At MCCC, Accelerated Beginning Welding Courses are now being offered to the students at the Welding Center on Hurd Rd.
This ten-week course is expected to prepare its participants for numerous jobs, such as welders, solderers, brazers and cutters.
“The Accelerated Welding Program was created to train unemployed and dislocated workers to become welders,” said Joseph Czapiewski, the coordinator of the Welding Grant.
There are currently 190 students participating in the class; of whom 129 will be granted certification.
Some of the other students found jobs, causing them to drop the course. Other students didn’t finish all the required assignments to gain the certification.
All students enrolled in the program will earn 12 credit hours. Also, if the students complete all projects in the class, they can receive three different certifications; Level I Entry Welding (AWS QC10), Level II Advanced Welder (AWS QC11), and Level III Expert Welder (AWS QC12).
These certifications will allow employers to know that students meet certain minimum requirements.
Two months after meeting these requirements, students will receive their certifications. Students will also still be asked to perform a weld test prior to employment.
Ventower, a new Monroe business, also will be looking at certified students from MCCC for employment opportunities.
Jason Karamol and Justin Schmidt will be instructing these courses on campus. Karamol is a Certified Welding Inspector and instructor; he is also a graduate of Owens Community College.
Schmidt, who is certified in welding and cold water extraction, graduated from Ferris State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Welding Engineering Technology.
The new welding programs are opening many doors for students.
