W2W Graduates Make History!
Today, the Steel Yard graduated seven remarkable individuals from Weld to Work 2.0. We are so extraordinarily proud of them for everything they have accomplished throughout their 150-hours of welding training. Each participant was selected to participate in this advanced training after completing our one-week, 30-hour program earlier in the year.
In the five weeks of programming each participant learned MIG welding, TIG welding and stick welding. They demonstrated proficiency with the chop saw, horizontal band saw, drill press, angle grinders, belt sander, oxyacetylene torches and plasma cutter.
Each participant fabricated functional public art including bike racks, tree guards, stools and tables to be installed in communities throughout Rhode Island. They designed projects with clients, went on tours of other welding schools and local industrial facilities and received their OSHA-10 safety certificates. They completed 12-hours of professional development training at the Genesis Center where they practiced interview skills, wrote resumes, learned about financial planning and shop math.
“I am so impressed with this group. Every participant overcame numerous unique and personal challenges in order to successfully graduate Weld to Work. Now they are leaving the program with a concrete plan and I have no doubt it will lead to the job and lifestyle of their choosing. I can’t wait to continue to follow them as they achieve their goals and look forward to assisting in any way I can. They have truly been inspirational to watch and make my job feel less like work and more like a privilege.” said, Margo, the Work Force Coordinator.
Joining us for the graduation were our friends & partners from Department of Labor & Training, Genesis Center, Skills for RI’s Future, Polaris, Bullard Abrasives and Textron!
On behalf of the Steel Yard Staff & Board we are honored to have been able to get to know each Weld to Worker and to watch their progress. Thank you to our Weld to Workers, thank you to our instructors, thank you to all supporters of the program – funders, tour hosts, contributors to the curriculum, fans and friends – for all you have done to make this program what it is.