The SCILL Center vocational welding students are diligently working to improve on their new trade, and Executive Director Jerry Gurrado explained that 10 of the 16 vocational welding students have earned their certifications – something Gurrado said he’s very thrilled about. The students are currently about six months ahead in their training and Gurrado attributed their success in their studies to instructor Andy Odle.
On top of that, 13 students are serving internships at local businesses on Fridays. Gurrado said that the welding class runs Monday through Thursday, and during the second semester, his hope is to have all 16 students in an internship program. Unfortunately, the program has run into an issue because some of the industries that jumped on board before Christmas backed out, leaving three students without a place to go for their internship. While Gurrado said he feels bad for the three that have not yet been placed, he’s confident that the SCILL Center will find an area business willing to take on an intern welder.
To that effect, he is urging local businesses with any need whatsoever for a welder to contact the SCILL Center. He said the business does not have to be primarily a welding shop; rather, any business in which any welding at all is performed would be ideal, as the intern would only be there one day a week for an afternoon.
Gurrado said that some of the employers that have taken on interns have been so pleased with their performance that they have mentioned the possibility of keeping the student on for the summer, which he said would be phenomenal.
For more information on the welding program, internships, or if you know of an area business that might benefit from a welding intern, contact the SCILL Center at (574) 772-8001.
