Partners and Career Resources
Welding Program Partners
Huge thanks to these local organizations for helping our program be on the cutting edge of welding technology to give our students a solid and valuable welding education.
- Andy Egan Company
- Boilermakers Local 169
- DeWys Manufacturing
- Express Employment Professionals
- Grand Rapids Community College/Brandford White
- Lincoln Electric
- Miller Welding Supply
- Moiron
- Pridgeon and Clay
- Purity Cylinder Gasses Inc.
- Rite-Way Plumbing and Heating Inc.
- Sheet Metal Local 7
- UA 174
What Our Partners Say About the Program
"We are a contract manufacturing, solution-based business and welding is one of our core competencies. Without strong weld capabilities, our customers will find other resources to handle their needs. DeWys expects to add an additional 20 manual and robotic welders, and currently has openings on all of our shifts. Being competitive in the metal manufacturing environment requires an extensive weld knowledge that begins with strong weld programs. The development of the KCTC Welding Technology program aligns perfectly to our current and future needs for growth." - Laura Elsner, Workforce Development Manager, DeWys Manufacturing
"The availability of good qualified welders, mainly from the northern Kent County area, is of paramount importance to Moiron (A Division of Leggett & Platt, Inc). For several years the final operation - welding - in the fabrication of our parts for the Office Furniture and Exercise Equipment industries has been a significant bottleneck, leading to higher overtime costs and jeopardizing our ability to deliver our parts to our customers on time. I use multiple temporary services and MI Talent to search for both Mig and Tig welders and there are long periods of time where there are no leads to a successful candidate. Our best welders over the years have come from counties with Career Tech Centers that have welding programs." - Scott Beck, Procurement Director, Moiron - A Division of Leggett & Platt Components Company, Inc.
Career Resources
The world of welding is huge with careers in nearly every industry! Below are examples of just a few welding-related jobs and how you might get there.
Welding Engineer
Training Level: advanced
Path to this career - Graduate from high school with Welding program experience, complete Bachelor's degree in Welding. OR, gain experience in industry to Welding Engineer level.
Welding Technician
Training Level: Intermediate to advanced
Graduate from high school with Welding program experience, complete Associate degree in Welding. OR, gain experience in industry until reaching Welding Technician level.
Welding Inspector
Training Level: Intermediate to advanced
Graduate from high school with Welding program experience, complete 5 years of general welding experience, then pass the American Welding Society exam.
Pipefitter or Boilermaker
Training Level: advanced
Graduate from high school with Welding program experience, complete an apprenticeship or attend trade school or technical college. Apprenticeships often have little to no out of pocket costs and you get paid for on the job training.
Structural Welder
Training Level: Introductory to intermediate
Graduate from high school with Welding program experience, go right to work, pass certification testing.
