Adult Welding Class is a Hit

The popular Adult Welding Fundamentals Course that began last fall to help fill available job openings at area manufacturers has completed one class and another is currently underway.

The first class ended in December with 12 students ranging in age from a 17-year-old high school student to a 66-year-old adult male. Students came from Effingham, Altamont, Mason, Neoga, Newton, Sigel, Teutopolis and Wheeler. The response from those in the class was very positive, with students noting that they were gaining great experience for future career opportunities and to gain skills in their current jobs.

Created by the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce and Effingham Community Unit 40 in conjunction with Lake Land College, the Adult Welding Fundamentals Course filled quickly as area residents and manufacturers took advantage of the special evening class. Students have been enhancing their job skills by learning a broad range of basic welding techniques using extra equipment donated to EHS by The Alliance and local companies.

“The response to the first class was so strong a waiting list had to be created,” reports Norma Lansing, Chamber President. “Lake Land College stepped up to offer another eight-week course to fill the demand for that important skill training.”

“Our local manufacturers have made it clear that there is a strong need for more individuals with welding skills to fill available jobs,” Lansing continued. “The partnership that came together to fill this need says a lot about our community commitment to business growth and better jobs for the people living here.”

Emphasis throughout the program is placed on developing skills in safety, metal identification, oxy-acetylene welding, metal cutting processes, shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding (including stainless steel and aluminum), machining, fluid power, mechanical drives and blueprint reading. Median pay for this career in 2012 was $36,720, or $17.66 per hour. (Information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U. S. Department of Labor).

Individuals or company managers with employees who can benefit from welding training should contact Lake Land College. The course has been offered as an eight-week course two evenings per week at Effingham High School. Future classes will be offered and advanced classes will be considered based on interest shown in the course and requests from local manufacturers.

To enroll or to get more details, contact Bryan Burrell, Academic Coordinator at 217-234-5379 or bburrell@Lakeland.cc.il.us or contact the Effingham County Chamber office.