By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
A new program to train welders is fusing the goals of unemployed workers and employers in search of certified welders.
The customized welding training is being offered at the new Penta Career Center facility in Bowling Green. Penta, Ohio Means Jobs in Wood County, and Northwest State Community College have partnered to offer the training.
“Welding is continuously needed in construction and manufacturing,” said Pete Prichard of Northwest State. “The demand for welders is always high.”
And right now, many Wood County residents are finding themselves in need of good jobs.
“This is for anybody who is underemployed or on unemployment right now,” said Mary DeWitt, workforce administrator at Ohio Means Jobs Wood County. “Welding is definitely a good career to get into.”
The training will run from Jan. 11 to Feb. 15, providing 100 hours of hands-on training for welding and forklift certification. The training is free for those who qualify. A second round of classes may be offered if there is enough demand, DeWitt said.
The training will be held in the Penta facility at 760 W. Newton Road in Bowling Green.
“They’ve got this beautiful facility here in Bowling Green, with eight state-of-the-art welding booths,” DeWitt said. “Let’s use that facility.”
Like much of the nation, Wood County is seeing many residents whose work hours have been cut, or they are underemployed due to COVID-19.
“It’s a weird time right now – a weird recession,” DeWitt said.
But the demand for welders remains high. The average annual salary for a welder in this region is $40,589.
“For anyone who wants to look for a stable, good-paying job, this is definitely a good opportunity,” DeWitt said. “Wood County has the jobs. And this would be a prime time to get the training and get a well-paid permanent job.”
For some, the welding course may serve as a first step to a specialized career in welding or other trades, DeWitt said.
“You can definitely branch off of that and continue your education,” she said. “Any type of skilled trade – welding, electrician – they are all high demand, well-paying jobs.”
Anyone interested in the welding training may contact Leslie Head at Wood County Educational Service Center at 419-575-0109 or lhead@wcesc.org, or DeWitt at mary.dewitt@jfs.ohio.gov, or 419-373-6970.
