The objective of the Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) basic course is to provide entry level skills in gas metal arc welding. Instruction focuses on the following areas: safety precautions for arc welding and an awareness of the importance of safety in welding; variables that affect the quality of welds (material prep and fit up, amperage and voltage, electrode angles, travel speed, etc.); overview of shielding gases and the types of metal transfer; practice skill building exercises involving single and multi-pass square-groove in all positions using short circuit transfer on 3/16 inch mild steel; Single V-groove welds on 3/8 inch steel plates; fillet welds on 16 gauge steel in horizontal and vertical positions; welding terminology and nomenclature. Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW) instruction, as well.