A new Welding Technology Workforce Development Program will now be available at the River Valley School District STEAM Academy after it was awarded $200,000 in Manufacturing PA Training-To-Center funds from the Shapiro Administration and the PA Department of Community and Economic Development.
The program will include academic and hands-on training in basic and advanced welding and metal fabrication, as well as the use of various hand tools and power equipment, and field operations. Students will gain real world-experience in a 37-booth welding lab where they utilize Stick, MIG, TIG, and Flux-Core welds, along with oxy-acetylene cutting and welding techniques. They will also train on a plasma cutter and a robotic welding unit.
DCED Director of Workforce Development Initiatives Gwen Ross said in a news release said that, through River Valley’s program, “students looking for a career path and adult workers already in the job market can develop the advanced tech skills they need to qualify for apprenticeships and well-paying manufacturing opportunities that are available right now.”
The MTTC funds are a part of $23.5 million from the state budget geared towards investing in workforce training and technical education programs.
