Fig. 2 — Instructor Ryan Eubanks shows students how to repair an aluminum casting for a small engine using GTAW. (Photo by Adam Continenza.) gram, as well as in the manufacturing sector, the school founded its Welding N.O.W. program, fostered through a U.S. Department of Labor grant. The goal is to help students attain high-paying careers in the manufacturing sector by offering new skills in demand, oneon one assistance, and welding certificates that lead to a degree. Local Partnerships Help Students Develop New Skills Lakeland Community College works alongside Lincoln Electric to create curriculum that meets the unique needs of industry. In the program, students are given the option of taking classes at Lincoln Electric Welding THE AMERICAN WELDER School. This opportunity grants students hands-on, real-life experience with on-site training. “The program doesn’t only teach us the fundamentals, but also the different quirks of welding, little touches you can’t learn from a book,” said second year student Paul Scott — Fig. 1. “They showed me how to walk the tungsten from side to side. A book can’t show you that.” Lakeland has also teamed with more than 70 local employers in manufacturing, including Swagelok Co., Air Technical Industries, and Computer Repair Technologies, Inc. These employer partnerships help guide development of the program through the Welding Advisory Committee, explained Gahr. “They assist with the creation and distribution of a welding workforce survey, critically review curriculum, participate as guest lecturers, offer plant tours, and participate in employer panels, which provides students with real-world insight into welding and welding internships,” said Gahr. DECEMBER 2016 / WELDING JOURNAL 93 Fig. 3 — Instructor Ryan Eubanks stands in front of the school’s welding booths. (Photo by Adam Continenza.)
Welding Journal | December 2016
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