltage
    • setting gas flow rate
    • verifying setup
  • WEL-12A-M5-4 Explain and demonstrate the procedures to preform welds using GMAW processes for horizontal groove (2G) and horizontal fillet (2F) applications, including

    • starting up equipment
    • starting arc and manipulating electrode
    • performing wire manipulation techniques
    • performing tacking, backstepping, and sequencing techniques
    • adjusting travel speed and angle
    • stopping arc
    • removing slag using tools
    • recognizing weld discontinuities and defects
    • determining cause of weld discontinuities and defects
    • repairing weld discontinuities and defects
    • restarting arc
    • finishing weld
    • shutting down equipment
  • WEL-12A-M5-5 Explain and demonstrate the procedures to preform welds using FCAW and MCAW processes for flat groove (1G) and flat fillet (1F) applications, including

    • starting up equipment
    • starting arc and manipulating electrode
    • performing wire manipulation techniques
    • performing tacking, backstepping, and sequencing techniques
    • adjusting travel speed and angle
    • stopping arc
    • removing slag using tools
    • recognizing weld discontinuities and defects
    • determining cause of weld discontinuities and defects
    • repairing weld discontinuities and defects
    • restarting arc
    • finishing weld
    • shutting down equipment

WEL-12A-M6 Perform the procedures for semi-automatic wire feed welding.

  • WEL-12A-M6-1 Demonstrate the procedures for flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) or metal-cored arc welding (MCAW) semi-automatic wire feed welding, including

    • E491T-9 (E71T-1) FCAW
    • E49C-6 (E70C-6) MCAW
    • diameter = 0.045
  • WEL-12A-M6-2 Demonstrate the procedures for gas metal arc welding (GMAW) semi-automatic wire feed welding, including

    • fillet weld assembly all positions
    • ER49S-6 (ER70S-6)
    • diameter = 0.035

Curriculum Implementation Resources


Curriculum implementation resources will include supplementary documents to support implementation. This section and the support documents will continue to be updated, so you are encouraged to visit the site regularly.