On Tuesday, Dec. 9 the Welding and Fabrication Program at Great Falls College MSU will host an open information session for anyone interested in becoming a certified professional welder.

 Free and open to the public, the session will run from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. in Heritage Hall on the Great Falls College MSU campus at 2100 16^th Ave. S.  Individuals from outside Great Falls and Cascade County are encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be provided.

 Instructors will answer questions from attendees, and deliver information about the program and the welding profession, which has seen high growth and job demand in the region. Attendees will also tour the Campus Welding Shop, and learn about program expectations, the application process, tuition and fees, and the curriculum.

 In the past six years, the Welding and Fabrication Program expanded from a 16-student class to roughly 64 starting in the next year. This Fall, 44 students enrolled in the two-semester course, leading to the creation of three separate student cohorts—morning, afternoon, and night respectively. Each semester begins a new cohort in January, May, and August.

 Job statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate the median wage for welders, cutters, solderers and brazers was $36,500 in May 2012.

 For more information or interviews, please contact:

 Brian Wergin, Program Director

Welding and Fabrication Program

Great Falls College MSU

Ph.: 771-2280 / Email: [email protected]