Dec. 14, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College’s One Workforce program provides training for in-demand careers, by also opportunities for residents to improve English language skills.
The One Workforce Welding Program for English Language Learners offers residents the opportunity to gain skills for entry level welding positions. It is a short-term program to get welders work in West Michigan, with the goal of helping these individuals grow into apprenticeships or other learning opportunities within the welding field.
This program is a collaboration between The Hispanic Center of West Michigan and GRCC Workforce Training.
During the 12-week training program, students learn basic welding skills which provides them the ability to gain employment as a welder. One Workforce grant funds also cover the cost of an interpreter and additional support to succeed in an advanced manufacturing skills education.
Edgar Ocampo, Salvador Quintino and Adolfo Reyes have worked through the program to gain welding skills and advance their careers.
Ocampo has worked at Dennen Steel for six years.
“I am so happy to be in this class,” he said.
Ocampo does a different type of welding at work now but feels that by learning these new skills, he will get better.
“I am hoping to get my journeyman’s card in the future,” he said. “Having the interpreter is very helpful. Without the One Workforce grant covering the costs, I probably wouldn’t be able to take the class.”
Quintino heard about the program from a friend who works at the Hispanic Center.
“When she told me about the class, I thought it was a great plan for me,” he said. “Something new, something to get out there. I like to try new things. Taking this class, and learning new skills will help me get better job opportunities.”
Quintono works at Tubelite.
“The class has already provided new opportunities at my current job,” he said. “Now that my supervisor knows that I can weld, he is asking me to weld stuff.”
Quintono had never welded before.
“Welding is pretty cool. You have to be calm and patient when welding and that fits well with my personality,” he said. “I was a little bit nervous at first because there is fire and smoke.”
Quintono said the class has been excellent.
“I have learned so much. John (Doneth) is a great teacher.”
Even though Salvador is fluent in English, he appreciates hearing it all in Spanish too.
“Having both languages has been cool. I get to learn the material in both languages.”
Reyes learned about the One Workforce program from his wife, who helped him register
“My wife is the one who saw the webpage and she helped me get on board.”
Adolfo is working as a commercial roofer.
“I’ve always been interested in welding,” he said. “I am hopeful that by learning these new skills I can will get a job welding and get paid more.”
Having an interpreter in class has made the learning possible.
“Without Ben interpreting, the instructor would have to go very slow and even then, I may miss something,” he said.
The program’s goal is to build an accessible pathway into the field of welding with a focus on producing ready-to-work welders for Kent County companies. The One Workforce grant works to attract, retain, and graduate individuals of different genders and racial/ethnic backgrounds to welding careers.
For many adult learners, class schedule can be a barrier. The program is offered at night, which allows students to continue working and taking care of their family responsibilities.
After gaining the skills to move into a career in manufacturing, our team of Job Developers will connect these students with local manufacturing employers who are hiring for well-paying, advanced manufacturing jobs.
For eligible residents, the program may assist with the cost of up to four contact hours at the in-district rate, Job Training programs in CNC/Machine Tooling, and Welding, or additional costs including books, tools, and boots.
Interested residents can submit an inquiry form located on the One Workforce webpage at grcc.edu/oneworkforce.
