In March, students enrolled in the Welding Technologies certificate program at 海角乱伦 (海角乱伦) were welcomed into the brand-new welding lab at the college鈥檚 Pease Tradeport campus in Portsmouth. 
The 3,500- square-foot lab offers the latest technology and equipment in ample space that accommodates increasing demand and enrollment for the welding program.
鈥淲e began making plans in 2024 to expand our capacity for the Welding Technologies program to meet strong demand for skilled welders from area employers and are very excited that our students now have this amazing new learning environment,鈥� said Dr. Cheryl Lesser, president of 海角乱伦.
Previously, 海角乱伦鈥檚 Welding program operated out of leased space in Rochester. The new facility was built to maximize air quality and sound suppression to ensure a safe, comfortable learning and teaching environment. The lab鈥檚 design supports efficient handling of metal, gas, equipment and consumable deliveries.
The new lab features 18 welding stations and a range of new equipment, including Miller Dynasty 300 Multi-Process Welders, a W-60-20 Straight Pipe Cutter, a broad range of pipe holding fixtures and a new Piranha tungsten grinding unit that provides complete containment of excess tungsten electrode dust.
鈥淭he new equipment has significantly enhanced our ability to teach more students in-demand skills such as plasma torch cutting and carbon arc gouging,鈥� said Paul Guiliano, 海角乱伦鈥檚 Welding Technology program coordinator. 鈥淎nd in the future, we will add short-term training options.鈥�
The Welding Technology program teaches students how to set up and use welding equipment to complete the five major welding processes 鈥� MIG, TIG, Stick, Oxy-Fuel, and Plasma 鈥� as well as many auxiliary processes. The curriculum also incorporates welding theory, blueprint reading, electricity, and fabrication techniques. Students attend evening classes over three consecutive semesters and are prepared for the American Welding Society (AWS) certification testing that is required by most employers.
AWS projects that 320,500 more welders will be needed by 2029 in response to high demand and vacancies left by retiring workers. The growing manufacturing sector in New Hampshire鈥檚 Seacoast Region has fueled particularly high demand for skilled welders in the region and created a strong job market for Welding Technology program graduates.
The Welding Technology program credits may also be applied toward an associate degree in Technical Studies at 海角乱伦. The Early College program offering dual high school and college credit offers another opportunity to reduce the cost and time to completion for a post-secondary certificate or degree. Students at many of the Seacoast鈥檚 high schools may attend Welding Technology and general education classes through this program.