Ellis County Coalition for Economic Development

The completion of short-term welding training was celebrated on Saturday. The three-week program consisted of twice weekly evening classes and three Saturday classes and was designed to teach the students the basics of welding.

The 14 students were instructed by NCK Technical College’s Welding Instructor Buck Danner. This hands-on course taught the knowledge and skills necessary to safely use gas metal arc welding processes and equipment in an industrial welding shop. Topics included general safety, welding theory and quality control. Skills gained in this course will be used to seek employment as an entry-level production welder in fabrication and manufacturing industries.

The first class was held in November with 10 students. Student Makooshla Frier found employment as a direct result of the training.

“I’m thankful for this job and this opportunity for the education that I am getting here. It’s a very good deal,” she said. “My job is amazing! I’m so grateful and thankful for this opportunity! I could not have done it without you guys! Thank you so much!”

Developed by a partnership with the Ellis County Development Corp., a 501(c)3 through the Ellis County Coalition for Economic Development; Kansas Department of Commerce; KansasWorks; North Central Kansas Technical College; Kansas WorkforceONE; and funded by a generous grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, the training was developed to address growing demand of welders.

Area manufacturers attended quarterly Manufacturing Roundtables hosted by the Ellis County Coalition where they expressed concern for the lack of the welding skill set. Through these meetings, the short term training concept was born, partnerships were created and curriculum was developed. At this time, 12 students have been offered positions.