Free Welding Classes Offered to 2016 Mercer Grads

HERMITAGE, Pa. – Penn-Northwest Development Corp., the Laurel Technical Institute, West Central Partnership, Mercer County school systems and three private employers are offering free welding classes this summer to 2016 graduates of Mercer County high schools.

The classes, called “The Welding Academy,” will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. weekdays and run from July 11 to Aug. 19 at the Laurel Technical Institute, 892 S. Dock St.

While no tuition will be charged, students must qualify, which includes passing a drug test and submitting an application to enter. To enroll, he or she must work with his or her guidance counselor, high school principal or school district superintendent, says Randy Seitz, executive director of Penn-Northwest.

Those accepted must demonstrate “a strong desire” to be a welder and master the trade and a “strong work ethic,” Seitz adds.

To graduate from the five-week course, the student must attend every session. He or she is responsible for providing his or her transportation, Seitz says.

Upon graduation, each student will receive an American Welding Standards certification and credit at Laurel Technical Institute toward an associate’s degree there.

Helping to underwrite The Welding Academy are Bucks Fabricating in Greenville, Imperial Systems Inc. in Jackson Center and Flexospan Steel Buildings Inc. in Sandy Lake. Dale Deist, retired owner of Deist Industries, has also contributed to paying for the students’ tuition.

For more information about the Welding Academy or to register, contact Penn-Northwest at 724 662 3705.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.