Cape Fear Community College Launches Third-Shift Welding Courses
WILMINGTON, NC — Cape Fear Community College is excited to launch late-night welding courses and a welding apprenticeship program this August to help meet the growing demand for welders.
“According to the American Welding Society, the welding industry will have a shortage of nearly 300,000 welders by 2024,” said CFCC Dean of Career and Technical Education Mark Council. “To help fill this labor shortage locally and connect our students with jobs, the College has incorporated third-shift welding courses to accommodate varying schedules.”
CFCC offers morning, afternoon, and evening welding courses Monday through Friday. “These classes are always full,” said Council. The newly added third shift welding classes will run from 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday. “Now, with morning, afternoon, evening, and late-night classes, anyone who is underemployed and wants to move up to a lucrative career in welding can take classes that fit their schedule.”
“Although this schedule is a bit unorthodox, we want to make a career in the rewarding welding trade possible for everyone interested,” said CFCC President Jim Morton. “Our welding courses are very popular, and the demand is there from employers in the Cape Fear region and beyond. These late-night classes will be a good fit for potential students who work during the day.”
Upon program completion, students may find employment as entry-level technicians in the welding and metalworking industries. The apprenticeship program will allow students to work in the industry while going to school and guarantee wage increases as their skills increase. Students may also find employment in construction, manufacturing, fabrication, sales, quality control, supervision, and welding-related self-employment.
To enroll in welding classes at CFCC, individuals can complete the CFCC admissions application at apply.cfcc.edu and follow the provided steps to register for classes.
For more information about the Welding Technology program at CFCC, visit cfcc.edu/weldingtechnology .