The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) and Earlbeck Gases and Technologies (Earlbeck) have formalized their longtime training partnership with a memorandum of understanding today to provide students with the training and certification credentials needed to meet the expanding welder workforce opportunities.
Advancements in materials, processes and equipment make modern welding an increasingly high-tech skill. With an anticipated shortage of about 400,000 welders by 2024 as reported by the American Welding Society, job prospects are good for welders trained in the latest technologies. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “many employers prefer to hire workers who have been through training or credentialing programs.”
“We are particularly excited as this initiative provides a seamless pathway with highly regarded industry recognition for our students, and this coupled with highly effective industry connections will support students in obtaining jobs,” said Interim Vice President of Continuing Education and Workforce Development Ellen Flowers-Fields.
According to CSM’s Executive Director of Workforce Development Kelly Winters, the welding programs offered at the college’s Center for Trades and Energy at the Regional Hughesville Campus were developed several years ago using Earlbeck guidelines.
Andrew Hess, left, Earlbeck’s vice president of engineering, displays a student’s welding calling card which is a sample of their work during a tour of the Center for Trades and Energy Training and CSM’s welding lab. Hess explained that potential employers can stress test the sample to verify the quality of the student’s work.
“Earlbeck is considered a respected industry leader, and even before we formalized this partnership with Earlbeck today we had worked with them over the years to provide curriculum that meets the changing industry needs,” Winters said. The agreement ensures continuous curriculum updating to support students and instructor training and credentialing of CSM faculty.
Hess told those gathered at the signing about the “magic” that happens between business and education that produces valuable employees.
“Our philosophy is we teach students how to weld, you (the business) teach them your craft whether it is sheet metal, aerospace welding or structural steel,” Hess said. “We can provide them with those certifications they need to work at your facility. That allows us to put together a quick turn-around program that produces quality employees.”
The signing was followed by a tour of the Center for Trades and Energy and CSM’s welding lab. Photos of the event are posted at https://csmphoto.zenfolio.com/earlbeckmou.
About Earlbeck
Recipient of the 2017 American Welding Society and WEMCO “Excellence in Welding Award” in the educational facility category, Earlbeck provides world-class programs, so that their students are job ready at the end of their training. For information about Earlbeck, visit www.earlbeck.com.
About College of Southern Maryland
The College of Southern Maryland’s Center for Energy and Training provides direct access to specialized training in career fields that have substantial growth potential, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing and construction. CSM offers three tracks to become a certified welder. Located at the Regional Hughesville Campus, the welding lab is fitted with 20 welding booths.
For information about the center, visit https://www.csmd.edu/about/locations/regional-campus/center-for-trades-and-energy-training/. Course registration begins in January. Visit https://www.csmd.edu/programs-cours...pment/construction-and-skilled-trades/Welding for information.
Advancements in materials, processes and equipment make modern welding an increasingly high-tech skill. With an anticipated shortage of about 400,000 welders by 2024 as reported by the American Welding Society, job prospects are good for welders trained in the latest technologies. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “many employers prefer to hire workers who have been through training or credentialing programs.”
“We are particularly excited as this initiative provides a seamless pathway with highly regarded industry recognition for our students, and this coupled with highly effective industry connections will support students in obtaining jobs,” said Interim Vice President of Continuing Education and Workforce Development Ellen Flowers-Fields.
According to CSM’s Executive Director of Workforce Development Kelly Winters, the welding programs offered at the college’s Center for Trades and Energy at the Regional Hughesville Campus were developed several years ago using Earlbeck guidelines.
Andrew Hess, left, Earlbeck’s vice president of engineering, displays a student’s welding calling card which is a sample of their work during a tour of the Center for Trades and Energy Training and CSM’s welding lab. Hess explained that potential employers can stress test the sample to verify the quality of the student’s work.
“Earlbeck is considered a respected industry leader, and even before we formalized this partnership with Earlbeck today we had worked with them over the years to provide curriculum that meets the changing industry needs,” Winters said. The agreement ensures continuous curriculum updating to support students and instructor training and credentialing of CSM faculty.
Hess told those gathered at the signing about the “magic” that happens between business and education that produces valuable employees.
“Our philosophy is we teach students how to weld, you (the business) teach them your craft whether it is sheet metal, aerospace welding or structural steel,” Hess said. “We can provide them with those certifications they need to work at your facility. That allows us to put together a quick turn-around program that produces quality employees.”
The signing was followed by a tour of the Center for Trades and Energy and CSM’s welding lab. Photos of the event are posted at https://csmphoto.zenfolio.com/earlbeckmou.
About Earlbeck
Recipient of the 2017 American Welding Society and WEMCO “Excellence in Welding Award” in the educational facility category, Earlbeck provides world-class programs, so that their students are job ready at the end of their training. For information about Earlbeck, visit www.earlbeck.com.
About College of Southern Maryland
The College of Southern Maryland’s Center for Energy and Training provides direct access to specialized training in career fields that have substantial growth potential, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing and construction. CSM offers three tracks to become a certified welder. Located at the Regional Hughesville Campus, the welding lab is fitted with 20 welding booths.
For information about the center, visit https://www.csmd.edu/about/locations/regional-campus/center-for-trades-and-energy-training/. Course registration begins in January. Visit https://www.csmd.edu/programs-cours...pment/construction-and-skilled-trades/Welding for information.