College upgrading welding training

Flathead Valley Community College trustees voted Monday to add auto-body and welding technology certificates as well as a welding and inspection technology associate’s degree.

Bill Roope, director of career and technical education, told trustees the college initiated the auto-body certificate in response to needs of local employers. The advisory committee, including representatives from Able Body, Ohs’ and Eisinger body shops, found a need for more technicians and certifications for employees in the field.

“Almost every local business is looking for certifications for its employees,” Roope said.

The classes will use facilities at Flathead High School and offer college courses through Running Start so high school students also may take the classes scheduled from 3 to 6 p.m.

Able Body Shop has agreed to donate two prep booths and help obtain a paint mixing center.

Roope estimates at least 30 local technicians want to pursue additional training.

“We hope to hold enrollment to 15 to 20,” Roope said.

He expects about half of those may transfer to other schools to continue their technical education.

Along with this program, trustees unanimously approved the development of a specialized welding training certificate that provides additional certifications in specialized welding techniques.

This program provides the first year of the new two-year associate’s degree in welding and inspection technology given the nod Monday.

The Board of Regents also must approve on the associate’s degree.

Roope said the welding programs concentrate on the areas where jobs are most prevalent. He pointed to employers such as Stinger Welding in Libby and Semitool.

Roope said he recently learned that Applied Materials, which acquired Semitool this week, is requiring its welders to obtain certification. He said the new requirement would impact more than 50 employees.

He said employers including Stinger, Courier Welding, Montana Fabrication, Westside Fabrication and Sonju Industrial identified needs in welding inspection technology.

“Non-destructive testing technology will provide a new dimension to welding within Montana,” Roope said.

A Community Development Block Grant provided $216,000 to buy equipment for the program. Roope has identified adjunct faculty to teach non-destructive testing technology courses.

He coordinated with technical faculty at institutions in Havre, Billings, Great Falls and Missoula in developing this new program.

“We’re all aligned with where we’re going,” he said.

Plans call for obtaining a mobile X-ray lab for use in the inspection training.

According to Roope, classes for the first-year certificate are planned to start in January. He said equipment manufactures within this burgeoning field said the Northwest area needs more technicians.

“Job opportunities for the NDT-level certified technician are tremendous,” Roope said.

Trained people either align themselves with one large company or start their own small companies and travel to locations where inspections are required.