Kyle here. I was a Greenville Tech Welding Program student for a day at the Brashier Campus in Simpsonville, where I got a first-hand look at the program facility and its robotic + virtual welding equipment.

Whether you want to start a career in welding or try your hand at creating a metal masterpiece on a Friday night — keep reading to see how you can Try This.

What we tried:

We met with Academic Program Director Casey Ross and Lead Instructor Matt Bouwkamp to get up close with the program’s robotic and virtual welders — part of GTC's welding program curriculum. The robotic welder’s movements are all programmed, often using 100+ lines of code to complete a welding application.

What not to miss:

Virtual welding is not as easy as we thought. | Photo by GVLtoday

Virtual welding. While the virtual welder isn’t exactly like you would experience welding in the field (for starters, you don’t need any protective gear), it’s a great way to get the feel of a typical welding gun and measure your precision in welding techniques.

Your score is based on your accuracy and speed in welding the space on the screen. The better you do, the higher your score. We're hoping to bring our 87 up to Casey's 95.

GTC Welding Program lead instructor Matt wrote a code on the spot for the robotic welder. | Photo by GVLtoday

What we’re still talking about:

Welding is a high-demand, skilled craft used in more applications than we realized, from creating elaborate metal staircases to welding construction pipe to assembling vehicles. Plus, the welding program is covered by the new Career Pathways Scholarship starting this fall.

Matt programmed the robotic welder to weld a rectangle. | GIF by GVLtoday

Students who have received their certification from GTC's program have gone on to work for local companies and manufacturers like General Electric and Magna International, as well as others beyond the Upstate.

Weld, what are you waiting for? | Post via Greenville Tech Welding

How you can experience this:

There are three ways you and yours can try this:

Enroll in GTC's Welding Program.
Sign your middle schooler up for GTC’s Adventure Tech Summer Camp for a fun introduction to welding.
Attend a Friday class with friends to weld metal art.

GTC's Brashier Campus is a ~20 minute drive from downtown Greenville | Photo by GVLtoday

Things to know if you go:

Experience: Greenville Technical College Welding Program
Price: Pricing varies
Website: https://www.gvltec.edu/academics_learning/advanced-manufacturing-transportation/welding/index.html
Address: Greenville Tech - Brashier Campus, 1830 West Georgia Rd., Simpsonville
Hours: Hours vary
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