On November 1, 2022, the first cohort of students began attending a brand new welding program in the City of La Porte. Over the course of the past few years, the demand for certified welders at businesses located in La Porte County has continued to rise. Finally, after a collaborative effort between local stakeholders, this new program was brought to life.
Representatives from the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership, Ivy Tech Community College, Center for Workforce Innovations, the La Porte Community School Corporation, and New York Blower, worked together to bring this program to La Porte. The program is being held at New York Blower's Testing Laboratory located at 1000 Happiness Way. This first class will be completed before Christmas, and students who complete the program will earn their certificate in MIG/Gas Metal Arc welding. Another class is intended to begin sometime after the first of the year. Currently, classes are being offered to adults 18 and over. Beginning next fall, students from La Porte High School will begin attending classes at this location as well.
On Thursday, November 10, all of the key partners gathered at the New York Blower Welding Lab site to celebrate the launch of this program. New York Blower was instrumental in getting this program off the ground by offering up the space at their facility and purchasing the equipment for 6 brand new welding stations. This program will continue to be improved and expanded upon over the next couple years. For any questions regarding this program, you may contact Erik Nelson, Workforce Development Coordinator at the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership