The Gas Metal Arc Welding program, which began in March, is offered by the Workforce Solutions Department at Somerset Community College in partnership with Adair County Schools and the Lake Cumberland Area Development District. The first class was part of a series of five classes that will lead to the Gas Metal Arc Welding certificate. Classes were held in the Adair County Vocational Agriculture Shop.
Those who received the Welder Helper Certificate include: Jacob Bell, Monticello; Brady Bryant, Russell Springs; Joshua Collins, Edmonton; Collin Corbin, Edmonton; Jase Garmon, Columbia; Jeremy Garmon, Columbia; Christopher Johnson, Jamestown; Keith Malbaurn, Columbia; Kennthy Morgan, Burkesville; and Jonathan Vanarsdale, Edmonton.
The same certificate program will again be offered in the Fall of 2016, and students can register now by calling Karen Plagge, coordinator of career services, at 606-451-6786. To obtain the certificate, students will take five classes, plus associated labs this fall, for a total of 19 credit hours. Students who complete all five classes successfully will earn a total of four certificates.
The first class teaches students the practical application and manipulative skills of Gas Metal Arc Welding and the proper safety situations needed in this process. Both ferrous and non-ferrous metals will be covered, as well as various joint designs on plate in all positions. Students also learn about the identification, inspection, and maintenance of GMAW machines; the identification, selection, and storage of GMAW electrodes; and the principles of GMAW and the effects of variables on the GMAW process.
The cost for the class is $775.00 and qualifies for federal financial aid, if applicable. Financial assistance may also be available through the Lake Cumberland Area Development District. Students will be responsible for providing their own welding protective equipment (welding gloves, clear and shaded safety glasses, welding helmet with shade #10 lens, welding jacket, and boots) and equipment (tape measure 6ft minimum, wire brush, vise grip clamp, pliers) and purchasing a textbook.
To find out more about the welding class or to enroll in the class, contact Karen Plagge, coordinator of career services, at 606-451-6786. All students will be required to complete the free Somerset Community College admissions application, submit high school and any college transcripts, and ACT or COMPASS test scores.
Students may contact the Lake Cumberland Area Development District to see if they qualify for possible financial assistance with the tuition and books. Please contact Lisa Gosser at Lisag@lcadd.org or 270-866-4200.