Albany Technical College held a Program Spotlight presentation for the Welding and Joining Technology program, today, July 27. Program Spotlights are reminders to the community of the many programs offered at Albany Tech.
Today's speakers were Lisa Harrell, Dean of the Construction, Manufacturing, Transportation and Engineering Division; Interim ATC President Emmett Griswold; Mark Benton, ATC Welding & Joining Chair/Instructor; Makayla Henry, a 2016 ATC W&J Diploma graduate and currently employed as a welder with Equinox Chemicals, Albany, Georgia; and Mark Grimaldi, CEO of Equinox Chemicals.
"According to the American Welding Society, the welding shortage will reach 400,000 workers by 2024. Older welders are reaching retirement age, and younger welders aren't replacing them fast enough. I read that the average age of a welder is 55, and fewer than 20 percent are under the age of 35. Hence, the job outlook for the welding profession is promising in the next few years," says Dennis Benton, Albany Technical College Welding and Joining Technology Instructor.
"Robots perform many applications, including welding, and there is an interest in looking into bringing this training to our classroom locally, says Lisa Harrell, Dean of Academic Affairs and Albany Technical College. Many companies are looking at robotics welding (Automated Welding) as a means for increased production using automated, programmable systems that weld and handle the products. "We will be exploring this technology soon and any grant opportunities to make this kind of training a reality right here in southwest Georgia," stated Harrell.
Currently, Welding and Joining classes are offered on a flexible schedule, day and night, to accommodate many students working day jobs. The program is offered at the main ATC campus. Students can begin the program each fall and spring semesters.
Career opportunities may include MIG Welder (Gas Metal Arc Welder – GMAW), TIG Welder (Gas Tungsten Arc Welder – GTAW), Flux Cored Arc Welder (FCAW), Stick Welder (Shielded Metal Arc Welder – SMAW), Combination Welder or Welder's Helper.
For more information about the Welding and Joining Technology program, contact Mark Benton at 229.430.3530 or dbenton@albanytech.edu.
Original source can be found here.
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