Copiah-Lincoln Community College Workforce Education welding students completed the 10-month long, non-credit evening welding course and secured the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) Welding CONTREN Level I and II certifications under the guidance of Don Blandon, Co-Lin welding instructor.

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 can 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 three locations in the College’s district.

Instructor Don Blandon addressed the graduates, family, and friends, “This group has worked hard to get where they are today, and I hope that they leave with welding skills and work knowledge that will help them in their future jobs. I try to teach valuable life lessons along with welding skills in my classes. This is my tenth group of night class welding graduates, and they are a special group.”

Upcoming fall non-credit welding training courses start Aug. 8 with a registration deadline of July 29. Classes are available at the Wesson Campus in Wesson, the Natchez Campus in Natchez, and at Simpson County Center in Mendenhall. Additional information about registration is available at www.colin.edu/workforcwelding or by calling 601-643-8707.

Enrollment requirements include taking the ACT Work Keys Assessment and earning a bronze level or greater National Career Readiness Certificate. Funding assistance may be available through the WIN Job Center. Interested individuals should visit the Brookhaven WIN Center or call 601-823-9709.