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 skills 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 IRCs 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.
The following resources are provided to support educators in developing curriculum and delivering instruction related to this framework.
The following Scope and Sequence template is a planning tool for Career Technical Education CTE programs to map out a coherent 4-year progression of courses, content, and skills in alignment with the Massachusetts Career Technical Education CTE Frameworks.
The following Math Lesson and Teachers Guide provide an illustration of how a specific math concept is used in the context of career application. Visit the Math Resources tab for more information about Career Connected Math.
Thinking about a career in Metal Fabrication and Joining Technologies? Whether you're a student exploring your options or a family member supporting their journey, the resources below can help you find a program near you and learn more about what to expect from a Massachusetts Career Technical Education CTE program.
For Career Technical Education CTE Chapter 74 programs, instructors can refer to these resources in developing the 900+ hours of required learning time.
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Qualified teachers will have a Career Technical Teacher License in Metal Fabrication and Joining Technologies.
Last Updated: July 27, 2026