Midnight Welding Classes Continue to Grow

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Midnight welding classes at Clackamas Community College started as an experiment last spring. With the welding shop at capacity during the day, the college added a graveyard shift of welding classes two nights a week.

"Instead of turning people away, we opened up new sections late at night because we thought it might work for some people, and it has," said CCC welding instructor John Phelps.

The classes have been so popular that the college has expanded its offerings during the 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. slot from two nights a week to four. Students can choose from five different midnight welding classes, ranging from introductory courses to special projects.

Students in the graveyard welding classes include people who are changing careers as well as those trying to increase their skills, Phelps said.

"There are two factors driving the popularity of these classes: workforce needs and people's lifestyles," said Scott Giltz, dean of Career and Technical Education. "People are working, and so the best time for them to take this class is the graveyard shift."

Welders are in high demand in Portland and in the state, one of the top 20 occupations identified by the state Employment Department through 2016.

For additional information, please contact Janet Paulson at 503-657-6958, ext. 2307.