MEDIA, PA —Delaware County Community College (DCCC) has announced the successful completion of its first cohort in a tuition-free welding training program, made possible through a partnership with Philadelphia Works’ Good Jobs Challenge. This program aims to address workforce needs in Southeastern Pennsylvania by preparing participants for entry-level welding positions in industries such as manufacturing, shipbuilding, and aerospace.
The inaugural cohort, consisting of students aged 21 to 59 from Delaware, Chester, Montgomery counties, and Philadelphia, completed a 10-week, 225-hour hands-on Welding Certificate Program. The curriculum covers oxyfuel cutting, shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, blueprint reading, and basic fabrication. According to DCCC welding instructor Salvatore Russomanno, “The students in this first cohort were highly motivated. They had great attendance and put in the time to succeed.”
Participants expressed high satisfaction with the program. Andre Robinson of Brookhaven remarked, “I feel confident that I know enough to give myself a chance in the field,” while Mike McCollum of Drexel Hill, already employed as an assistant mechanic, stated the training “will help [me] be ahead of the game when I go for a job.”
The program is part of a broader $296,987 initiative funded by the Economic Development Administration through Philadelphia Works’ Good Jobs Challenge. DCCC is equipped to train up to 40 students at no cost. The second session began in May, following the January launch of the first cohort.
This initiative, facilitated by the Collegiate Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development, aligns with regional efforts to build workforce skills in high-demand industries. Employment prospects for certified welders remain robust, as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights the strong demand for welders in Southeastern Pennsylvania’s shipping, aircraft, and manufacturing sectors.
Ready to launch your welding career? Applications are now open for the third cohort of the grant-funded, tuition-free Welding Certificate Program starting this September! Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to gain in-demand skills at no cost. Learn more and secure your spot today at https://philaworks.org/pa-good-jobs, call 215-218-3886, or email info@collegiateconsortium.org.
DCCC continues to lead workforce development in the region by offering certifications and programs designed to meet industry needs, providing accessible opportunities for individuals to secure meaningful employment and support economic growth.
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