By Vincent Joseph for BIS Mumbai

 Don Bosco ITI Chinchwad has once again proven its commitment to vocational excellence by successfully hosting a rigorous 50-hour ITI-aligned Advanced Welder Course from February 16 to 28, 2026.

 This transformative program targeted 21 dedicated students from Mulshi ITI, split into rotating groups of seven, equipping them with industry-ready skills in high-demand welding techniques. Held across 10 intensive daily five-hour sessions, the course blended 20 hours of theory with 30 hours of hands-on practice, perfectly aligning with the NCVT CTS Welder syllabus. Key areas included SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding), GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding), and Gas Welding (OAW). 

 Developed by training instructor Mr Vincent Joseph, the syllabus emphasized safety, precision, and quality—essentials for sectors like automotive, fabrication, and heavy projects. 

 The training kicked off with Session 1's critical safety protocols, addressing hazards such as fumes, electrical shocks, burns, and proper PPE usage per ITI norms. Session 2 focused on equipment mastery: oxy-acetylene setups, SMAW transformers, MIG wire feeders, and TIG tungsten electrodes. Students then tackled Gas Welding basics in Session 3, practicing bevel cuts and bead runs on mild steel (MS) plates.Core arc processes dominated Sessions 4-5, covering SMAW striking on 10mm plates, GMAW spray arcs, and TIG filler addition across five joint types (butt, lap, tee, corner, edge) in positions 1G to 5G. Practical peaks came in Session 6's flat-position welds with stringers and beads, followed by Session 7's multi-position weaves and multi-pass fillets on stainless steel (SS) plates. Session 8 honed defect detection skills, teaching remedies for porosity, cracks, and inclusions using visual checks and non-destructive testing (NDT) like dye penetrant. Advanced pipe welding in Session 9 featured single V-butts in challenging 5G/6G positions, with TIG roots and GMAW/SMAW fills. The finale in Session 10 showcased repair demonstrations, bend tests, and job analysis.

 This initiative bridges the gap for 8th and 10th-pass youth, fostering employability in a competitive job market. "Our focus on safety and precision ensures graduates are not just skilled, but confident welders ready for real-world challenges," said Fr Anton D'Souza, who personally handed certificates to all trainees who passed final tests during a heartfelt ceremony. 

 Mr Nilesh Chandgude proposed a gracious vote of thanks, honoring the students' dedication and instructors' expertise.

 Don Bosco ITI Chinchwad continues to lead in skill development, preparing the next generation for industrial success.