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Career Cluster Manufacturing, Engineering, and Technology
Metal Fabrication & Joining Technology students learn skills for working with metal in fields such as construction, heavy equipment repair, ventilation and air conditioning, and creative blacksmithing. Beginning in a school-based workshop and proceeding to active job sites, students learn how to measure, cut, and bend metal to blueprint specifications using manual and semi-automatic equipment. Specific tools they use include brakes, shears, presses, rolls, forming machines, welders and punches. Over the course of the program, students master a variety of welding techniques, including brazing and soldering.
Standards are critical areas of competency aligned to industry identified needs and Industry Recognized Credentials (IRCs) that will support student success in the field. Standards provide the structure that empowers the teacher to choose the best curriculum and instructional approaches to guide skill and knowledge development for students.
Industry Recognized Credentials demonstrate standards and skills that strengthen student access to careers upon graduation. Each framework identifies at least one essential safety and essential industry credential, with supplemental and specialized credentials identified to help expand opportunities. This framework is designed for students to gain insight and skills and credentials necessary for success in this field, including the essential credentials: OSHA 10 General Industry, American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welder, and AWS SENSE Entry-Level Welder.
The following resources are provided to support educators in developing curriculum and delivering instruction related to this framework. For CTE Chapter 74 programs, instructors can refer to these resources in developing the 900+ hours of required learning time.
Math Lessons:
The following Math Lesson and Teachers Guide provide an illustration of how a specific math concept is used in the context of career application.
**Disclosure Statement: Reference in this website to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public, and does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Our office is not responsible for and does not in any way guarantee the accuracy of information in other sites accessible through links herein. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education DESE may supplement this list with other services and products that meet the specified criteria. For more information contact: ccte@mass.gov
Qualified teachers will have a Career Technical Teacher License in Metal Fabrication and Joining Technologies.
Last Updated: January 6, 2026