On May 8, 2018, Cleveland Job Corps Center students and staff attended the Lincoln Electric Welding Technology & Training Center’s Open House. Located at 22801 St. Clair Avenue in Euclid, OH, the Center was constructed to address the skills gap in the welding industry and to produce skilled trade’s men, educators, and industry leaders. Lincoln Electric is internationally recognized for their development of best-practices in the industry.

Students visited more than 166 vendor stations and learned about virtual welding on the VRTEX welding simulator. Lincoln Electric Business Manager of Educational Services, Jason Scales Ph.D., discussed entry-level positions and career training opportunities with students. The tour was one of the activities scheduled during “In-Demand Job Week” sponsored by Ohio Means Jobs.

The American Welding Society stated that the industry needs about 30,000 new welders annually to replace those retiring. Lincoln Electric has reported that the average salary is more than $82,000 per year.