Area Companies Gift Supplies to 91视频 Welding Program
Donations totaling over $5,000 dollars in materials to the 91视频 Welding Program are providing much-needed metals for hands-on learning in the welding lab.
But the donations provide much more than materials 鈥� it also builds relationships.
That鈥檚 according to Bobby Bland, welding program instructor, who said the donations have sparked communication and collaboration among the students and local industries.
Five industries, Nestl茅 Purina PetCare Company, Blazer Boats, Baker Products, WEG Transformers USA, and Rivercraft Trailers are companies that Bland has partnered with in the past.
鈥淭hese donations allow for collaboration with our industry partners to build a strong bond among our students and the community,鈥� he said.
The donations include metal supplies, such as stainless steel and aluminum.
鈥淲e are always appreciative for the kind generosity of our industry partners,鈥� added Dr. Richard Hudanick, dean of career and technical education at 91视频. 鈥淚 look forward to further expanding these relationships and building career pathways for our students.鈥�
Listed below are the names of the companies making donations, their location, and the value of the gifts:
- Nestle Purina Support Center, St. Louis, $1,000;
- Blazer Boats, Ellington, Mo., $1,000;
- Baker Products, Ellington, Mo., $5,000;
- WEG Transformers USA, Washington, $1,000; and
Bland explained that while students work with the donated materials, they learn about the company that donated the metals.
鈥淭his creates a great pathway to the companies,鈥� he added. 鈥淚t also creates a pool of future employees for these industries.
鈥淭he students learn the real-world application of the materials and hear about the industries to learn what they actually do.鈥�
According to Bland, the generosity of the donors provides great assistance to the program due to the costs of metal.
鈥淚f we were to purchase new metal, the program would be much more costly and we want to continue to provide a top-notch program at a low cost,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he cost of materials is why many welding schools charge so much for enrollment.鈥�
Bland noted that the donated materials directly impact both current and future students.
鈥淔or example, the Baker Products donation will last for four semesters and will be used by welding students over the next few semesters,鈥� he explained. 鈥淭his is a huge benefit for our students and the entire program.鈥�
Welding Program
The 91视频 welding curriculum is built to meet industry needs, and it exceeds it in ways that separate it from welding programs at other colleges, Bland said.
Each year, there are career opportunities lined up for 91视频 welding students because there is a large demand for qualified welders in the area and across the state.
According to Bland, his program at 91视频 provides a positive learning environment for students.
鈥淲e have fun and energetic lecture and lab environments,鈥� he commented. 鈥淥ur students work in teams and groups, and individually, which helps prepare them for what they will encounter in the workforce.鈥�
In addition, Bland said, the 91视频 welding program offers training in Lean manufacturing and teaches students how to communicate with engineers and designers. Lean manufacturing is a process that reduces waste and maximizes productivity.
The Welding program also offers flexibility so students can learn the different welding processes such as MIG, TIG, and stick welding, Bland further added.
See more information about the 91视频 welding program.
