The Piping Industry Training Center’s Accelerated Welding Program is helping to fill the region’s need for trained, skilled welders.
Each year the program allows upwards of 12 selected apprentices the opportunity to reach journeymen status in four years instead of five years.
The Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee selects apprentices to participate in the Accelerated Welding Program. Those who accept the invitation have up to 18 weeks to complete this free program.
Like normal apprentices, participants in the program receive classroom and hands-on training in the welding shop. The major difference between a normal apprenticeship and the Accelerated Welding Program is the length of the program and the class time.
Regular apprentices receive instruction several nights during the week, which allows them to work with a contractor during the day.
Members of the Accelerated Welding Program receive training instruction five days a week, starting at 7 a.m. and wrapping up at 3:30 p.m. While taking the course, they cannot work for a contactor.
First-year apprentices who successfully complete the program become second-year apprentices.
According to Chris Weaver, Director of Training at the Piping Industry Training Center, the Accelerated Welding Program, is intense. The apprentices receive a lot of information in a short amount of time.
“Those who are dedicated to learning to improve their skills get the most benefits from the program,” said Weaver.
He said this well-rounded program has been especially helpful in producing journeymen and apprentice welders to help fill the region’s welding manpower needs.
Anyone interested in becoming a welder can apply for an apprenticeship online by clicking here.