YES! Two female Taylor Diversion Program (TDP) graduate students, Sydney and Katie, have recently enrolled in a beginning welding class being offered at the TDP welding program located in Sheffield. Both have completed 7 weeks of the 9 week course and both plan to pursue a career in the field after completion. As the young ladies chatted about their course, both doubted that they were cut out for this career, however, “if you really like to work with your hands,” you can learn welding techniques very quickly and be proud of your accomplishments! In the beginning, students learn the Stick method, using different tools and machines to melt metal on metal. The Stick method progresses to Flux Core, then to MIG and TIG. Both young ladies like TIG the best because it requires more up-close work and more attention to detail, supporting their already artistic talents. Both plan to complete the course and will take their first certification course to earn their aws D1.1 certificate for Flux Core. Both also plan to continue to earn certifications in welding and make this a career reality. Neither Sydney nor Katie ever believed this is a career field that they would embrace and yet, they are feeling very successful moving forth in the welding program and looking forward to a lucrative future as a female welder! In addition to our female welders, 2 male students, Chase and Daniel, have enrolled in the program as well.

Chris Smith, our Instructor of Record for the welding program, is from Bruin, PA. He holds an Associate Degree in Welding, along with numerous certifications including D1 and G6 Pipe. Chris joined TDP in October of 2018 and has assisted greatly in bringing the welding program to fruition. At the current time, he offers a 9-week course to school students and the public. Classes meet from 8:00AM – 12:30PM and 12:30PM to 5:00PM 4 days a week.

If you would be interested in additional information about the TDP beginning welding class, please just give us a call at 814.931.8748.

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