Welding 101

Welding 101 introduces students to the fundamentals of MIG welding in a structured learning environment. This class focuses on core safety practices, machine familiarity, and foundational welding techniques that prepare students for continued training in the shop. Students will practice basic welds and learn how to safely operate welding equipment while working under instructor supervision.

This course is part of Arc to Autonomy: Liberty Arts Welding School, a structured series designed to guide students from beginner-level skills toward independent studio access. Each level builds technical ability, troubleshooting skills, and responsibility in the welding studio environment.

In Welding 101, students will spend their time learning the fundamentals. The goal of this class is to build safe habits, develop comfort with welding equipment, and establish the technical foundation required for later levels in the series.

Location

This class will meet at Liberty Arts Studio, located at 918 Pearl St., Durham, NC, United States

Pre-requisites

This class does not require any prior experience with welding or metal fabrication, but does require the ability to work around heat, noise, sharp edges, and power tools.
This class is beginner friendly.

Skills & Equipment

Students will learn the basics of GMAW (MIG) welding and gain familiarity with the welding studio environment. Instruction will include identifying welding equipment, proper machine setup, and safe studio practices.

What you will learn

Students will be introduced to the welding studio and learn how to safely operate the equipment.

By the end of the class, you’ll understand the fundamentals of welding and feel more confident working with metal in the shop. Things that will be taken away from this session include:

Studio safety standards and required PPE
Identification of studio equipment
Basic MIG welder components and setup

How to power the machine on and off
How to set voltage and wire speed using reference charts
How to run a consistent weld bead
How to tack weld for assembly
Light troubleshooting of common beginner issues
Proper shutdown and cleanup procedures

Equipment

Students will work directly with a MIG welder and standard metal shop tools.

Materials

Students will be working with steel and all materials are included in the cost of the class.

Safety & PPE

Protective gloves, face shields, and ear plugs will be provided. Proper protective wear designed for welding will be made mandatory to wear.

What to Wear

Students must wear non-synthetic, long-sleeve clothing and closed-toe shoes. Hair should be tied back. Comfortable clothes that can get dirty are recommended.

In the interest of safety, the instructor reserves the option to limit participation if students are not wearing appropriate clothing.

Important Information

This class takes place in an active welding studio environment and involves working with heat, noise, sharp edges, and power tools.

Students will not leave this class with a finished project. The focus of Welding 101 is education, safety, and building foundational welding skills that prepare students for the next level in the Arc to Autonomy series.