NPC Designs Welding Training for Timber Automation Employees
National Park College (NPC) partnered with Timber Automation, also known as Baxley Log Pro to provide welding training to 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. The Office of Skills Development (OSD) provided grant funding to help offset the costs of the training, which was held in the welding lab on the NPC campus.
Vice President for Workforce and Strategic Initiatives, Kelli Albrecht said, “Local
industry struggles to find experienced welders and often have to ‘grow their own.’
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.”
John Favorite, plant manager said. “Timber Automation has seen growth in sales due to investments into innovative and quality timber products over the last several years. 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.”
Photo: Welding instructor, Dennis Pickering demonstrating welding techniques for students in the employee welding class designed for Timber Automation, also known as Baxley Log Pro.
