Fletcher offering free welding training; course graduates receive $400 tool kit

The “Pathways to Construction Employment Initiative” program at Fletcher Technical Community College begins with free welding training and ends with almost a 100 percent guarantee of employment.

The U.S. Department of Labor in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Labor granted a total of $925,000 to fund the program, which will produce 475 trained welders by June 30, 2007.

Upon completion of the program, students will receive a tool kit valued at $400 containing supplies needed to begin a welding job.

Registration began on Sept. 18 and will continue to stay open to anyone interested throughout the program.

Only three things are needed to enroll: a driver’s license, birth certificate, and social security card, said Program Coordinator Catherine Barber. 

Three-week sessions include classes are held from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; night classes may be soon schedule to accommodate students who work during regular school hours, Barber said. The class is a 90-hour, non-credit course intended to provide local companies with much-needed welders.

Tony Callais, welding instructor at Fletcher, will teach these special training courses.

“Pathways to Construction” is a part of the road to recovery in Louisiana since last year’s hurricanes.

“The oil field has been booming, and there’s been a welder shortage even before the storms. Especially now, after all the destruction in the Gulf, all companies are having trouble finding enough welders,” Callais said.

Fletcher’s welding department has an Advisory Committee that meets twice a year to keep up with the industry standards, he said.

“We are trying to meet every need of the industry with this program,” he said. “Almost every day companies call me to inform me of what areas they need us to train our students in.”

Callais is a certified welding inspector, and he will visually check the students’ work in the shop, and teach welding safety, which will be assessed with written examinations.

Barber calls for women interested in the welding profession to enroll for the class, as well.

“People think that only men are welders, but that is not at all true,” she said. “We want to encourage our ladies to take advantage in this program.”

The grant will also provide Fletcher with a new portable building and will add another instructor as the program progresses this year, Barber said. The monies will also fund training for 25 individuals in the residential air-conditioning during the spring 2007 semester.

This course is also free but will count as a regular credit course.  Textbooks are also supplied for the class, she said. Upon completion of the course, each student will receive a toolbox valued at $700 including screwdrivers, pliers, a thermometer, wrenches and the like, Barber said.

For more information about any of the classes, contact Fletcher at (985) 876-9800, extension 109.

Margot Montet can be reached at (985) 876-3008 or margot@tri-parishtimes.com.