Thirteen Copiah-Lincoln Community College Workforce Education students on the Wesson Campus recently completed the non-credit evening welding course and secured the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) Welding CONTREN Level I and II certifications. The program introduces participants to introductory craft skills (Core), Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG) and Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW).

Upon successful completion of the Welding Contren Learning Series, students have the opportunity to earn Level I and II certification through the NCCER. In addition to welding skills, students train for and earn their 10-hour Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) General Industry. With welders in high demand in the manufacturing, agriculture, and oil industries, Co-Lin’s Workforce Education Division is currently offering evening classes at the Wesson Campus and Simpson County Center.

Upcoming fall non-credit welding training courses start Aug. 9 on the Wesson Campus with a registration deadline of July 23. Classes start at the Simpson County Center Aug. 16 with a registration deadline of Aug. 7. Additional information about registration is available at https://workforce.colin.edu/welding/ or call 601-643-8707. Enrollment requirements include taking the ACT Work Keys Assessment and earning a bronze level or greater National Career Readiness Certificate.

The Workforce Division at Co-Lin exists to provide skills to current and future employees desiring to acquire skills necessary for their career no matter their age, background or skill set. Training is available in various forms and accommodates a wide audience in the Co-Lin District, which includes Adams, Copiah, Franklin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lincoln and Simpson counties. Individuals benefit from affordable, short-term, non-credit, workforce training classes that provide new or enhanced skills needed to enter a new field or re-enter with upgraded skills. Employers who enter a partnership with Workforce Education may receive custom, affordable job-training to address the unique needs of the organization, including but not limited to safety, computer and soft skills. Training sessions are available at Co-Lin facilities or at the industry location.

Co-Lin Workforce Education Welding program completers included Eric Bates, Timothy Dickey, Jason Anderson, Patrick Jointer, Trevienne James, Cody Bridwell and Adrian Gines, all of Brookhaven; Jaren Holliday of Harrisville; Marty Langley and Brandon Lewis of Bogue Chitto; Raven Spears of Hazlehurst; Demarcus Edwards of Monticello; and Anthony Graves of Braxton.