SCTC welding technology program gets $17,000-grant

Tuesday, November 6, 2018
Items purchased with the AWS Foundation Grant received by the Sikeston Career and Technology Center’s welding technology program are pictured.
Submitted photo

SIKESTON — The Sikeston Career and Technology Center Welding Technology Program was recently selected as a recipient of the American Welding Society (AWS) Foundation Welder Workforce Grant in the amount of $17,184. 

With this grant, SCTC will purchase three GMAW Miller XMT 450 MPa Series power sources and three S-74 MPa Pulse feeders, according to Brent Trankler, SCTC welding instructor.

“This will allow for training on up-to-date pulse welders which are predominately used in the region. Training on equipment that is suitably matched with the regional needs and welder demand will have a positive local effect on the businesses, area economy, students, school and overall welding industry,” Trankler said. “Training on these up-to-date GMAW Pulse Welders will greatly impact job placement due to the fact that area businesses require knowledge of welding on these machines that SCTC students will now have daily access to. In addition, student success in the field will cause a greater demand for welding placement in the SCTC program due to these students seeing others obtain sought after welding positions.”

According to the AWS Foundation, it is committed to securing the future of the welding industry by positively impacting welding education. Grants up to $25,000 are available for secondary and post-secondary education/training institutions to enhance and improve welding programs resulting in an increase in the number of welding graduates and/or the number of graduates successfully placed in welding or welding-related jobs. A total of up to $300,000 will be awarded annually to improve and expand training programs and institutions to increase the number of welding graduates across the country.

 “I am beyond humbled by the AWS Foundation’s generosity and support,” It is crucial that students are trained on equipment that keeps pace with area trends.  Receiving this grant will have a lasting positive impact on SCTC and this industrial region.”