College, Interstate Welding to host annual welding open house

Jason Penley, head of the welding program at TCCC.

Tri-County Community College, in partnership with Interstate Welding and Steel Supply will hold a Welding Open House on Thursday at Interstate Welding and Steel Supply in Marble from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“The Welding Open House gives both current and prospective students a chance to come out and meet various representatives from the industry,” said Jason Penley, head of the welding program at Tri-County Community College. “Those who attend can also gain experience first-hand of what it is like to be a welder.”

The welding open house is set to feature representatives from the industry, who will bring equipment and perform several live demonstrations for attendees. The event will also include other representatives to discuss the benefits of a career in welding.

“Welding as a career can provide a lot of stability,” Penley said. “On average, nearly 95 percent of welders find full-time jobs, and the field keeps growing. A lot of skilled welders are getting close to retirement, which means there won’t be a shortage of welding jobs in the coming years.”

According to the American Welding Society, estimates by 2020 indicate there will be a national shortage of 290,000 professionals in the welding sector, including inspectors, engineers, and teachers.

“This event gives both high school students and anyone else in our the community with an interest in welding a chance to explore the opportunities a career in welding can open up for them,” Penley said.

For more information regarding the welding open house, call 837-7965. To learn more about the welding program at Tri-County Community College, visit www.tricountycc.edu.