Chaffey College in California has been awarded $2.9 million to build a new, state-of-the-art welding instruction facility at its technical learning center in Fontana.
With the help of Congressman Freddy Rodriguez of D-Pomona, the school secured a multimillion-dollar state allocation to construct full-scale welding classrooms and laboratories. The new facility will be used to train students for future employment.
According to Chaffey College Industrial Technical Learning Center administrator Debbie Smith, the building will provide a “permanent home” for the college’s welding class. She said the training facility will have an outdoor setup, accommodating more students interested in welding and construction careers.
At present, Chaffey serves around 50 welding students each year. This number is expected to grow when the new facility becomes operational.
Construction of the new welding instruction building will begin in 2022.
‘Shortage of Certified Workers’
Chaffey explained that welding jobs in Fontana are expected to grow by 10 percent in 2022, citing a Centers of Excellence study. It also revealed that more than 20,000 welding-related job openings were created between 2017 and 2022.
According to Chaffey President Henry Shannon, experienced welders have the potential to earn up to $40 per hour. However, despite growing demand, he said there is still a shortage of certified welders in the city.
“We want to tear down this educational barrier for our residents and give them an opportunity to improve their lives, while also providing skilled workers for our employers,” Shannon told Daily Bulletin, adding that the college is tremendously grateful to Rodriguez for his support.
Graduates of the Chaffey welding program will be prepared to work in construction, manufacturing, and the home repair industry.
