Welding program makes SENSE

Students in the Central Lakes College Welding program in Brainerd have additional benefits as a result of a new partnership with the American Welding Society. Membership in AWS brings national accreditation acknowledged by SENSE – Schools Excelling through National Skill Standards Education. With the start of the spring semester, CLC Welding students begin American Welding Society training that leads to Level I Welder Certification. Students then advance to Level II during a summer session. Upon graduation from Central Lakes College and completion of the SENSE program, the student obtains industry certification as a Level II Advanced Welder. The affiliation with AWS gives students access to technical resources and a national registry of apprenticeships and career opportunities. Employers profit by knowing CLC graduates have the skills required for success. Less on-the-job training means reduced cost of hiring. Instructor Mike Reeser will obtain Certified Welding Educator certification in the spring after completing proficiency requirements from AWS March 12-17 in Indianapolis. The certification confirms his ability to specifically direct and perform operations associated with welder training and classroom instruction.