TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The jobs are available and very soon, the training will be too.
Just this week, Tallahassee Community College announced an improved welding program, thanks to a $1.2 million grant from the federal government.
David Watson, the owner of Iron Images, speaks from experience as he's been welding for more than 25 years.
He believes the expansion of the welding program at Tallahassee Community College will benefit the industry.
"The industry is really lacking young qualified people," said Watson.
Welders make an average of $36,000 per year, that's according to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. Just one of many benefits the industry has to offer.
"It's a good field to get into. There's a lot of good qualified places to go work all over the country," said Watson. "You can work anywhere being a welder."
The federal grant will allow students to gain more hands on experience in welding by expanding TCC's training center.
"Hands on is where it's at. It allows the student to be ready for that employer day one. Over 70 percent of this instruction will be hands-on," said Kimberly Moore, VP of Workforce Innovation at TCC.
The grant still comes as a shock to some employees at the community college.
"Right now we are just going to rest in the moment of 'wow the administration and the investment that they've made to our college and community' and that together we are going to do some great things," said Moore.
The college hopes to have the training center completed by Fall 2020.
If you are interested in signing up for classes there is still room available.
Classes will run Monday through Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Federal financial aid is available for students as well.
You can call the number 850-201-8760 to sign up.
