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June 25, 2008

Welding training: Coming together to fill a need

By Trent Moore

CULLMAN — There is a need in the Cullman workforce for certified welders and Don Willoughby, with the Alabama Career Center, is working with everyone he can to meet that need.

“People should be aware of all the expanding industries we’re getting in Cullman,” he said. “We’re doing a ton of training just to keep up with the demand of the industry.”

Through the joint efforts of the Alabama Career Center, Alabama Industrial Development Training (AIDT), Cullman Area Career Center and Wallace State, a new generation of certified welders are being trained up to meet the growing demands of Cullman industry.

The need for more local welders was first brought to the attention of the Alabama Career Center by AAR Summa Technology.

When Willoughby learned of the company’s need he asked Wallace State to offer a night class for short-term welding training, to be paid for by federal funding from the Workforce Investment Act (WIA).

The college agreed and the class filled up, but the supply was still not meeting the demand.

“Wallace State was maxed out,” he said.

Needing more space to train welders, Willoughby turned to Cullman Area Career Center Director Becky Eason to see if she would be interested in hosting a welding night-class course at the high school technical center facilities.

“When I approached them about doing this it had never been done before,” he said. “But, they jumped on board.”

After holding the first round of training at the career center in March, Willoughby said the state-funded welding courses, which are offered for free and paid for by AIDT, have been a huge success.

“We just stick them in there as fast as we can,” Willoughby said of students interested in the course. “Most people welcome a chance to do this.”

Willoughby said the training courses are a perfect way to connect Cullman residents with Cullman jobs.

“We’ve got great workers right here in Cullman, it’s just sometimes they need a bit of polish,” he said. “We take people off the street that need these skills. We’re upgrading underemployed people to a higher skill level.”

AAR Summa Technology representative Jane Brannon said the training courses have turned into a great asset for the company.

“We were in need of hiring additional skilled welders,” she said. “These courses have helped us in filling that void, we are very pleased.”

Mike Quick, who is also with AAR Summa Technology, said the company hired 12 employees from the first career center class in March and are definitely looking forward to the new session, which began Monday night.

“We feel these classes will help fill our long-term needs,” he said.

AIDT representative Steve Sheridan said it’s everyone working together to meet the needs of area industry that really makes the situation in Cullman special.

“The programs are running well and it’s the cooperation in Cullman that makes it work so well,” he said. “Everyone working together makes it a win-win for everyone.”

As for an on-going need for local welders in the future, Willoughby said he doesn’t see demand dropping off anytime soon.

“We’re actually meeting with the North Alabama Fabricating Company (NAFCO) to try and set up a similar arrangement with them,” he said.

The three-week welding certification courses are available at both Wallace State and the Cullman Area Career Center.

For more information on the classes, contact the Alabama Career Center at 734-4911.

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