Welding students earn credentials

Co-Lin Workforce Education Welding program completers included (left to right) Dontrell Banks, Justin Gray, Zakarria Hill, and Antonio Lenoir of Brookhaven; Lamar Barnett of Jayess; Taylor Carr of Sontag; Jidalyn Murray of Hazlehurst; Kendrick Smith and Rakim Williams of Mendenhall; Cody Sylvest of Wesson; and Cameron Thames of Ruth.

Co-Lin Workforce Education welding students have completed a 10-month, non-credit evening welding course and secured the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) Welding CONTREN Level I and II certifications.

Don Blandon, Co-Lin welding instructor, conducted his ninth session session of workforce evening welding classes at Co-Lin.

The program introduces participants to introductory craft skills (Core), Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG), and Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW). Upon successful completion of the Welding Contren Learning Series, students can earn Level I and II certification through the NCCER. In addition to welding skills, students train to earn 10-hour Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) General Industry credentials.

With welders in high demand in the manufacturing, agriculture, and oil industries, Co-Lin’s Workforce Education Division is currently offering evening classes at two locations within the college’s district.

Upcoming non-credit welding training courses start August 8 with a registration deadline of July 29. Classes are available at both the Wesson Campus and at the Simpson County Center in Mendenhall.

Additional information about registration is available at www.colin.edu/workforcwelding or may be requested by calling 601-643-8707.

Enrollment requirements include taking the ACT Work Keys Assessment and earning a bronze level or greater National Career Readiness Certificate.