NPC designs welding training for Timber Automation
National Park College recently partnered with Timber Automation, also known as Baxley Log Pro, to provide welding training to the company’s employees.
The training was designed for employees who showed an interest in moving into a welder position. NPC designed a 45-hour workforce training program to provide the basic skills needed to become a welder and pass the welding exam.
“Timber Automation has seen growth in sales due to investments into innovative and quality timber products over the last several years,” said John Favorite, Timber Automation plant manager. “So, it’s not surprising our need for qualified welders has grown with our sales.
“This need gave us a great opportunity to give some existing employees a chance to gain some new skills and grow with the company. Investment in our employee’s future is a core value here. We want our employees to succeed and partnering with NPC gives them a chance to do so. We have students who have already passed our welding test and immediately received advancement.”
The Office of Skills Development provided grant funding to help offset the costs of the training, which was held in the welding lab on the NPC campus.
“Local industry struggles to find experienced welders and often have to ‘grow their own,’” said Kelli Albrecht, NPC vice president for workforce and strategic initiatives. “With new funding available through the OSD, NPC can provide welding training to our industry partners at a fraction of the cost. This affords companies the opportunity to train and build a great workforce within their organization.”