|
|
Kansas Department of Commerce awards $141,050 to GCCC to expand welding training programFunding to help GCCC renovate facilities, increase enrollment Kansas The Kansas Department of Commerce has awarded $141,050 to Garden City Community College to help the institution expand its welding training program, officials announced June 3. The funding will help GCCC renovate its training and classroom facilities, achieve additional certification for instructors and deliver courses using computer-based modular and instructor-led learning. The college will also increase annual enrollment by at least 40 students and train a minimum of 139 students for each of the next three years. Students can earn a certificate of completion and/or an Associate of Applied Science degree. The award comes from the Workforce Solutions Fund and is a response to the state's immediate need for welders, cutters and solderers, particularly in the state's energy, manufacturing and construction industries. The need for these types of workers in Western Kansas is projected to increase 13 percent by 2012. Statewide, the need will increase 15 percent. "Welders, cutters and solderers are essential to our state's energy, manufacturing and construction industries," Governor Kathleen Sebelius said. "This Workforce Solutions Fund award is a direct response to the pressing need for these workers. We're glad to partner with Garden City Community College on this project, and we're confident it will help provide Kansas companies with the workers they need." Industry leaders Palmer Manufacturing, Tank Inc., and Tyson Fresh Foods, as well as USD 457 Garden City Public Schools, will partner with GCCC on the project. GCCC will assist Palmer Manufacturing and Tank Inc. with pre-candidate screening and provide training for Palmer employees. USD 457 will allow students to earn articulated credit and matriculate through a seamless secondary-to-postsecondary curriculum. Facility renovations are scheduled to begin in July and will be ready for the start of classes in August. State and GCCC officials believe this project will serve as replicable model for other educational institutions interested in delivering welding training. "The new facility here on our campus will provide training for incumbent workers and emergent workers coming through the area's high schools, as well as for people completing adult education and from the public at large," said Dr. Carol Ballantyne, GCCC president. "The benefit to our partners in industry is obvious, since GCCC will be turning out well-trained employees. However, there's also a strong benefit for the students of all ages who enroll, because they'll be able to earn college credit toward an associate degree in applied science while completing their certification as welders." The Workforce Solutions Fund allows Commerce to help workforce training institutions respond to the needs of Kansas businesses. Funds are invested into projects that enhance postsecondary institutions' training services or facilities for the benefit of all Kansas companies. The Workforce Solutions Fund has funded various workforce projects since its inception in 2004, including projects at Fort Hays State University, North Central Kansas Technical College and Hutchinson Community College.
Date: 7/10/08
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2011. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
|
