Ohio Technical College has partnered with The Lincoln Electric Company to launch a new welding course.
Enrolled students will receive training at Ohio Technical College's welding facility outfitted with the latest welding equipment and consumables supplied by Lincoln Electric. The 12-month program will focus on arc welding skills, processes, techniques and safety. Students will receive certification following successful completion of the course.
"This program exemplifies the partnerships that are needed to meet the workforce challenges faced by businesses both in the region and worldwide," says Tom King, director of Enrollment Management, Ohio Technical College. "Students become trained in an employable trade using the best equipment available, and employers have a new pool of highly skilled workers from which to hire. Ohio Technical College and Lincoln Electric also benefit by contributing to the growth and continuing success of the welding industry."
As a result of a global boom in industrial manufacturing, skilled welders are in greater demand than ever. According to industry group The American Welding Society, there is a shortage of up to 200,000 welders by 2010. And that impact is felt in Northeast Ohio.
"Lincoln Electric has a strong focus on the educational sector. We want the welding industry to thrive," says Carl Peters, director of training, Lincoln Electric. "We're very excited about our partnership with Ohio Technical College because to be successful, it's imperative to the welding market to have a supply of professionally trained welders that understand the safe use of the latest processes and technologies."
For more information, visit www.ohiotechnicalcollege.com. 
