Grading & Progress Policy

Purpose:
The Grading & Progress Policy ensures that students in the Welding program understand how their performance is evaluated. Welding is a hands‑on, competency‑based trade, and students must demonstrate safe, consistent skill development to successfully complete the program. This policy provides transparency, fairness, and clear expectations.

Grading System

The program uses a Pass/Fail (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) grading system.
A student receives a Pass when they:

  • Complete required program hours
  • Demonstrate required welding competencies
  • Follow all safety rules and shop procedures
  • Participate in classroom instruction and hands‑on practice
  • Complete OSHA‑10 General Industry training
  • Maintain professional conduct throughout the program

A student receives a Fail if they do not meet one or more of these requirements.

Competency‑Based Evaluation

Students are evaluated on their ability to demonstrate safe and effective performance of welding tasks, including:

  • Equipment setup and operation
  • SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and introductory GTAW techniques
  • Metal preparation, joint fit‑up, and fabrication steps
  • Safe tool handling and shop behavior
  • Ability to follow instructions and apply feedback

Competencies are assessed through instructor observation, demonstrations, and hands‑on performance.

Safety as a Grading Requirement

Attendance and Progress

Safety is a core component of progress.
A student may be marked Unsatisfactory if they:

  • Repeatedly violate safety rules
  • Refuse to follow instructor directions
  • Use equipment in an unsafe manner
  • Fail to wear required PPE
  • Engage in behavior that endangers themselves or others

Safety violations may also result in dismissal from the program.

Attendance directly affects progress.
A student may receive a Fail if:

  • They miss more than 20% of scheduled hours
  • They fail to complete required competencies due to absences
  • They miss mandatory safety briefings or demonstrations

Students must be present to learn and demonstrate welding skills.

Instructor Feedback

Mid‑Program Review

Students receive ongoing feedback throughout the program, including:

  • Daily coaching during hands‑on practice
  • Weekly progress checks
  • Guidance on improving technique
  • Identification of areas needing additional practice

Feedback is designed to support student growth and ensure readiness for graduation

Around the midpoint of the program, students receive a formal progress review that includes:

  • Attendance status
  • Safety compliance
  • Competency development
  • Professional conduct
  • Any areas requiring improvement

Students who are not meeting expectations may receive a written warning and a plan for improvement.

Failure to Make Progress

Completion Requirements

A student may be dismissed or receive a failing grade if they:

  • Do not demonstrate required competencies
  • Refuse to participate in training activities
  • Fail to follow safety rules
  • Exhibit conduct that disrupts learning
  • Accumulate excessive absences or tardiness

The instructor has authority to determine whether a student is making adequate progress.

To successfully complete the program, students must:

  • Complete required program hours
  • Demonstrate all required welding competencies
  • Complete OSHA‑10 General Industry
  • Maintain safe and professional conduct
  • Satisfy all financial obligations to the school

Students who meet all requirements receive a Certificate of Completion.

Re‑Training or Re‑Enrollment

Students who do not pass may request re‑enrollment in a future cohort. Approval is not guaranteed and may depend on:

  • Space availability
  • Reason for prior failure
  • Safety history
  • Instructor recommendation

Re‑enrollment may require additional tuition.