MEDIA, PA — Delaware County Community College (DCCC) is offering a new welding training program at no cost to up to 40 students, thanks to a $296,987 grant from the Economic Development Administration. This initiative is part of the Philadelphia Works’ Good Jobs Challenge, designed to strengthen workforce skills in Southeastern Pennsylvania’s targeted industries.
The free training begins in January 2025 at DCCC’s Marple Campus. No previous experience or college degree is required, making it an accessible opportunity for individuals looking to start a career in welding. The program aims to meet the growing need for skilled welders in industries central to the region’s economy, including shipbuilding, manufacturing, and the aircraft sector.
“The county workforce development boards and the employers in our region have the confidence in us to train a skilled welding workforce fully aligned to regional industry needs,” said Karen Kozachyn, Vice President of Workforce and Economic Development at DCCC.
The 225-hour Welding Certificate Program combines hands-on experience with instruction in oxyfuel cutting, shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, basic fabrication, and blueprint reading. Graduates will be equipped with the skills needed for entry-level roles in welding, an essential trade identified by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as a field with robust career opportunities.
Managed through the Collegiate Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development—a partnership among regional community colleges and Drexel University—the program supports Philadelphia Works’ broader mission to disrupt generational poverty and drive economic growth through skills-based training.
For individuals in Southeastern PA, this program offers a pathway to stable employment while addressing regional industries’ pressing needs for a skilled workforce. With no-cost training and a focus on developing in-demand skills, DCCC’s program stands as a valuable resource for the community.
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