The study seeks to provide current empirical data for welding curriculum development and updating and for an occupational ladder. To secure information, a descriptive survey was conducted in Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. A welder and welding supervisor in each of 58 responding industries filled out an in-depth questionnaire; the respondents represent both large and small industries hiring from 4 to 600 welders. Questionnaires filled out by 12 American Welding Society regional presidents assured the study greater validity. The questionnaire consisted of 36 questions divided into five sub-divisions: general information, basic education, welding-related knowledge requirements, welder-related skills and functions, and the manipulative skills required for a production welder. The analysis of the questionnaire is provided question-by-question within each section of the study, with the necessary data tabulation provided and referenced. Eleven recommendations for curriculum development emphasize the need for area surveys of needs, school-industry cooperation, development of an occupational ladder, more cooperative work-experience programs, and instruction of experienced welders to enable them to become on-the-job trainers of new welders. Extensive appendixes include copies of the questionnaires, information about and remarks made by the respondents, and a list of industrial concerns. (AJ)