Top News
Welding training: Coming together to fill a need
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.
- Top News
-
-
Buzz short lived for alcohol supporters
In the heaviest voter turnout in Hanceville’s history, residents voted Tuesday to keep alcohol out of the city by the slimmest of margins.
Only 28 votes separated dry from wet in the special referendum, with 575 residents voting to keep the city dry and 547 voting in favor of legalized liquor sales. A total of 1,122 ballots were cast, including a total of 44 absentee votes.
-
AU football team chaplain to speak tonight at Northbrook Baptist Church
Chette Williams, team Chaplain for the Auburn University football team and campus director for the AU Chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) will be speaking at Northbrook Baptist Church at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 10.
-
Good Hope sewer rates to increase
GOOD HOPE — For the first time in more than 20 years, residents of Good Hope are being asked to pay more for sewer service. The Good Hope city council passed a bump in sewer rates Monday, raising residential and commercial prices across the board by 8 percent.
-
Contractor insurance here to stay, council keeps ordinance
The debate is over: Contractors must have general liability insurance to do any job within the City of Cullman. The city council made the requirement final Monday night with a 3-2 majority vote.
-
Colony meeting tonight
Colony officials have called a special meeting for tonight (Tuesday) at 6 p.m. at town hall.
-
Shareholders sue Peoples Bank
Three Peoples Bank shareholders have filed a lawsuit against the bank alleging financial
-
Vehicle hit by train, driver recovering
Despite being hit by a train this weekend, Hanceville teenager Christian Randau is doing pretty good.
-
Man convicted of sodomy, sexual abuse of a child under 12
A former U.S. Marine-in-training has been convicted of sodomy in the first degree and sexual abuse of a child under 12 years old.
-
Alcohol referendum set for today
After an emotionally taxing two-month debate, Hanceville voters finally get their chance today to decide whether they want to allow alcohol to be sold in their city.
-
Text message scam involving local bank reported
A new text message scam is making the rounds in Cullman County.
- More Top News Headlines
-
