Ask any manufacturer, engineer, or scientist in the world, and they won’t even blink an eye before testifying to the incredible importance of welding to all industry.

From artists and sculptors, to papermakers, construction workers, and food processors, virtually every industry is served by welding. To learn more about the basics of welding and what welders do for our industries, the is a great place to start! However, it will suffice to say that it’s almost impossible to make it through daily life without being impacted by the importance of welding.

And with corporations such as . growing and thriving in the face of a brighter economy, the need for skilled welders in Nebraska is speeding up faster than jobs can be filled. As we mentioned on the blog the other day, the need for skilled workers in general is massive, meaning that job opportunities in the manufacturing field are numerous.

With this in mind, Central Community College-Columbus revealed a drastic expansion of their welding technology program this week, as reported in the . In fact, next month, the college will host an open house to show prospective students the opportunities made possible at CCC from the 9,550-square foot addition to the building housing the welding technology program.

The Telegram reports that according to the Nebraska Department of Labor, the need for welders in Northeast Nebraska will go up by more than 6% from 2008-2018—in other words, over 10,000 positions will be opening throughout the region. For those pursuing or interested in pursuing a welding degree, diploma, certificate or even just training, this is fantastic news!

The addition will be a major boost for the welding technology program, a jam-packed list of students that typically are on a wait to use the welding labs. The expansion adds 27 welding booths, a cutting room, a robotics room, and expanded locker rooms for male and female students. Better ventilation and updated technology are also included in the $2.8 million dollar project.

If you’re at all curious about welding or the future of welding technology in manufacturing, make sure to mark your calendar for February 19! The public will be able to view the new building after the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1 p.m. After that, tours will be given until 5 p.m. Don’t miss it!

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