OTC begins specialized welding program in July

There are 18 students signed up for the course, according to an OTC news release. The students will take classes five days a week through Dec. 20. Upon completion, they will receive the equivalent of 32 hours of credit and a Certificate of Welding.

Shirley Lawler, dean of technical education at OTC, said area businesses have asked for a more concise welding program for the past several years, leading OTC to research welding programs at other schools, including Missouri Welding Institute in Nevada and Tulsa School of Welding.

While OTC’s program is similar to programs at those schools, there is one key difference: affordability.

“Programs in Tulsa and Nevada cost about $10,000; our program for in-district residents will cost approximately $4,000,” said Layton Childress, assistant director of area schools, in the release.

Costs are determined by the number of credit hours and welding lab fees.

Childress also noted that the specialized program is an asset for students who want to quickly enter a high-paying industry.

“Locally, welders average $15 an hour,” he said. “For welders interested in working in Mississippi, companies are paying an average of $30 an hour for trained welders. There’s a big demand for this type of work right now, and we hope this program will provide for that need.”