Welders board midnight special
West Hills introduces overnight class
Daniel Auld
Issue date: 2/15/10 Section: News
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For those whose circumstances make it impossible to take daytime welding classes, the 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. class that began Jan. 25, 2010, is a blessing. For CCAC, it provides a way to serve more people.
"We had three shifts running, and there were still people waiting on an eternal waiting list," Ron Logreco, assistant dean at West Hills Center, told the Voice. "And we only have one welding lab, so the only other choice was to open up another shift."
Logreco said the idea to open a class this late had been tossed around, but the only way to see if it would work was to try it. He and other administrators were surprised when it was the first class to fill. This first-ever class has only 16 spots available on the roster, which were taken quickly.
The class is part of the Fast Track Welding Program, which is designed to help displaced workers get the training and certificates they need to get back into the workforce as soon as possible.
"The Fast Track Program is number one for dislocated workers," said Logreco. "It means that you can complete the course for a certificate in under six months."
Welding instructor George Klemencic, 69, is enthusiastic about teaching the class. He returned from retirement for the opportunity to be part of CCAC's pioneering effort in workforce training programs, an essential for the expansion of the region.
"It's going great," Klemencic told the Voice. "It's more than I expected it to be. CCAC is definitely on the right track. Welders are needed. Most of our bridges were built at the turn of the 20th century and are in need of repair or replacement. And manufacturing is projected to make a comeback. The trickledown effect from that creates a lot of jobs for welders."
Klemencic is impressed with the students themselves. He said they are extremely dedicated to the class and making a better future for themselves. Each has an individual story of struggle and hope.